Astonishing, like walking through a faerie land - This place was magical, and we almost didn't go because of the drive! However, after we asked several people if it was worthwhile for the drive, every person who had actually been to the butterly and nature conservatory said it was a good stop.

I am so grateful that people were willing to share their experiences here. They could use a more efficient way to check people in, though I am not sure what that would look like b/c the explanation of how to be sure you don't let the nature out or accidentally smoosh anything is pretty important.

The single room is set up so that you wind around the beautiful foliage, so the small space doesn't seem so small after all. You almost have to go through once for the butterflies, once for the birds/other creatures, and once for the foliage to take it all in.

You can come back any number of times throughout the day as long as you keep track of your receipt, so we walked through in awe in the morning, and the butterflies were very active. My sister sat down very still and calm and they landed on her and flew all around her. I sat down, vibrating with excitement, and they said, "Nope." That's okay, butterflies, I enjoyed you anyway!

The flamingos are gorgeous and the barking monkey birds (I can't remember their real name) were fun to see and hear. I never thought I was a huge fan of butterflies - I like them, they're pretty, and they are fun to watch. However, after this visit, I'm a pretty big fan.

Who knew there were so many types of butterflies? On our second trip through in the afternoon, the butterflies were calmer and more likely to be sitting on a plant, so easier to photograph. At the entrance, a lovely young staff member named Sidney chatted with me about how I felt like I was in a magical land of faeries. After I walked away, she came up the row to ask me if I wanted to see something special and cool.

Of course, I did! The photo I've included in this review is of a glasswing butterfly. I will forever be grateful to Sidney for taking the time to scoot on down to where I was and give me such a wonderful experience/gift. I have never seen such a delicate beauty as that butterfly. I am moved to speechlessness looking at the photo I captured of the moment (and if you have stuck with me for this entire review, you can probably guess that "speechless" isn't something that often happens to me). Thank you, Sidney!

I will recommend this visit to anyone visiting the area. The surreal experience is worth the time.