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Purdy Butterfly House: A Fluttering Paradise

Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of fluttering butterflies at Huntsville Botanical Garden's seasonal paradise. Open May-September!

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Step into the Purdy Butterfly House, nestled within the Huntsville Botanical Garden, and immerse yourself in a vibrant world of fluttering butterflies. This seasonal exhibit, open from May to September, showcases the beauty and ecological importance of these delicate creatures, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers of all ages.

A brief summary to Purdy Butterfly House

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the peak butterfly season, May through September, for the best experience.
  • Wear bright colors to attract butterflies; they might just land on you!
  • Check yourself in the vestibule mirror upon exiting to ensure no butterfly hitchhikers are tagging along.
  • Attend a butterfly release event for a unique and educational experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Purdy Butterfly House is located within the Huntsville Botanical Garden at 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805. From I-565, take exit 15 for Bob Wallace Ave SW. The Garden is less than a mile east on the south side of the highway, adjacent to Kiwanis Park and an elementary school. There is ample free parking available in the parking lot directly in front of the Garden's main entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Huntsville's Orbit Public Transit System runs Monday through Saturday. Check the Huntsville Transit website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules to reach the Huntsville Botanical Garden. From the bus stop, follow Bob Wallace Avenue to the Garden entrance. A single fare is around $1.50.

  • Walking

    From nearby attractions like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, head east on Bob Wallace Avenue SW. The Huntsville Botanical Garden will be on your right, approximately a mile away. Enter through the main entrance and follow signs to the Purdy Butterfly House, located within the Anderson Education Center.

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Discover more about Purdy Butterfly House

The Purdy Butterfly House, located within the Huntsville Botanical Garden, provides a captivating and immersive experience into the world of butterflies. Open seasonally, typically from May through September, this exhibit is more than just a display; it's a living ecosystem that showcases the beauty and ecological importance of these delicate creatures. As you step inside the 9,000-square-foot enclosed space, you're immediately transported to a tropical paradise. The environment is carefully controlled to replicate the ideal conditions for the butterflies, with lush vegetation, cascading water features, and an abundance of nectar-rich flowers. The air is warm and humid, creating a comfortable habitat for both the butterflies and the visitors. The Purdy Butterfly House is home to over a thousand butterflies, representing a variety of species native to the Southeast. From the iconic Monarch with its vibrant orange and black wings to the elegant Swallowtails with their distinctive patterns, the diversity of butterflies is truly remarkable. Visitors can observe the butterflies up close, witnessing their delicate beauty and learning about their life cycle. Informative displays provide insights into the different stages of a butterfly's development, from egg to caterpillar to pupa to adult. You can also learn about the importance of butterflies as pollinators and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The best time to visit is between 10 AM and 3 PM when the butterflies are most active. The Purdy Butterfly House is not only a place of beauty but also a center for conservation. The garden team releases thousands of butterflies into the house throughout spring and summer—about 200 weekly.

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