Butterfly Rainforest
Butterfly Rainforest
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
**The Butterfly Rainforest is open to the public. To ensure a safe environment for all visitors, the Museum has limited entry and masks are recommended.** The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot screened exhibit exposed to typical Florida weather conditions, resulting in a more natural environment for the butterflies and plants. This living exhibit features hundreds of free-flying butterflies, typically more than 50 species at any given time, birds from around the world and an assortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand. The lush landscape is planted in tropical trees and colorful flowering plants amid waterfalls and a walking path. Skilled interpretive staff are available to help answer questions and provide visitors with a personal and highly engaging experience. View the live butterfly spotlight Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., weather permitting.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Robert Amber B11 contributions💗 Rachael's Spirit 🦋💗Our daughter passed away 3 years ago from colon cancer at the very young age of 35. We have had a few spiritual experiences with butterflies. We came to the Gainesville Butterfly Rainforest in the memory of our daughter, Rachael ... My husband was video taping the beautiful butterflies, and my sister noticed that there was a butterfly on my foot! Rachael and I had Butterflies tattooed on our feet, one perched on her right foot, and I the exact same on my left foot when we were together we'd put our feet next to each other and the Butterflies together would appear that the wings were open. The butterfly landed on my right foot , the same side as hers. Everyone was in Awe! We all miss our daughter terribly and feel this was her spirit again, letting us know that she is OK ! What a beautiful day it was !!!!! 🦋 💗 💔🦋Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 October 2023
- Coral R7 contributionsExcellent service! Bed place to learn new thingsI love it so much, definitely an amazing place to go to for a date! My boyfriend and I really enjoyed it, especially learning about butterflies and other things too! It was definitely the best experience ever! Highly recommend it for families, friends and even couples going on datesVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- Ruth YJefferson City, Tennessee1,064 contributionsStunning & exhilarating experience.Loving butterflies I was certainly smitten with this experience. We were just overwhelmed. What a fantastic job has been done with this exhibit. Loved the informational plaques. There were docents walking around that so we could ask questions. The variety of butterflies, small birds, and exotic landscape was amazing. My cousin had never been before, so she was quite taken back by the beauty. We went through the exhibit 2 x while there. Will definitely go back. Got some holiday presents at gift shop.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 19 November 2023
- Jill H151 contributionsA Rainforest in GainesvilleI have been to the Butterfly Rainforest many times. I love it. I take friends and family there. Students and employees are available to answer questions. Benches are scattered about for comfort. I suggest wearing bright clothes for the butterflies to land on you. a wonderful experience for all ages.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 20 January 2024
- ycarneyVero Beach, Florida374 contributionsGreat thing to do with friends or familyThis is a very nice place to go alone, with friends or with family. There are all sorts of beautiful butterflies and birds throughout the tour. We did not take a tour, we just walked through ourselves. It is really laid out nicely and it was so nice we went through it twice.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
1,262 reviews
Excellent
1,059
Very good
181
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Joanne G
4 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a nice place to visit but if it is raining there will be less butterflies out as the rain does come through the mesh like roof. We arrived on a rainy day and were not told this until after we had paid and arrived at the entrance which is inside the Natural History Museum. That said we did see some butterflies.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annaha
Thomasville, GA298 contributions
Oct 2020
The Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History is worth a trip to Gainesville. It's spectacular. Hundreds of butterflies - many different varieties within this lovely jungle-like setting. Beautiful plants and waterfalls. It's truly fantastic.
Written 29 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! We truly appreciate it!
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris
Buckingham, PA52 contributions
Apr 2021
Cool to see the butterflies. Free for UF students. Definitely something to see with your student if In the area. It’s surrounded by several other museums most are free have to pay to see this and one other total cost for both $19 in state and $22 put of state. If looking for an afternoon to fill I recommend this. We were there for 1-2 hours.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope you come visit us again!
Written 6 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Taylor G
Umatilla, FL54 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I had more fun in this exhibit than law shouls allow. Be warned, if you wear perfume or cologne in with the butterflies, you will get an intimate encounter. Be careful not to touch or blow air on them; once they are hurt, they cannot heal. Fun for all ages! Will return.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi taylorg2017,
We're so glad to hear you had so much fun during your visit, and thanks for the review and comments. We hope to see you again soon.
Sincerely,
Paul Ramey
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chantal W
1 contribution
Dec 2020
We drove 4 hours from Naples to see this attraction and it was CLOSED last minute! Wish they had better communication about opening hours. Gainesville was our midpoint on our way back home. We could have stayed at our resort in Naples and enjoyed the beach instead of driving up if we knew it was closed! We are beyond disappointed!!!
Written 23 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're very sorry to hear about your experience at the Florida Museum. The exhibit is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and during severe weather conditions like hurricanes or freezing temperatures. We make an attempt to get the word out through our website, social media and updating our phone message in case there are changes to our hours. Our apologies again for your experience, we hope you can come visit us again.
Written 5 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travelingal702
The Villages, FL244 contributions
Oct 2020
I took some friends to the Butterfly Rainforest because she is planting a Butterfly Friendly garden. The butterflies were abundant, colorful and the rainforest, itself, was not humid or hot. Very comfortable setting. They even had an attendant sitting by the pool to rescue the butterflies who fell in, so that the Koi or the turtle didn't have them as a snack. My friend was thrilled to be able to see all of this in one setting. I plan on bringing my grandchildren here. It is well worth the trip.
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! We look forward to seeing you again!
Written 18 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gayle E
Orlando, FL1,228 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
If you want to experience nature up close, this is amazing. The butterflies landed on us and were brilliant in their coloration. Great colors and a good photo op as well. I would recommend this experience! Discount for military and kids!
Written 4 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting and for your feedback! Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit and had a good
experience in the rainforest! We hope you visit us again.
Written 5 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Coral R
7 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I love it so much, definitely an amazing place to go to for a date! My boyfriend and I really enjoyed it, especially learning about butterflies and other things too! It was definitely the best experience ever! Highly recommend it for families, friends and even couples going on dates
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert Amber B
11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Our daughter passed away 3 years ago from colon cancer at the very young age of 35. We have had a few spiritual experiences with butterflies. We came to the Gainesville Butterfly Rainforest in the memory of our daughter, Rachael ... My husband was video taping the beautiful butterflies, and my sister noticed that there was a butterfly on my foot! Rachael and I had Butterflies tattooed on our feet, one perched on her right foot, and I the exact same on my left foot when we were together we'd put our feet next to each other and the Butterflies together would appear that the wings were open. The butterfly landed on my right foot , the same side as hers. Everyone was in Awe! We all miss our daughter terribly and feel this was her spirit again, letting us know that she is OK ! What a beautiful day it was !!!!! 🦋 💗 💔🦋
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie G
2 contributions
Jul 2019
The butterflies flutter around you and land on you (if you are wearing bright clothing as if you were one of the beautiful flowers) it takes you back to moments in childhood. I loved the rest of the museum of natural history too. Education and nature's beauty in one place. Go see it.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello 13fmg,
Thanks for the review, comments and recommendation. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the "Butterfly Rainforest" exhibit and other exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History. We hope to see you again soon.
Sincerely,
Paul R.
Written 9 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are they releasing butterflies every afternoon. If so what time? Thank you.
Written 29 June 2021
Can not answer that …. You are able to see all the cocoons & those hatching in their lab. I would presume once hatched & dry they would release them. As to when 🤷♀️No answer.
Written 29 June 2021
Are there any sitting areas in the butterfly encounter for those who cannot walk a long distance?
Written 15 May 2021
Yes, there are benches inside the butterfly rainforest exhibit.
We suggest bringing a paper towel, however, because when they water the plants, the benches can get wet.
Written 8 June 2021
The butterfly rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History is located in Gainesville at 3215 Hull Road SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611. Exit 384. You can find all the info on their website.
floridamuseum.ufl.edu/exhibits/butterfly-rainforest/
Enjoy!
Patti
Written 22 June 2019
Yes there is and it depends on age.
Written 26 May 2019
Are emotional support dogs allowed – 12 pounds
Written 28 June 2018
Florida Museum
Gainesville, Florida
Lucian B's answer is correct:
"The Florida Museum of Natural History allows the use of trained service animals by individuals with disabilities in public Museum areas. Comfort animals, emotional support animals and pets are not permitted in the Museum. More information is available on our website under "Plan Your Visit."
Written 8 July 2018
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS, HOURS, FEES, etc. What time of year is best for taking photos.
Is there enough room for a small handicap scooter. What days are the least crowded?
Written 27 May 2018
Florida Museum
Gainesville, Florida
Hi - The Butterfly Rainforest is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the address is 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611. Our hours and admission are listed on our website as others have mentioned. Yes, the Rainforest should accommodate a small scooter. Typically Monday is our slowest day of the week. For photographs, it depends on what types of photos you'd like. Photographs of butterflies feeding can be taken anytime there is activity, which is sunny with temperatures 65 to 70 degrees or higher. If you'd like photos of butterflies sitting still, sunny cooler days with highs in the high 60s or low 70s are best because they will fly into the sun and bask to warm themselves before feeding.
Written 30 May 2018
How much is admission to the Butterfly Rainforest?
Written 24 February 2018
Florida Museum
Gainesville, Florida
Hi Marty D,
Admission is $13 for adults ($11 for Fla residents and 62+), $6 for ages 3-17 and free for ages 2 and under, Museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card.
We hope to see you soon!
Paul Ramey
Written 25 February 2018
Florida Museum
Gainesville, Florida
Hello,
I thought the question was specifically asking about Butterfly Rainforest admission so I provided pricing for that exhibit. General Museum admission is free, though donations are accepted. There is only a change for the Rainforest and featured exhibit, currently “The Scoop on Poop.” All admission pricing is available on our website under Visit>Plan Your Visit. Please let us know if you have other questions and we hope to see you soon.
Paul Ramey
Written 25 February 2018
Florida Museum
Gainesville, Florida
Hello,
Yes, and we also have a limited number of wheelchairs available for free visitor use.
We hope to see you soon.
Kind regards,
Paul Ramey
Written 31 October 2017
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