Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies

July 17 - August 11

10 am - 4 pm daily

Experience the magnificence of free-flying butterflies while strolling through the tropical Bolz Conservatory. Live butterflies emerge from chrysalises daily in the Conservatory, including low-flyers like the playful yellow and black striped zebras and bright orange julias. More than a dozen species of butterflies, native to both Wisconsin and the more tropical areas of the southern United States can be seen at various times during the exhibit.

The life span of different butterflies varies from a few weeks to a few months. All flying butterflies are allowed to live out their natural lives in the Conservatory, with food sources remaining for them after the exhibit dates.

To see how Olbrich staff and volunteers prepare for Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies, visit

Behind the Scenes of Blooming Butterflies

 

 

 

Adopt a Butterfly!

Adopt a butterfly and receive a “Butterfly Friend Pack.” Your $20 adoption donation helps support Olbrich’s Blooming Butterflies and helps keep the Gardens accessible for everyone in the community.

The “Butterfly Friend Pack” is filled with fun items for the entire family:

• Seeds to grow zinnias that attract butterflies to your own yard
• Sticky slappy butterfly toys
• Bumper/window sticker
• Adoption certificate
• Letter from Marty the Monarch

 

Butterfly Passports

After spotting bright butterflies inside the Bolz Conservatory, children can follow butterfly stencils on the paths through the outdoor gardens on a quest to fill their Butterfly Passports with stamps. Find the five stamping stations, read a few fun facts, then answer a few simple questions. Fill up the passport and earn one free junior cone from Michael's Frozen Custard, valid at all Michael's Frozen Custard locations.

Insect Cases

All visitors to Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies can be amazed by hundreds of exotic butterflies and insects from one of the most impressive displays of exotic insects in North America. The collection ranges from butterflies to beetles to bees, and includes specimens from every continent.

Meet collector Jeff Capps in person and talk to him about the amazing inesect collection on Thursdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

 

 

 

Group Visits to Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies

School groups, daycares, camps, bus tours, and other groups are welcome to visit Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies. We hope you will join us for this truly amazing event and register your group for a visit.

Groups larger than 10 people must register in advance.

Please call 608-246-4550 to schedule a time for your group to visit so we can provide the best experience possible for your group and other vistiors as well.

Limited dates and times may be available for group visits.

Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies is $5 for ages 13 & up, $3 for ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 & under. One group leader and the bus driver will receive free admission into the show. Payment can be made on arrival with the Event Manager. Cash, check, debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover) are accepted. Please do not bring carry-in food or drink into the building. Outdoor picnic areas are available nearby.

 

Accessibility at Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies

Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are allowed in the Bolz Conservatory during Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies. For more information about Olbrich's wheelchairs and scooters available for use, please visit the Accessibility Page.

 

Strollers

For the enjoyment of all visitors, the use of strollers is discouraged inside Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies. Stroller parking is available in the lobby.

UPCOMING Events

Leaf Mulch Sales

Plant Sale with the Pros

Rhapsody in Bloom

Bolz Conservatory Exhibit: Light Gaps