Neighborhood News: Experiencing The Butterfly House at Navy Pier
Imagine this: It’s a warm summer day at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue. As you and your kids walk through the North Lawn, a small, mesh-covered, conservatory-like sanctuary rises in the distance. It’s shaped like the Garfield Park Conservatory, but much smaller.
As you step into this mini tropical paradise, more than 500 butterflies from every corner of the world greet you…Mexican Bluewings, Forest Owls, Orange Sulphurs, Scarlet Mormons, and Autumn Leafs, to name a few.
Welcome to The Butterfly House at Navy Pier! From May to October, The Butterfly House stands as an immersive exhibit in a safe, family- friendly environment that houses hundreds of live butterflies from all over the world.
You and your children can learn about the butterfly life cycle, pollination, and conservation efforts through interactive displays and tours, as well as visiting their Pupa Hut, a special viewing area where you can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises.
You can even use feeding wands to attract butterflies to your hands!
Unlike other sanctuaries, you and your children can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures and see their incredible colors and patterns – a few might even land on you!
The best time to visit, they say, is usually late morning to early afternoon, when butterflies are most active and flying around. According to their website, butterflies tend to be slower and less visible early in the morning because they need warmth and sunlight to become active.
How’d They Get So Many Butterflies to Chicago?
As their website notes, the butterflies come from families around the world who raise butterflies. They send chrysalises or pupae that are timed to hatch within a few days of arrival.
After hatching, butterflies fly freely around visitors and often land nearby or right ON the guests!
Some Tips for Your Visit:
Embrace the Heat: Butterfly houses are kept at tropical temperatures (often 80° F or higher) with high humidity. Wear lightweight clothing and consider leaving jackets and extra layers in your car or the venue’s coat check.
Comfortable Footwear: Opt for comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. Many conservatories feature mulch, gravel, or paved pathways that require plenty of walking.
Skip the Scent: Avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, or scented lotions. These can confuse the butterflies’ scent receptors and deter them from getting close to you.
Accessorize Wisely: Butterflies are highly visual creatures. Wearing a bright-colored hat or carrying a colorful accessory might just convince one to land on you for a quick photo!
What if it rains?
If it’s raining, The Butterfly House closes temporarily until the rain passes. If you purchased a ticket online in advance, please wait until the rain passes to visit…your ticket will still be valid!!
Additionally…
- Due to space concerns, they can’t accommodate strollers, but they do have a monitored space for stroller parking at the entrance.
- No pets or service animals are allowed. Why? Many family pets and service animals are treated with flea & tick products (e.g. Frontline, Nexguard, etc.), and exposure to these treatments can be fatal to butterflies.
Why Are Butterflies So Important to the Environment?
According to InsectLore.com, butterflies play a crucial role in pollination. They primarily feed on nectar using their long proboscis. While feeding, butterflies help flowers by inadvertently transferring pollen grains from flower to flower, aiding in fertilization.
Additionally, caterpillars and adult butterflies serve as a primary food source for a wide variety of predators, including birds, reptiles, and spiders. This supports a healthy, balanced ecosystem that helps crops thrive and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
A Charitable Mission for The Butterfly House
Admission fees and donations to The Butterfly House at Navy Pier have a global purpose: they support both butterfly operations and the families dedicated to rainforest conservation; this is crucial for preserving wild rainforests and their native species. These families also help conserve the rainforest, preventing deforestation and providing good jobs to local community members.
The Butterfly House at Navy Pier is open Friday and Saturday from 9am-8pm, and Sunday – Thursday from 10am-8pm. For tickets, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
