
Butterfly House and Aquarium
Wander through a lush conservatory with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and explore a charming aquarium with a touch pool.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more butterfly activity

Butterfly House and Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more butterfly activity

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wander through a lush conservatory with hundreds of free-flying butterflies and explore a charming aquarium with a touch pool.
"It's a very peaceful place to relax and simply enjoy the sounds of nature and the freedom of the animals."

🦋 Rent a Butterfly Feeder
Worth the extra cost for an amazing close-up experience with butterflies!
⏰ Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Butterfly Conservatory
Indoor Conservatory
Wander through a lush environment filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. A truly magical experience!

Aquarium & Touch Pool
Aquarium Section
Explore diverse marine life and get hands-on with sea creatures in the interactive touch pool.

Butterfly Feeder Flower
Butterfly Conservatory
Rent a special flower to attract butterflies and watch them land on it. An unforgettable close-up encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Enhance Your Butterfly Encounter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦋 Rent a Butterfly Feeder
Worth the extra cost for an amazing close-up experience with butterflies!
⏰ Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful visit.
🐠 Check Touch Pool Status
It may be closed for maintenance, but other sea life is still visible.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning photos of butterflies and marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦋 Rent a Butterfly Feeder
Worth the extra cost for an amazing close-up experience with butterflies!
⏰ Go on a Weekday
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful visit.
🐠 Check Touch Pool Status
It may be closed for maintenance, but other sea life is still visible.
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera for stunning photos of butterflies and marine life.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Perfect for a short, enjoyable outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Butterfly House and Aquarium to be a delightful and peaceful experience, especially for families. The highlight is undoubtedly the conservatory filled with numerous butterflies, with the feeder flower offering a particularly memorable close-up interaction. While the aquarium is smaller, it adds to the overall charm. Some visitors noted that the price might be a bit high for the size of the attraction, and the touch pool can sometimes be closed.
"Took the kiddos here while visiting Sioux Falls. Loved it! The touch pool at the aquarium part was closed but there were still some sea buddies we could see! The kids enjoyed it. Then we did the flower spritz things for the butterflies. You hold the flowers while walking through the butterfly house & there's a chance they can land on them so you see them really up close and personal. It was extra cost but worth it. Not too expensive & memories made!"
Stormie
"This was great fun for my 5&6 year olds! They were a little disappointed that the touch tanks were closed when we went but I also completely understand the need. It's not a large place and I don't know the price completely justified the experience but it was fun. I do recommend renting a butterfly feeder, the kids really enjoyed that part!"
Ashley Kruger
"This place was a very nice experience, sharing time with the butterflies and, at the same time, experiencing their small aquarium. It's a very peaceful place to relax and simply enjoy the sounds of nature and the freedom of the animals. I would definitely recommend this place for a date."
saray Gracia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Butterfly House and Aquarium is located in Sioux Falls, SD. It's a driving distance from Fargo, approximately 3.5 hours away.
It's also mentioned as being part of the Great Plains Zoo campus, so check their specific location for directions.While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's often associated with larger attractions or parks, suggesting ample parking is usually available.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination, especially from nearby cities like Fargo, MN.
Plan for a 3-4 hour drive each way.The environment is generally accessible, with paved paths in the conservatory and aquarium sections, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
The attraction is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Consider a map upon arrival if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but reviews suggest it's not overly expensive. Renting a butterfly feeder flower is an additional cost but considered worth it by many.
Booking in advance is generally recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events like Homeschool Day.
Check their official website for the most up-to-date ticketing information.Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or social media channels for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Discounts may be available for groups, children, seniors, or military personnel. Look for information on their website or inquire at the ticket counter.
If the Butterfly House and Aquarium is part of a larger organization like the Great Plains Zoo, a membership to that organization might grant access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a conservatory filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies
and a small aquarium with various sea life, including a touch pool. Renting a butterfly feeder flower is a popular interactive activity.Most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to see and experience all that the Butterfly House and Aquarium has to offer.
Absolutely! Kids love the butterflies and the aquarium. Renting a feeder flower is a particular hit with younger visitors.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a great spot for capturing beautiful shots of butterflies and marine life.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dress in layers as the conservatory can be warm and humid.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Specific dining facilities within the Butterfly House and Aquarium are not widely detailed. It's advisable to check their official website or plan to dine at nearby restaurants.
Outside food and drinks may be restricted. It's best to confirm their policy on outside food before your visit.
If food is available on-site, it's likely to include options suitable for children. Otherwise, nearby eateries would offer variety.
Sioux Falls offers a variety of restaurants. You can find options ranging from casual cafes to more formal dining experiences close to the attraction.
Many find it a very peaceful and relaxing place for a date, enjoying the sounds of nature and the freedom of the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush conservatory with hundreds of butterflies is ideal. The aquarium tanks also offer great opportunities for capturing marine life.
Flash photography is often discouraged in sensitive environments like butterfly conservatories and aquariums to avoid disturbing the animals. Check for signage or ask staff.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography might require special permits.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for the aquarium. For butterflies, a macro lens can capture intricate details.
Yes, some visitors have documented seeing newly hatched butterflies, offering unique photographic moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples and Dates
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Butterfly Conservatory
Many visitors recommend renting a butterfly feeder flower for an additional fee. This allows for an incredibly close-up encounter, as butterflies are attracted to the nectar and may land on the flower you hold. This interactive element is particularly popular with children and creates lasting memories. Remember to move slowly and gently to maximize your chances of a butterfly visitor.
Exploring the Aquarium and Touch Pool
A highlight for many is the touch pool, where visitors can gently interact with certain sea animals under supervision. However, it's important to note that the touch pool may occasionally be closed for maintenance or conservation reasons. Even if closed, the other aquatic displays provide plenty of interest and educational value for all ages.
Community Insights and Tips
Content creators often showcase the sheer beauty and tranquility of the conservatory, with videos highlighting the abundance of butterflies and the unique job of working there. Some even capture the excitement of seeing new butterflies hatch, adding an element of surprise to the visit. While the aquarium is smaller, its presence adds another layer of discovery, and the touch pool, when open, is a definite crowd-pleaser.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit