Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens

During cold winter days, a blazing fire is ongoing in the imposing fieldstone fireplace, beckoning you to shake off the chill of the day. Perched over the admissions counter is a 12-foot butterfly kite. On the wall is a handmade quilt by dottie case that includes the words Magic Wings 5 times. Can you find them?

Once you've paid your admission fee, you enter into our exhibits and display area where butterfly videos are presented. Browse through the various exhibits showing the history and evolution of butterflies. Did you know that butterflies and moths were possibly around during the dinosaur age? Did you know that a butterfly egg is the size of a pin head? Did you know that a caterpillar (also called a larva) eats its egg as soon as it hatches?

On the back wall is a poster of the Butterfly Alphabet, by Kjell B. Sandved, and on the front wall is the 4' x 6' original painting of Butterflies USA, by Alan James Robinson, commissioned especially for Magic Wings.

Through the double doors lies the conservatory. Your first glimpse is one of awe. Some 3,000 butterflies of all colors, shapes, sizes and varieties go dancing past. Our Flight Attendants are scattered throughout the conservatory, waiting to help you identify the many different butterflies. Brilliantly colored koi rise to the surface of the pond to greet you. Along the sides of the paths, we've tucked park benches for you to sit and relax and watch for as long as you need.

Leaving the conservatory, you enter the unique Magic Wings Gift Shop. Here you will find everything for the butterfly lover from novelty and gift items, to greeting cards and educational books, videos and posters, to T-shirts and sweatshirts, jewelry, mirrors, and even butterfly playing cards. We've also included our own unique glass globes -- no two alike -- that are truly amazing works of art.

Moving into the adjacent building from the atrium through the vestibule, you enter the Magic Wings Food Court. Lunch is served daily here with choices from homemade soups (delicious!), sandwiches and hot dogs (with all the fixins), salads and beverages. The beverages are self-serve, so grab a tray, select your drink and then move along to the order counter and select from our varied menu. There are several options available for you to sit and enjoy your meal or snack; outside in the gardens if the weather permits, in our Art Gallery Cafe, or go back out into the atrium to one of the chairs and tables placed there.

If the weather permits, you can exit out the double glass north doors and across to our seasonal Iron Butterfly Outdoor Gardens. In the field, our gardens are filled with nectar flowers, which attract native butterflies.