Open for 2022 Season
10am-4:30 pm for Self-Guided Tours, Close at 5pm.
Season Ends Labor Day, September 5th
Open Daily
Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., please arrive 30mins before closing.
Season ends Labor Day, September 5th.
Our tropical garden is in full bloom and hundreds of butterflies are waiting to meet you!
The Butterfly House
The Bug Zoo
Admission Rates
$12/Adult $8/Child (4-12 yrs)
FREE – 3 & Under
Join Us out in the Community – Upcoming Local Events
Monarch City USA Initiative
Traverse City AND Elk Rapids, Michigan
Follow us on Facebook to learn more how we’re helping GT Butterfly Charities, (501c3) fund and promote the Monarch City USA initiative.
National Cherry Festival GT Butterfly Experience
July 6 – 9, 2022, 10 am – 6 pm
Kid’s Area of Cherry Festival
Encore appearance from the education team helping visitors learn about native butterflies.
Elk Rapids Harbor Days -Tagged Monarch Butterfly Release
August 3, 2022, Opening Ceremonies
Elk Rapids is celebrating the newly designated site of Monarch City USA! We’re helping them celebrate with GT Butterfly Charities, our non-profit Outreach Partner.
Acme Fall Festival -Annual Monarch Butterfly Release
October 1, 2022 , 10 am – 4 pm
An annual tradition continues with a free educational event during AFF.
(Follow Acme Fall Festival for updates on monarch butterfly release)
Barker Creek Customer Appreciation Day -Annual Native Butterfly Release
First Sunday in October
An education presentation (it’s short and sweet) is followed up with a group butterfly release immediately following. 1st Sunday in October, see Barker Creek Nursery & Landscaping for more information about all the different events and programs of the day.
Hours – Open Daily
with last tours 30 mins before close
Season Ends
Labor Day, September 5th
PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 30 MINS TO CLOSING – We want you to have time to see it all!
About Us
Our vision for the Butterfly House and Bug Zoo started in 2012. After careful consideration, a site was chosen for the zoo in the Spring of 2014. Construction of the Butterfly House and the zoo exhibits were completed and ready for visitors in October 2014.
The purpose of the GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo is to create an attraction that would provide the community education and a fun place to take kids to learn about the wonders of butterflies and their bug relatives. As the Zoo grows in it’s mission, there are many plans ahead!