If you’re looking to escape the lingering Michigan chill, the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the ultimate tropical retreat. Whether you’re a local or planning a road trip to Grand Rapids, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 exhibit.
Butterflies Are Blooming 2026
Dates: March 1 – April 30, 2026
Location: Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory (1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI)
Hours: Mon–Sat 9 AM – 5 PM (Open until 9 PM on Tuesdays); Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM.
Cost: Included with general admission ($25 for adults, $14 for kids 3–13, Free for members).
What to Expect This Year
Stepping into the five-story, 15,000-square-foot Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is like teleporting to the rainforest. With the temperature kept at a balmy 85°F, it is the perfect place to shed your winter coat.
7,000+ Tropical Butterflies
The exhibit features over 60 species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Keep your eyes peeled for the fan-favorite Blue Morpho with its dazzling iridescent wings, the translucent Clearwing, and the massive Atlas Moth.
The Metamorphosis Station
Don’t miss the Observation Station, where approximately 1,250 chrysalides are delivered every week. If you time it right, you can actually watch a butterfly emerge and expand its wings for the very first time.
Special Events for March & April
Meijer Gardens is hosting several unique ways to experience the butterflies this year:
Tuesday Night Lights: Every Tuesday in March and April, the Gardens stay open until 9 PM. Bring a flashlight and see if you can spot the butterflies resting in clusters (roosting) among the tropical plants.
Spring Nights: Bourbon & Butterflies (21+): On April 21 and 28, enjoy live music and bourbon-inspired cocktails within the tropical conservatory.
Member Early Hours: Members can beat the crowds every Sunday morning from 9 AM to 11 AM.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
Wear Bright Colors: Butterflies are naturally attracted to bright floral colors like red, orange,and pink. If you want a butterfly to land on you, dress like a flower!
Dress in Layers: It is very humid inside the conservatory. You’ll want to be able to peel off your sweater as soon as you enter.
Go Mid-Week: March and April are incredibly popular (especially during Spring Break). To avoid the longest lines, aim for a Tuesday morning or a Wednesday afternoon.
Check the “Butterfly Bungalow”: Located in the Children’s Garden, this is a great secondary spot for kids to learn about native Michigan species before heading into the tropical exhibit.
Why It’s a Michigan Must-Do
For 31 years, this exhibit has been the unofficial kickoff to spring in Michigan. It combines world-class horticulture with a magical, serene experience that’s just as fun for a toddler as it is for a professional photographer.
Planning a trip to Grand Rapids? Make sure to book your tickets online in advance to skip the entry line!
