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Butterfly Pavilion: An Invertebrate Adventure

Discover the fascinating world of invertebrates at the Butterfly Pavilion, the first stand-alone non-profit invertebrate zoo in the U.S.

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The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado, is the first stand-alone non-profit invertebrate zoo in the United States, offering an immersive experience with butterflies, tarantulas, and marine invertebrates. It's a unique destination for all ages to learn about and appreciate these often-overlooked creatures.

A brief summary to Butterfly Pavilion

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive after 1:30 PM on weekdays during the school year to avoid crowds of school students.
  • Check the Butterfly Pavilion's website for special events like adults-only nights and sensory-friendly afternoons.
  • Take advantage of the free on-site parking, including accessible and oversized vehicle spaces.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save money and secure your spot.
  • If you're a Westminster resident, AAA member, or SNAP recipient, ask about discounted admission.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Denver Union Station, take the Flatiron Flyer bus (FF1 or FF3) towards Boulder. Get off at the US 36 & Church Ranch Station Gate B. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk to the Butterfly Pavilion. The bus fare is approximately $3. Buses run every 30 minutes.

  • Walking

    If you are arriving from the nearby US 36 & Church Ranch Station, head east on Church Ranch Blvd toward Sheridan Blvd. Turn left onto Sheridan Blvd, then turn right onto W 104th Ave. Finally, turn right onto Westminster Blvd, and the Butterfly Pavilion will be on your left. The walk is approximately 0.4 miles and should take about 15 minutes.

  • Driving

    The Butterfly Pavilion is located at 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020. From I-25, take Highway 36 West and exit at 104th Avenue North. Turn right onto Westminster Boulevard. The Butterfly Pavilion's parking lot entrance is located off Westminster Boulevard. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Butterfly Pavilion

The Butterfly Pavilion, located in Westminster, Colorado, opened on July 15, 1995, and stands as the first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world. This unique 30,000-square-foot facility, situated on 11 acres, is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for invertebrates through education, research, and conservation. The Pavilion features five main exhibit areas. The most popular is the Wings of the Tropics, a 7,200-square-foot indoor rainforest conservatory where over 1,600 free-flying tropical butterflies from around the world flutter among 200 plant species. Visitors can witness butterflies emerging from their chrysalides and twice daily, staff releases them into the rainforest. Other exhibits include Crawl-A-See-Em, where guests can observe and even hold Rosie, a Chilean rose hair tarantula, along with other invertebrates like leaf insects and scorpions. Water's Edge allows visitors to touch sea stars and horseshoe crabs while learning about marine invertebrates. The Nature Trail, a half-mile path outside the building, showcases Colorado's native insects and other wildlife. The outdoor Dee Lidvall Discovery Garden features a butterfly garden and a xeriscape garden. Rotating exhibits, such as Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico, provide additional learning opportunities. The Butterfly Pavilion is involved in global invertebrate research and conservation efforts, including the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network and projects in Mongolia and Indonesia. The Pavilion also offers educational programs, camps, and birthday parties. Sensory-friendly afternoons are hosted monthly to provide a comfortable experience for guests with sensory sensitivities. Whether exploring the tropical rainforest, encountering creepy crawlies, or learning about conservation, the Butterfly Pavilion offers a memorable and educational experience for all.

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