The Butterfly Atrium is one of only 25 indoor butterfly houses in the United States.
Milton Hershey specifically requested the gardens be created to provide a beautiful view for the local community.
The garden maintains a specialized 'Children's Garden' designed to be interactive and immersive for younger visitors.
Over 30,000 tulips are planted annually for the spring bloom cycle.
The atrium features a glass-enclosed space that allows for temperature and humidity control necessary for exotic butterfly species.
The site hosts a collection of rare and unique trees, including a specimen of the Dawn Redwood, once thought to be extinct.
The rose garden design incorporates modern sustainable pest management practices to reduce chemical usage.
The gardens house a specific collection dedicated to heirloom and historical rose varieties.
Hershey Gardens is a 23-acre botanical site originally established in 1937 by Milton S. Hershey as a rose garden. The property features a year-round indoor tropical Butterfly Atrium that houses hundreds of butterflies from around the world. The grounds include a collection of 30,000 rose bushes representing over 275 varieties. Other horticultural zones include a Japanese garden, a rock garden, and an herb garden. The site serves as an educational resource focusing on plant conservation and pollinator health. Visitors can explore various seasonal displays, including spring bulbs, summer annuals, and autumn chrysanthemums. The gardens are elevated, offering views overlooking the town of Hershey and the nearby amusement park. The facility is fully accessible to those with mobility limitations.
Inside the Butterfly Atrium where butterflies often land on bright, nectar-rich flowers near the walkway.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths cover rolling terrain.
Bring a camera, specifically a macro lens if you plan to photograph the butterflies in the atrium.
Check the official bloom calendar on their website before your visit to ensure the roses are in peak season.
Visiting during the heat of midday in mid-summer without a sun hat or sunscreen.
The Butterfly Atrium is open year-round, but outdoor gardens have limited access or are closed during winter months.
Do not touch the butterflies or the plants; stay on designated paved paths.
