An island story, still unfolding.
The business traces its beginning to Doug Beardsley in 1991 and describes itself as Michigan’s first live butterfly exhibit. Its story continues in the garden and the questions visitors bring.
Read the official history
The beginning: 1991
According to the business’s history, Doug Beardsley founded the Butterfly House in 1991. Its original live-butterfly exhibit remains central to the story the operator tells.
Read the business’s own account →
People make the learning personal
The official site describes staff with science and education backgrounds. These photographs show real moments of care and conversation; no biography is inferred from an image.
Explore the learning story →
Two places to keep looking
The garden is joined by Insect World. Plan to explore the butterfly house and read about its insects, amphibians and reptiles before deciding what questions to bring.
Discover Insect World →
Make room for
a closer look.
Check the current season, then buy tickets directly from the Butterfly House.