Gardens on Spring Creek

Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House 

Step into a vibrant world of color and beauty at the Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House, an enchanting extension of Butterfly Pavilion! Here, you will encounter a stunning array of native North American butterflies, including iconic monarchs, striking tiger swallowtails, delicate painted ladies, zebra longwings, bold red admirals, and more!  Since its grand opening in November 2019, this 1,700-square-foot sanctuary has been a collaborative gem, created by Butterfly Pavilion, the Gardens on Spring Creek, and the City of Fort Collins. Open year-round, the butterfly house invites you to immerse yourself in a breathtaking experience where you can observe and identify butterflies and moths that flutter in your own backyard. Come explore and be inspired by the wonders of nature! 

At the Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House, you can explore: 

• 400–600 free-flying butterflies and moths, including monarchs, longwings, swallowtails, and more. 

• A chrysalis window where you can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. 

• Adult moth displays with separate enclosures for males and females due to their high egg-laying capacity. 

• Caterpillar displays that highlight the complete life cycle of these fascinating creatures. 

• A 220-square-foot living wall, featuring 2,200 annuals, ferns, and foliage plants that provide roosting space for butterflies and moths. 

• More than 100 varieties of tropical plants, specifically curated to support pollinators. 

• Hanging sponge balls and cups soaked in sugar water, as well as decaying fruit, to provide extra nutrition for butterflies. 

• Interpretation and education programs led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers. 

The Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House staff also actively participate in community science initiatives like the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network, Monarch Watch, and the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project. The data collected through these programs helps scientists better understand the health of local ecosystems by tracking butterfly populations and activity. 

Founded in 2004, the Gardens on Spring Creek has become a beloved destination for school groups, retirement communities, families, and students in the Fort Collins area. The Butterfly House fosters a deeper appreciation for invertebrates and the habitats they depend on, offering guests an up-close experience with native butterflies and moths. Unlike Butterfly Pavilion, which features tropical species of butterflies, the Gardens focus on North American natives, providing a burst of summer during Colorado’s winter months. In the summer of 2024, the staff successfully hand-reared three species of silk moth caterpillars (Polyphemus, Promethea, and Luna) to engage and educate visitors about the wonders of moths. Visit the Gardens on Spring Creek Butterfly House at 2145 Centre Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado, or learn more at www.fcgov.com/gardens.