Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Key West (must see)

If you seek a unique and enchanting experience with a chance to escape into a world of natural beauty and wonder, right in the middle of a bustling city, make sure to visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory on Duval Street. This climate-controlled, glass-enclosed space houses hundreds of live butterflies from around the world, as well as exotic birds, flowering plants, trees, and cascading waterfalls.

The conservatory was established in 2003 and covers an area of approximately 5,000 square feet. It is designed to replicate a natural rainforest environment and offers visitors an up-close (almost hands-on) experience where they can walk through and observe the butterflies as they flutter around freely, feed on nectar, and interact with each other.

The conservatory is home to over 50 species of butterflies, including the striking blue morpho, vibrant monarch, and the delicate swallowtail. You can also get a close-up view of a variety of live caterpillars feeding and developing on their host plants.

In addition to the butterflies, there is a variety of "butterfly-friendly" tropical birds, such as red-factor canaries, zebra finches, cordon-blue finches, and "button" or Chinese painted quails. The birds fly freely and sing in their natural habitat.

The on-site gift shop offers souvenirs and educational materials related to butterflies and nature conservation. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about butterflies and their natural environment.

Tip:
Best to go in the morning while everything is out and moving. You will love it!
Spend as much time as you like, but be sure to follow the tour guide to get the low-down on everything in the enclosure. Alternatively, the self-guided tour has signs and descriptions explaining all of the different types of butterflies.