National Butterfly Center, Texas, United States
4.5 (102 reviews) Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Ranking #2 in Mission Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
Very nicely maintained gardens
The National Butterfly Center is the pilot project of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), a nonprofit organization committed to environmental conservation and education. It is located in Mission, Texas, because the Rio Grande Valley is home to the greatest volume and variety of butterflies species in the United States. Just 10 years ago, this 100-acre parcel of land along the banks of the Rio Grande River was a commercial onion field. Today, it is the largest botanical garden in the United States focused on propagating native plants for pollinators in formal gardens and wildscapes. This nature preserve contains a Hackberry Forest and several species of endangered plants and animals. Expect season variations and changes subject to rainfall, temperatures, etc. THE NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER IS NOT A BUTTERFLY HOUSE. All wildlife found in the NABA Section of the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Conservation Area, which includes a National Wildlife Refuge tract and Bentsen-RGV State Park, is free-roaming. The National Butterfly Center features walking trails and two birding areas, as well as a photography blind. Our butterfly and bird lists may be found on our website. PLEASE NOTE: Butterflies prefer sunny days, with temperatures above 70 degrees, so days like this are the best for enjoying the wild, free-flying butterflies. The peak of butterfly season normally occurs in late October/early November, and may continue until the first prolonged cold snap. To see what's happening now, check our Facebook page for photos, programs, and other announcements, or look under the tab 'IN THE NEWS' on our website. Handicapped parking available, with many accessible areas.
Address
3333 Butterfly Park, Mission, TX 78572-5091
Mobile
Website
http://www.nationalbutterflycenter.org/
Working hours
Monday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 14:03
User Ratings
4.5 based on (102 reviews)
Reviews
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4Kathy F 5:00 PM Apr 1, 2020
Great Place - Birds are awesome
This was a great place to visit, even though we were at the end of the butterfly migrations. The grounds are nice. The employees have bird feeding stations set up, and if you visit one at feeding time, you will truly be rewarded. We are not "bird watchers" but love watching birds. Before feeding, the birds gathered and swarmed. At feeding time, they flew to trees and, for about 20 minutes, did not return. When they did, they were cautious. Suddenly a harrier hawk swooped into the feeding area, made a turn flying feet from us and soared away! We had a "birds eye view" of the gorgeous wings and feathers! Interestingly and sadly, if the wall between Mexico and Texas is built, this wonderful resource will lose 70 percent of its habitat.
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5clucumber 5:00 PM Feb 3, 2021
GREAT place to do some bird watching, sight some butterflies and get some exercise
What a fun day! Wanted to mix some exercise with some relaxation and scenery and decided to visit the Butterflies but instead we found ourselves wandering about some lovely trails and listening to birds singing. I took so many amazing photos that I ran out of battery! We really enjoyed watching them feed the birds at 1:30! There were so many BEAUTIFUL birds who showed up for their meal! We then enjoyed a drive to the Rio Grande River and again, another peaceful little spot to just reflect. Employees very helpful and courteous. I would highly recommend you take some water. They do have a few selections of soda, but I am a water person. Apparently they had problems with visitors littering and stopped the sell of water, what a huge shame and shame on those who can't dispose of their litter appropriately. Restrooms were available and were clean as well. We wandered about for about 2 hours and logged 3.5 miles on our pediometer so it was a win win for us! Great trails so the walk was nice and not strenuous.
