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Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens, opened in October of 2000, consists of an 18,400-square foot facility that includes a 8,000-sq. ft. glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation. We commemorated our new expansion in a Grand Opening ceremony June 26, 2004. The sun shines through the glass walls and heats up the conservatory to an 80-degree tropical-like environment all year round. The heart-shaped pond with Japanese koi graces the center of the conservatory. The sound of the waterfall, peaceful music and hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely through the air creates a tranquil and serene atmosphere. It has become a sought-after romantic place for weddings, for which we can provide a justice of the peace. Visits anytime throughout the year are delightful. It’s truly amazing inside, for no matter how many people are enjoying the conservatory, it’s still a peaceful sanctuary for all. Enter through the main entrance into our plant-filled atrium.
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.
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. |
Moving into the adjacent building from the atrium through the vestibule, you enter the Magic Wings
