The facility utilizes a climate-controlled environment to maintain tropical conditions necessary for non-native butterfly species.
The aviary displays butterfly species from regions including Africa, Asia, and Central/South America.
The nursery section allows visitors to witness the metamorphosis process, from chrysalis to emergence.
The attraction is integrated into a larger geological site that includes Perry’s Cave, a limestone cave discovered in 1813.
Many of the plants selected for the habitat are specifically chosen to serve as host or nectar plants for the diverse butterfly population.
The Butterfly House at Put-in-Bay is an indoor, climate-controlled aviary containing over 50 species of exotic butterflies from around the world. It is part of the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center complex on South Bass Island. The facility features a walk-through tropical environment with abundant nectar-producing plants and water features designed to support butterfly life cycles. Visitors can observe butterflies emerging from chrysalises in the nursery area. Educational displays provide information on butterfly anatomy and migration patterns. The environment is maintained at tropical temperatures regardless of outside Lake Erie weather conditions. It serves as an interactive nature attraction suitable for families and biology enthusiasts.
The central water feature, where butterflies frequently congregate to drink nectar from nearby flowers.
Wear bright colors like red, yellow, or pink, as butterflies are more likely to land on you.
Move slowly and keep your hands low to avoid startling the butterflies.
Check yourself for hitchhiking butterflies before exiting the double-door airlock to ensure no insects escape the enclosure.
Do not attempt to bring food or sugary drinks inside, as these can attract unwanted pests or interfere with the butterflies' natural feeding habits.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during the winter months.
Do not touch the butterflies or attempt to pick them up; walk carefully to avoid stepping on insects resting on the pathways.
