Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion showing animals
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More than 1,600 butterflies free-fly around this attraction just a short drive northwest of Denver.

Founded in 1995, the Butterfly Pavilion was the first non-profit, stand-alone insect zoo in the U.S. Wander through 30,000 square feet (2,787 square meters) of tropical rainforest as thousands of butterflies of myriad colors, shapes and sizes flit around you. It’s a fun and entertaining way for the entire family to learn about conservation.

The Wings of the Tropics forest walk is one of six permanent exhibits alongside aquariums, insect displays and outdoor gardens. The rainforest is an impressive habitat and is kept warm and humid throughout the year. It’s the closest thing to a tropical holiday during the long winter in Colorado. About 600 to 1,000 butterflies are brought every week from butterfly farms throughout the world as part of the Butterfly Pavilion’s conservation efforts. The non-profit organization contributes over $80,000 a year to sustainable farming.

Kids will love checking out the Crawl-A-See-’Em exhibit for close encounters of another kind with Rosie the tarantula, and other creepy crawlies. Rosie can even be patted and held, a safe thrill for little ones.

Touch and admire sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers and more at the Water’s Edge aquarium. You’ll learn about dozens of fascinating creatures, including coral, shrimp and snails.

Head back outside to find the nature trails and gardens within the Butterfly Pavilion grounds. Native animals run wild along the half-mile (800-meter) walking trail. In summer it’s possible to spot prairie dogs, rabbits, herons and eagles.

The Butterfly Pavilion is located in Westminster, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Denver. It’s open daily and can be busy with school students on weekdays September through May. Come after 1.30 p.m. during these times if you want to avoid the crowds. Snacks are available and there’s free parking.

Compare 2,600 hotels close to Butterfly Pavilion with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Springhill Suites By Marriott Denver Westminster
Springhill Suites By Marriott Denver Westminster
3 out of 5
6845 W 103rd Ave, Westminster, CO, 80021
The price is $92 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
$92
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Westminster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Clean especially quiet. Swimming pool was great .Great price and included a good breakfast.stayed four other hotels in that areas and overall best place for the money"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2023

Springhill Suites By Marriott Denver Westminster
The Westin Westminster
The Westin Westminster
4 out of 5
10600 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CO, 80020
The price is $114 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
$114
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Westminster. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,329 reviews)
Very nice hotel
"Hotel was very nice. I stayed for a conference hosted at the hotel. Nice facilities and catering was superb. Gained a few pounds. The grounds around hotel were very nice too"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2023

The Westin Westminster
Hyatt Place Denver/Westminster
Hyatt Place Denver/Westminster
3 out of 5
6865 West 103rd Avenue, Westminster, CO, 80221
The price is $108 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
$108
per night
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Westminster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"well maintained, very convenient location"

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023

Hyatt Place Denver/Westminster
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Best Lodging Options Near Butterfly Pavilion

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Westminster
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Westminster
2.5 out of 5
8701 Turnpike Dr, Westminster, CO, 80031
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Denver Westminster
The Westin Westminster
The Westin Westminster
4 out of 5
10600 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CO, 80020
The Westin Westminster
Springhill Suites By Marriott Denver Westminster
Springhill Suites By Marriott Denver Westminster
3 out of 5
6845 W 103rd Ave, Westminster, CO, 80021
Springhill Suites By Marriott Denver Westminster
Hyatt Place Denver/Westminster
Hyatt Place Denver/Westminster
3 out of 5
6865 West 103rd Avenue, Westminster, CO, 80221
Hyatt Place Denver/Westminster
Denver Marriott Westminster
Denver Marriott Westminster
4 out of 5
7000 Church Ranch Boulevard, Westminster, CO, 80021
Denver Marriott Westminster
DoubleTree by Hilton Denver - Westminster
DoubleTree by Hilton Denver - Westminster
4 out of 5
8773 Yates Dr, Westminster, CO, 80031
DoubleTree by Hilton Denver - Westminster
Comfort Suites Broomfield-Boulder/Interlocken
Comfort Suites Broomfield-Boulder/Interlocken
2.5 out of 5
8679 Destination Way, Broomfield, CO, 80021
Comfort Suites Broomfield-Boulder/Interlocken
Quality Inn Denver Westminster
Quality Inn Denver Westminster
2.5 out of 5
8500 Turnpike Dr, Westminster, CO, 80031
Quality Inn Denver Westminster
Omni Interlocken Hotel
Omni Interlocken Hotel
4 out of 5
500 Interlocken Blvd, Broomfield, CO, 80021
Omni Interlocken Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.