Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
1 / 10

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

4.8
·3k reviews·Chesterfield, United States

Step into a tropical paradise filled with over 1,000 free-flying butterflies and lush gardens. A peaceful escape for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into a tropical paradise filled with over 1,000 free-flying butterflies and lush gardens. A peaceful escape for all ages.

4.8
(3k reviews)

"It felt so magical. The whole place is super cute for a date, and the trees along with the little waterfalls inside made it feel dreamy and beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🦋 Butterflies May Land On You

Sit still and be patient; butterflies might land on you! It's a magical experience.

stroller Size Restrictions

Large strollers and wagons aren't allowed inside the narrow conservatory.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Butterflies in Flight

Butterflies in Flight

Conservatory

Witness over 1,000 vibrant butterflies fluttering freely in a lush, tropical environment.

Instagram
Atlas Moth Encounter

Atlas Moth Encounter

Conservatory

Marvel at the world's largest moth, the Atlas Moth, a special visitor from Indonesia.

Instagram
Pollinator Gardens

Pollinator Gardens

Outdoor Gardens

Explore inspiring gardens designed to attract butterflies and bees with native plants.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds and the midday heat inside the conservatory. Arrive early for the best light and fewer visitors, making for a more peaceful experience. TikTok

First Free Tuesdays

STL city and county residents can enjoy free admission on the first Tuesday of each month. Check the official website for dates and any potential reservation requirements. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
First Tuesday of month
Why
Free admission for locals
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Everyone needs a butterfly house 🦋
@wannabeefarm
10.2K likes • 71.5K views

🦋 Butterflies May Land On You

Sit still and be patient; butterflies might land on you! It's a magical experience. InstagramReddit

stroller Size Restrictions

Large strollers and wagons aren't allowed inside the narrow conservatory. Instagram

🦋 How beautiful is this place? 🦋 The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is located at Faust Park in Chesterfield just west of St. Louis. Managed by the Missouri Botanical Garden, the butterfly house features over 1,000 butterflies in flight! 🌺 Stroll through the climate controlled conservatory garden to view the butterflies as well as many varieties of plant species. For an added fee, you can even...
midwestnomadfamily
562 likes • 49.9K views
📍Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: First Free Tuesday (June 3!) Why You’ll Love It: STL city and county residents get entrance for free! There’s a small play/education room, too! Pro Tip: The actual butterfly area is narrow and small so big wagons and big strollers aren’t allowed. It’s hot in there, too! Cost: The first Tuesday of every month is free! Bonus for Parents: playground next door!...
loucrewadventures
6 likes • 242 views

📸 Photo Opportunities Abound

The conservatory and gardens offer endless beautiful backdrops for photos. InstagramReddit

💧 It Can Get Warm Inside

The conservatory is a tropical environment, so expect it to be warm and humid. Instagram

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly house @butterflyhousestl in Chesterfield, Missouri is one of my favorite outings when I’m in the St. Louis area. Not only is the butterfly conservatory beautiful and a fun place to take photos but the demonstration pollinator gardens are inspiring! Created with many varieties of native plants with a few non-invasive non-natives mixed in it’s amazing to get to see how ...
catinasgardens
4 likes • 324 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🦋 Butterflies May Land On You

Sit still and be patient; butterflies might land on you! It's a magical experience. InstagramReddit

stroller Size Restrictions

Large strollers and wagons aren't allowed inside the narrow conservatory. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities Abound

The conservatory and gardens offer endless beautiful backdrops for photos. InstagramReddit

💧 It Can Get Warm Inside

The conservatory is a tropical environment, so expect it to be warm and humid. Instagram

🐞 Other Insects to Discover

Beyond butterflies, look for other fascinating insects like walking sticks and cockroaches. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House as a magical, peaceful, and beautiful escape. The abundance of colorful butterflies, knowledgeable staff, and well-maintained gardens are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some note the heat and humidity inside, and stroller restrictions, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it an underrated gem and a must-visit for all ages. Reddit+2

"We had a great time at the butterfly house, they have so many different butterflies from all over the world. If you sit still long enough they might land on you. The staff were very kind, knowledgeable, and pleasant. They also have other insects as will, a wide variety of cockroachs can be seen. My husband loved it but I wouldn't go near the case. Also spiders and walking sticks. You can also venture outside to the butterfly and bee garden. I highly recommend you stop in, the area is very nice with a great park within walking distance."

m j

"Butterfly Park was such an amazing experience! 🦋 I got to see all kinds of butterflies, and some even landed on me 🥰 It felt so magical. The whole place is super cute for a date, and the trees along with the little waterfalls inside made it feel dreamy and beautiful. Truly a wonderful spot that people of all ages can enjoy — peaceful, charming, and so worth visiting!"

Sushma Kola

"The Butterfly House in St. Louis is such an underrated gem. It’s largely underlooked as things to do in St. Louis. This spot is a large and lush conservatory filled with many different types of butterflies. They just flutter around with so much grace living their best lives. There’s numerous waterfalls and places you can sit down. It truly calms your soul. There are flowers everywhere and exotic plants you don’t see everywhere else. Make sure you keep your grubby little hands off these butterflies. They are for looks only."

Sara Govero

What People Like

Abundance of butterflies
Peaceful and magical atmosphere
Knowledgeable and kind staff

What People Dislike

Warm and humid inside
Stroller restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is located at Faust Park in Chesterfield, Missouri, just west of St. Louis. It's managed by the Missouri Botanical Garden. Faust Park offers ample parking. Instagram

Information on public transport to Faust Park can vary. It's best to check local St. Louis transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House website for the most current hours of operation before your visit. Reddit

Faust Park generally allows picnics, but it's always a good idea to check park regulations for specific rules regarding food and seating areas. Reddit

Yes, Faust Park is home to several attractions, including the Butterfly House, the historic Faust Village, and the St. Louis Carousel. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply, but check for special discount days. STL city and county residents can get free entry on the first Tuesday of each month. InstagramReddit

While not always required, purchasing tickets in advance, especially for special events or free admission days, is often recommended to secure your spot. Reddit

Yes, the first Tuesday of every month offers free admission for St. Louis city and county residents. Keep an eye out for other potential seasonal promotions. Instagram

Due to the narrow pathways inside the conservatory, large strollers and wagons are not permitted. Smaller, compact strollers may be allowed. Instagram

Re-entry policies can vary. It's best to confirm with staff at the entrance or check the venue's official guidelines regarding same-day re-entry. Reddit

🎫 🦋 Onsite Experience

You can see over 1,000 butterflies from various species from around the world, including the impressive Atlas Moth. Instagram+1

Absolutely! It's a magical and peaceful place for families, offering educational experiences and a chance to see hundreds of butterflies up close. Instagram

Wear light, comfortable clothing as the conservatory is warm and humid. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for walking. Instagram

Yes, the house also features other fascinating insects like cockroaches, spiders, and walking sticks, which can be a hit with insect enthusiasts. Reddit

Visitors are asked not to touch the butterflies to ensure their well-being. However, they may land on you if you sit still! Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! It's a fantastic spot for capturing stunning images of butterflies and the lush environment. InstagramReddit

Weekday mornings offer softer light and fewer people, making it ideal for photography. Early morning light can create beautiful shots. TikTok

Policies on tripods and professional equipment can vary. It's advisable to check the venue's specific photography guidelines beforehand. Reddit

Expect to capture close-ups of butterflies on flowers, in flight, and potentially even landing on visitors. The lush greenery and waterfalls provide beautiful backgrounds. InstagramReddit

The main restriction is to not disturb or touch the butterflies. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a fantastic destination for families. Children are often mesmerized by the hundreds of butterflies fluttering around them, creating a truly magical experience. Instagram It's a great opportunity for kids to learn about nature and insect life in an engaging way. The educational aspects, combined with the sheer beauty, make it a memorable outing. Instagram

Keep in mind that large strollers and wagons are not allowed inside the conservatory, so opt for a compact stroller or a baby carrier if needed. Instagram The warm, humid environment means dressing kids in light layers is advisable. While the main butterfly area is narrow, the overall experience is highly rewarding for young explorers. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House offers a wealth of opportunities to capture stunning macro shots and vibrant nature photography. The controlled environment means you can get close-ups of butterflies on flowers, leaves, and even potentially landing on visitors. InstagramReddit

Weekday mornings are ideal for photography due to softer lighting and fewer crowds. TikTok While tripods might have restrictions, handheld photography is generally excellent. The lush greenery, waterfalls, and diverse butterfly species provide endless creative possibilities. Remember to be patient and respectful of the delicate subjects and fellow visitors. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Date Ideas

The Butterfly House offers a uniquely charming and peaceful setting for a date. The dreamy atmosphere, with fluttering butterflies, gentle waterfalls, and exotic plants, creates a romantic ambiance. Reddit It's a wonderful place to stroll hand-in-hand, enjoy quiet conversation, and create shared memories. Reddit

Combine your visit with a walk through Faust Park or a stop at the historic village for a complete day out. The intimate setting allows for genuine connection and a break from the usual hustle and bustle. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Butterflies

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a tropical conservatory teeming with life. Inside, over 1,000 butterflies from around the globe flutter freely amidst lush vegetation and gentle waterfalls. This immersive experience allows visitors to get up close with these delicate creatures, observing their vibrant colors and graceful movements. It's a truly enchanting environment that transports you to another world. InstagramReddit

Beyond the butterflies, the house also showcases other fascinating insects, such as walking sticks and a variety of cockroaches, offering a broader glimpse into the insect kingdom. The staff are noted for being knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit. Reddit The outdoor pollinator gardens are also a highlight, designed with native plants to attract local butterflies and bees, providing an inspiring look at sustainable gardening. Instagram

Many visitors describe the experience as peaceful, charming, and magical. It's a place where you can sit still and wait for a butterfly to land on you, creating unforgettable moments. The combination of natural beauty, educational exhibits, and the sheer wonder of so many butterflies makes it a highly recommended outing for all ages. InstagramReddit

Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community

To make the most of your visit to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, consider these tips from fellow travelers and creators. Weekday mornings are often recommended to avoid the largest crowds and the peak heat inside the conservatory, ensuring a more serene experience. TikTok If you're a local, take advantage of the 'First Free Tuesday' for a budget-friendly outing. Instagram

Be prepared for the climate inside the conservatory; it's warm and humid, so light clothing is a must. Instagram While the experience is magical, remember that large strollers and wagons are not permitted due to the narrow pathways. Instagram This makes it a bit trickier for those with very young children or multiple small ones, but the wonder of the butterflies often makes up for it. Instagram

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture stunning shots, but always be respectful of the butterflies and other visitors. InstagramReddit Don't forget to explore the outdoor gardens, which are just as beautiful and offer a different perspective on the local ecosystem. Instagram The staff are friendly and informative, so don't hesitate to ask questions to deepen your understanding. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2