March 1 – April 30 see Hours & Rates
The annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition at Meijer Gardens is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. Tropical butterflies from around the world fly freely in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory every March and April.
Are you pining for a warm lush place to visit? This Tropical Conservatory is kept at a balmy 85 degrees with 70% humidity it is surely a perfect choice. You can actually watch, over 60 species of butterflies emerge from chrysalides, or cocoons daily. During this two month exhibition the observation station staff will collect and release over 7,000 adult butterflies. It was a wonderful experience for me to watch as many took flight flying freely around the conservatory. I captured several pictures of butterflies while they landed on ME!
The conservatory provides the perfect “home away from home” for the butterflies. Look around carefully, low under leafy cover or high up in the canopy. Butterflies may be difficult to spot while they are resting and tend to be more active than usual on sunny days. Butterflies can be seen chasing each other amidst the beautiful blooming orchids.
This year’s theme, the 19th century was an era of discovery, will highlight horticulture displays of butterflies, moths and caterpillars in and under glass. Offering a look into the history of how Dr. Nathaniel Ward pursued a discovery of keeping plants in miniature green house terrariums.
Now that you’re intrigued and see what great things our nearby city has to offer, take a look at our beautiful spa rooms. PrairieSide Suites Bed & Breakfast is an inspected and approved member of the Michigan Lake to Lake B&B Association. We’re proud to consistently meet the high levels of quality, safety and cleanliness required to be a member. Our guests love starting each day with our complimentary room service breakfast delivery. Then after a day of exploring at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture park they may want to return to their luxury guest suite with state of the art amenities to enjoy a relaxing “Jacuzzi for Two”. Plan your next romantic get away to rest & reconnect. Stay Safe and Stay Small!
Here is a sweet moment I shared with my four grandson’s when the “Butterflies were blooming” at Frederik Meijer Gardens. While there remember to see the beautiful cafe ceiling with beautiful blown glass flowers by Dale Chihuly and take a walk outside through the Sculpture Park too. Come, experience my world!
Cheri Antozak, Designer & Owner @ PrairieSide Suites Luxury Bed & Breakfast