Before You Visit

The National Butterfly Center is a 100-acre nature preserve where butterflies, birds, and other wildlife live freely in their natural habitat. Your visit is an opportunity to explore our gardens and trails and experience the wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley.

A few things to know before you arrive:

This is a nature preserve, not a butterfly house. Our butterflies are wild and free-flying, so sightings change with the seasons, weather, rainfall, and other natural conditions. Every visit is different.

Come prepared to explore outdoors. Our property includes gardens and earthen trails. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and water are recommended.

We are an independent nonprofit organization. The National Butterfly Center is not a national or state park, and federal or state park passes are not valid for admission. Admission fees, memberships, purchases, and donations help support our conservation and education work.

Have questions about current conditions or what you might see? Give us a call before your visit at 956-583-5400.

Visitor Guidelines

Safety & Exploring the Grounds

Please observe and obey all posted signs.
The posted speed limit is 10 MPH. Speeding and off-roading are not permitted. Please park only in designated areas.
Children must be supervised at all times. Climbing trees, throwing stones, or other activities that may cause injury or property damage are not permitted.
Stay on designated paths and trails. Tall grass may contain chiggers, snakes, and other wildlife.
Bicycles are permitted only on the main roadway, not on trails or in the gardens.
Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and throughout the grounds.

Protecting Wildlife & Habitat

Please do not pick or remove plants, flowers, fruit, seeds, or wildlife from the property. Seed collection may be arranged with special permission from the administrative office.
Do not feed, handle, harass, or approach wildlife, including butterflies. Fishing is not permitted.
Removing wildlife—including insects, caterpillars, chrysalids, butterflies, and moths—is prohibited and may result in immediate removal and revocation of privileges at the National Butterfly Center.
Playing recorded music or birdsong is prohibited.
Please dispose of all waste properly in the receptacles provided throughout the property.

Pets & Service Animals

Pets are not permitted on the property. Service animals are welcome and must remain with their handler and may not be tethered or allowed to roam.

Picnicking & Property Use

Picnicking is permitted and encouraged. Large groups may reserve the Monarch Palapa for private functions through the Visitor’s Pavilion.
Grilling, open fires, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited unless specifically permitted through a facility rental agreement.
Solicitation or sale of goods or services is prohibited without authorization from the Executive Director.
Portrait photography requires advance arrangements and payment of the applicable fee. Professional photographers are responsible for ensuring their subjects follow all applicable on-site rules.

Conduct & Safety

Threatening, abusive, indecent, or disorderly conduct is prohibited and may result in removal from the property without a refund.
Carrying firearms on the property is prohibited, with the exception of on-duty law enforcement personnel.

Personal Property & Responsibility

The North American Butterfly Association and National Butterfly Center are not responsible for accidents or injuries involving visitors, volunteers, members, or service animals, or for damage, theft, or loss of personal property. Please lock your vehicle and keep valuables with you.