Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History
Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Butterfly Rainforest is like stepping into a page of a fairy tale book. Though compact in size, it bursts at the seams with vibrant life and natural beauty. A favorite among children, the venue is a testament to the idea that sometimes the most magical places come in small packages. From the moment you enter, you're greeted by a myriad of fluttering wings, as countless butterflies dance around, making it a delightful spectacle. The vivid hues of these delicate creatures contrasted against the backdrop of lush greenery and radiant flowers is genuinely a sight to behold. Speaking of flowers, the Rainforest is a paradise for botany enthusiasts. The curated collection of flora not only serves as nourishment for the butterflies but also provides visitors with a sensory treat of colors and scents. Each petal and leaf has been meticulously cared for, showcasing the delicate balance and harmony within this micro-ecosystem. The addition of the serene water body dotted with colorful koi fish adds another layer of charm to the place. Watching these graceful fish move through the water, almost in a rhythmic dance, is both calming and captivating. Though it might not take a whole day to explore, the Butterfly Rainforest leaves a lasting impression. It's a testament to nature's beauty and a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful things are found in the smallest of spaces. In conclusion, if you're looking for a quick escape into a world of vibrant colors, mesmerizing creatures, and tranquility, the Butterfly Rainforest should be on your radar. It's not just an attraction; it's an experience - one that both kids and adults will cherish.
J Z
00
Wow!! I was not prepared for how beautiful and immersive this Butterfly Rainforest would be. We planned a day to visit UF and see all the museums, let me just say that one day is barely enough to see it all. I could easily spend hours just chilling in the butterfly zone. This is truly a world-class exhibit, the butterfly enclosure is massive and has its own ecosystem of forests, rivers, fish, birds and of course the wonderful butterflies. We spent a good while touring the museum displays first, an incredibly impressive collection, working laboratory and breeding center, it is so inspiring to see the science in action! We then went into the rainforest itself to catch the daily release, the expert guide gave a description of several different species as they were released and displayed in the rainforest. I was blessed to have multiple butterflies land on my arm and try to drink from the leaves on my tattoos! Can't recommend UF enough and there is much more to see!
Keith David
00
We had an amazing experience here at the butterfly garden! Seriously can't say enough good. We got a couple dollar discount on admission because of being FL residents.The indoor portion was very informative and educational. Also very well laid out and organized. The outdoor area, actual rainforest garden, was beautiful! Water fountains, birds, butterflies and beautiful plants. We enjoyed walking and taking it all in. Can easily spend a couple hours here. We enjoyed being able to observe all the nature up close in a safe weather proof environment. The Florida museum is right next door. We did not visit that today, but it was quite large and looked to be a full day. Parking was $4 and in a lot right next to museum. Restrooms available and a nice fair prices gift shop and penny machine at entrance.
Emily's world
00
If you are going through Gainesville or in Gainesville and have an hour to spare, this is a great stop. It’s part of University of Florida campus and located right on campus. It can get busy but enough parking. Staff is friendly and entrance is $14 for the living butterfly exhibit and garden but there is a free section that covers topics on butterfly and history of the region. The live butterfly and garden section is all indoor with screen and it’s one large covered aviary. It’s not too big and if you just walk through it, it’s about 15 min. However, you can go slow and sit and enjoy the butterflies and lush garden and spend an hour or more which is what I did. If you are into photography, this is a great place for it also. I have also seen turtles and birds inside the aviary.
Rehan Syed
00
Usually you see dozens of beautiful butterflies here, as well as gorgeous tropical plants and numerous exotic birds. Unfortunately, our visit came after two days of the coldest December weather in Gainesville in decades, so the plants and koi ponds and waterfalls were all covered in heavy tarps, and the very few butterflies around were in an almost death-like torpor due to the chill. That being said, the staff gave a great guided tour that ended with an extended time in the lab where the butterflies emerge from their cocoons. We got to participate in feeding some of the butterflies (cotton swabs moistened with -- what else? -- fruit punch flavored Gatorade) and even to pet one of the ADORABLE little button quails. So, despite the weather, it was still a fantastic visit.
R. Michael Burns
00
I loved it! We had the great fortune of being there during Collectors Day so it was like 3 experiences in one. The space for the butterflies was smaller than I anticipated but totally worth it. They had a cute little lake with koi fish and real plants all over the place and it's screened so you can still feel a breeze coming through. The zookeeper there was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions and they had a photographic index of all the plants and flowers that were there as well as the different types of butterflies. The natural history museum was very interesting and the exhibits were very well done. I learned new things about the Calusa people that I didn't know before. I would recommend for families with kids 3+ and Grandma's especially loved it.
Natalia Santana-Pollard
00
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Address
3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611
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Phone
(352) 846-2000
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Website
floridamuseum.ufl.edu
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Overview
4.8
(1.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
attractions: Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits, Crunch Fitness - Gainesville, Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, Harn Museum of Art, Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Aloft Gainesville University Area, Batteries Plus, Southwest Recreation Center, Buddy's Home Furnishings, Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, restaurants: Metro Diner, Kabab House Gainesville, Gumby's Pizza, POKE FUSION BOWL, Shula's Steak House, Los Pollos, Court Of Hero's, Wok N Roll, BITE DOWN BBQ LLC, Wingstop
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