The Butterfly House lets you walk among and interact with a variety of native Wisconsin butterflies in their natural environment. Don't be surprised if you discover that a butterfly has gently landed on your shoulder or arm. Different species are prevalent at different times throughout the summer, so you'll want to return often to experience the beauty and magic of butterflies.

The house is a screened building that features different native and cultivated plants which provide the caterpillars with nourishment in the form of green leaves and give the adult butterflies energy.

The butterfly house at Beaver Creek Reserve is unique among the growing number of butterfly houses. The butterflies we collect and raise are from local native butterfly populations of Central Wisconsin, with no exotic species. This provides the rare opportunity for the public to learn firsthand about Wisconsin’s diverse butterfly population and its conservation. The season is short, but intense, and the species in the house change frequently as our local butterfly population change. Each year is different as well, depending upon how the local butterfly populations are doing. Many of the plants in the house are native to Wisconsin, or are common garden varieties: all suitable as caterpillar food or nectar. Our short season ends by releasing all the butterflies – an event that is open to all.

Butterfly House History
The concept of a butterfly house was a long-range dream for Beaver Creek Reserve. In 1999, the local chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for women educators, helped Beaver Creek receive a grant from the bequest of Ernella S. Hunziker. This grant enabled Beaver Creek Reserve to purchase, erect, and landscape the permanent seasonal outdoor structure, develop informational signs, and train staff and volunteers. Since then, the annual operating expenses are funded by the donations of visitors.

Seasonal Butterfly House Hours
  Open July 5-September 10
   Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
   Sunday: noon - 3 p.m.

Admission
   Donation is appreciated to help
   maintain the butterfly house.

Want to know more about Wisconsin's butterflies?
Check out the Online Guide to Wisconsin's Butterflies & Moths