The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World

This place is so majestic and I make sure to comeback every time I am on the island! I am not a butterfly person and typically would not do something like this but for some reason this place is magical! The garden itself is so pretty and peaceful, and the butterflies are just the cherry on top. Make sure you wear bright colors or vibrant patterns, but even if you don’t the butterflies will still land on you! You can easily spend an hour in there (even tho it’s a relatively small garden) cuz it’s just so pretty:)

My wife talked me into going through this butterfly enclosure - and I'm glad she did. It was really quite well done. It was interesting seeing all of the many different kinds of butterflies. You are in the enclosure with them, watching them fly from one flower to the next. We were there for a butterfly release. That was interesting to see how they do the release. I wouldn't delay or rush your schedule to see the release. Just sitting in the enclosure is the good part! After the butterfly enclosure there is a following room with various walking sticks and other insects & reptiles. Apologies for the video... Little buggers move quick!

We live in metro Detroit & hold a Detroit zoo membership which has a butterfly house: Because of this, regretfully, the past couple times to Mackinac Island we’ve neglected to visit this butterfly exhibit. Some crummy weather brought us inside; I’m happy to say The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House is far superior to our Zoo’s. We learned the difference between male & female monarch’s and how the generations work during migration. The kids spent more time than I thought identifying species with the ID card, and using my phone to take photos of their favorites; there are just way more butterflies to see here! The insects are pretty, cool too! Very clean terrariums. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Worth the visit!

Price is a little steep, but the butterfly house is gorgeous and makes for some great photos. They give you a butterfly identification guide and the staff are present, knowledge, and happy to answer questions! Nice way to pass an hour!

Shout out to Sierra for sharing some cool facts about Ziggy! Also meeting a kid where they were at/ taking their lead. Really appreciated♡

So happy we stopped here! Was unplanned. Was definitely worth the $15. They had so many varieties of butterflies and they give you a handout of all the different kinds to see if you can spot them all. They also have cool bugs to look at. Very happy place!

We LOVE coming here! It’s on our list every year and it’s so much fun! It’s small and intimate so interaction with the butterflies happens often if you just sit and relax. Watch your step, they like to land on the ground a lot! The staff are friendly and informative too. The insects are cool, we especially love the turtles and bees. Very fun spot, don’t miss!

The Butterfly House delivers a unique experience: to view numerous, breathtaking butterflies fluttering around a flower filled greenhouse. The attached insect museum is also interesting to browse, especially the leaf bugs.