How to Visit Idaho’s Largest Butterfly House at The Butterfly Haven in Pingree
Welcome to Idaho’s largest butterfly house— the Butterfly Haven. This fluttery paradise is tucked away in the town of Pingree, in southeast Idaho. As soon as we arrived, we knew we were in for a treat—the air was filled with the delicate flapping of wings and the sweet scent of nectar. It’s hard to imagine a more enchanting place than this, and we were thrilled to have the chance to explore it ourselves.
Now, you might be thinking, “Butterflies? What’s the big deal?” Well, let me tell you—these aren’t your average butterflies. The Butterfly Haven is home to over 50 species of butterflies from around the US, each one more beautiful and unique than the last. From the stunning Monarch to the strikingly patterned Zebra Long Wing Heliconian, these butterflies are like works of art come to life.
But The Butterfly Haven is more than just a pretty place to take pictures (although there are plenty of photo ops, let me tell you). It’s also a hub for education and conservation. The Haven is dedicated to teaching visitors about the importance of pollinators like butterflies and how we can protect them.
So, if you’re ready to learn a thing or two while being surrounded by nature’s most stunning creations, keep reading!
Know Before You Go
- Cost: Admission is $12.72 for adults, $11.66 for seniors (65+), and $10.60 for children (ages 3-12). Children under 2 are free.
- Open Seasonally: May- September 30
- Hours: Monday- Saturday 11 AM- 5 PM and Sunday 11 AM – 4 PM
Location and Directions
The Butterfly Haven is located in the charming town of Pinegree, Idaho. The address is 1462 W 200 S, Pingree, ID 83262
History and Overview of the Butterfly Haven
The Butterfly Haven in Pinegree, Idaho, has been open for six years, but the dream of creating this magical place started over 15 years ago with Randy and Karen, the founders of the Haven. They had some extra greenhouse space and decided to turn their dream of creating a haven for butterflies into a reality.
Butterflies play a crucial role in our world, and the Butterfly Haven is dedicated to raising awareness about their importance. Did you know that butterflies and bees are necessary to pollinate about 75% of flowering plants? Unfortunately, butterflies are facing challenges due to pesticide use and habitat loss.
The Butterfly Haven is a sanctuary for butterflies, providing them with the support they need to thrive.
The Haven’s 8000 sq ft greenhouse is home to a fluctuating number of butterflies. At the time of our visit, we were lucky enough to see around 1500 of these winged wonders, but the Haven has hosted over 3000 butterflies in the past.
Randy and Karen carefully choose host and nectar plants that provide a habitat for the butterflies. The Haven is home to over 50 species of butterflies, including some rare and endangered ones.
Butterfly Species Found at the Haven
The Butterfly Haven in Pinegree, Idaho, is home to over 50 species of butterflies, which means you’re in for a treat!
These delicate creatures come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is unique in its own way. Here are some of the most common butterfly species you can expect to see:
The Monarch butterfly: This butterfly is a true celebrity, known for its striking orange and black wings. Monarchs are also famous for their long-distance migrations, traveling up to 3,000 miles each year.
The Queen butterfly: The Queen is often mistaken for the Monarch, but it has thinner veins on its wings and a more vibrant shade of orange.
The Red Admiral butterfly: With its black wings and bright red bands, the Red Admiral is a real showstopper.
The Gulf Fritillary butterfly: These butterflies are known for their bright orange wings with black spots. They’re also excellent pollinators, making them an important part of our ecosystem.
The Giant Swallowtail butterfly: As the name suggests, this butterfly is one of the largest species you’ll find at the Haven. They have a unique wing shape that helps them glide through the air with ease.
The Painted Lady butterfly: This butterfly may not be the most glamorous, but it’s certainly one of the most widespread. Painted Ladies are found all over the world and are known for their brownish-orange wings with black and white spots.
As if the fluttering butterflies weren’t enough, the Butterfly Haven also boasts a few feathered friends. You can spot some cheery yellow canaries and even some button quail!
And if you’re feeling generous, you can choose to feed the quail and watch them peck away at their food from the palm of your hand!
Tips for Visitors
Wear Layers: Keep in mind that the temperature inside is warm, so dress accordingly and wear layers you can easily take off.
Bring your camera: You’ll definitely want to snap some photos of the colorful and graceful butterflies fluttering around.
No touching: As tempting as it may be, please do not touch the butterflies or their delicate wings. It’s not only bad manners, but it can also harm the butterflies and damage their wings.
Butterflies and fragrances don’t mix: Avoid using strong perfumes or scented lotions, as these can attract or disturb the butterflies.
The Butterfly Haven Pinegree Idaho
We’ve taken you on a whimsical journey through the magical world of butterflies at the Butterfly Haven in Pinegree, Idaho.
Randy and Karen have created a haven for these delicate creatures that are so essential to our world, and it’s wonderful that the State of Idaho has access to such a beautiful and educational attraction.
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