The largest tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation, returns for its annual visit at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on March 1, 2014. You will see more than 40 different species of butterflies, and witness their magical transformation from chrysalis to magnificent butterfly in the Butterfly Bungalow.

Once the adult butterflies are released into the Conservatory, get up close and personal, as you watch them drink nectar from flowering plants, congregate along stream beds, frolicking near the waterfall and fly freely around the Conservatory. If you are lucky enough, one may even land on your shoulder. This is a nature-lovers dream come true. Seeing 6,000 magnificent butterflies in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The event begins on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 9 AM/5 PM and runs daily through April 30, 2014. There are interactive exhibits throughout the display. Entrance to this exhibit is included in general admission to Meijer Gardens, located at 1000 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Lena Meijer Children’s Garden offers special butterfly-themed activities during this exhibit.

This exhibit is a chance for a fun-filled family day. No need to pack a picnic lunch. Enjoy lunch at Taste of the Gardens Café, with hand-blown glass sculptures by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. He named the sculptures Lena’s Garden, in honor of Lena Meijer. In addition to the Butterfly exhibit, tour the Kenneth E. Nelson Carnivorous Plant House to view meat-eating plants from around the world. Watch in awe as the Venus Flytrap captures its prey.

Wander through the 30-acre sculpture park before you leave. Sculptures are set amid waterways, meandering paths, lawns, meadows and quiet walkways. Works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Louise Bourgeois, Mark di Suvero, Richard Serra, Roxy Paine and others are featured in this area.

Take a stroll through the Leslie E. Tassell English Perennial and Bulb Garden, or take a seat on a bench to enjoy the amazing view of English border plants mixed with native American species.

The Earl and Donnalee Holton Arid Garden houses cacti, agaves, succulents and other desert plants from around the world. Beautiful stone arches divide the plants into groups.

The Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse features special, new garden designs with each season. The Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor features ornate benches set amid flowering plants seen in Victorian garden parlors during the turn of the last century.