Leave the concrete jungle of Denver for a magical world of butterflies on your next Colorado RV road trip. The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado, is home to about 1,600—yes, that’s right 1,600—tropical butterflies. Ideal for families, invertebrate enthusiasts, nature lovers, couples, and anyone who simply loves butterflies, this long-running year-round exhibit offers a retreat from the city that you’ll never forget.
The Butterfly Pavilion is an immersive experience, which means you can actually walk through while butterflies fly around you. In addition to the many winged creatures in the air, you can also see butterflies emerging from chrysalis, take a stroll through the outdoor trails and gardens, hold a tarantula, see a diverse array of flowers, and check out underwater invertebrates including horseshoe crabs and sea stars.
There are also daily educational programs, including live mantis shrimp feedings, butterfly releases, and walking tours where you’ll learn about everything from monarch migration to rainforest preservation.
For RV campers, the Butterfly Pavilion is close to many exciting Colorado attractions for both city dwellers and outdoor explorers. Experience exciting cities like Denver and Boulder or head to Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re just passing through the Front Range area of Colorado and are looking for something fun to do, or you’re headed to Westminster for an extended camping trip, the Butterfly Pavilion is worth a stop.
The Butterfly Pavilion is open year-round (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) and is located in Westminster, Colorado. Tickets are typically cheaper if purchased online and are subject to change, especially when events are taking place. Expect to spend about $10 to $15 on admission, with discounts available for groups, members, military personnel, AAA, and birthdays.
The Butterfly Pavilion is located in Westminster, Colorado off of the Denver Boulder Turnpike. It is about 15 miles from Denver and 15 miles from Boulder. The route here from either of these two cities is easy to navigate in an RV and will take you through beautiful Colorado scenery along the way. Expect some traffic if you pass through or get close to Denver. If you are traveling from west of the Continental Divide, plan on steep passes and possible snow.
Parking is free at the Butterfly Pavilion. There is a fairly large parking lot, which should make it easy to find space if you are traveling in an RV. Visiting on weekday afternoons is best if you’re hoping to avoid crowds and find parking for a larger vehicle. Weekends are typically the busiest and parking may be trickier for larger vehicles.
The Denver-Boulder area is known for its great public transportation, so if you’d prefer to leave your RV parked at your campground and visit by bus, that’s a definite possibility. However, this may depend on how remote your campground is, of course. In addition to public transportation via bus, you can also count on taxi service and rideshare apps to get you where you need to go.
For the sake of the fragile butterflies, there is no onsite lodging at the Butterfly Pavilion. This includes campgrounds and motels. The parking lot is also only to be used when the attraction is open. Fear not, however. Denver RV camping is widely available in the surrounding area for those who would like to camp close to the Butterfly Pavilion.
Whether you prefer a campsite with easy access to city amenities or you want to be totally off the grid and immersed in nature, you’ve come to the right place. Campgrounds near the Butterfly Pavilion offer a choice of nature or city life for RVers. Want to crash relatively close to the Butterfly Pavilion? Book a site at Denver West / Central City KOA Holiday, just 43 miles away in Central City. If you care to experience Rocky Mountain National Park, the cozy Estes Park KOA Holiday is about 60 miles away and is located right at the entrance to the national park in a charming mountain town.
Plan on exploring the Butterfly Pavilion on foot. The experience is both inside and outside with an indoor butterfly habitat and outdoor nature trails. The facilities are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, and free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Strollers are not available but are welcome.
Pack comfortable clothing for a day of walking inside and outside—though no need to strap on the hiking boots for the nature trails at the Butterfly Pavilion as these are very gentle. That being said, you may want to bring those boots (and hiking clothes) with you if you plan on exploring the surrounding state and national parks. Bring a variety of layers, as the weather in Colorado changes rapidly depending on elevation.
Pack your usual campground gear including camp chairs, cookware, bedding, flashlights, and RV supplies. Keep in mind the nearby amenities and the rules based on where you’re camping. When visiting the Butterfly Pavilion, bring a small bag with space for your wallet and cell phone. You won’t need much else. Avoid bringing anything that may be disruptive to the butterflies, but personal food and drink have been allowed in the past.
Consider the area and elevation when packing. If you’re sensitive to the elevation, you may want to bring electrolyte beverages, aspirin for headaches, and something mild to snack on, such as pretzels. Also bring sunscreen, as you’re likely to burn much more easily at higher elevations. Bring bug spray if you’re camping somewhere rural, and don’t forget basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Cooking options will vary depending on if you’re camped in the city or in the mountains. Expect strict bear restrictions and wildfire restrictions which may limit outdoor cooking if you choose a Colorado RV campground in the wilderness. Plan on loading up on groceries in Westminster, Boulder, or Denver. There are many different grocery stores in this area including big chains and local organic markets.
If you’re hungry after visiting the Butterfly Pavilion, check out restaurants in Westminster including craft brewpubs, taco shops, chain restaurants, and burger joints. You’ll find even more choices in Arvada, Lafayette, Longmont, Boulder, Denver, and Lakewood. From counter-service sandwich shops to sit-down steakhouses, you won’t have to look far to find what you’re craving.
Prefer to grab a bite to eat—and a souvenir—at the Butterfly Pavilion? That’s cool, too. There is a food truck at the attraction near a covered picnic area. There is also a gift shop that you can visit without buying tickets to the attraction itself. Both hot food and pre-packaged snacks are typically available.
Please consider the safety of the butterflies and other creatures when visiting the Butterfly Pavilion. Staff and volunteers will be present both for the safety of the invertebrates and your safety. You may be asked not to bring in certain items, and you may be asked to leave if you handle animals that you are not permitted to touch.
Weather varies greatly in Colorado, but one thing you can count on is plenty of sunshine. Westminster sees about 242 days of sunshine annually, so even in the winter, it is far from gloomy. Expect dry, hot days if you visit in the summer with occasional afternoon thunderstorms and plenty of snowfall in the winter. Temperatures in the warmer months can be anywhere from 70 to 90 degrees, with winter and fall bringing chilly days and nights that hover around or dip below freezing.
The closest hospital to the Butterfly Pavilion is about nine miles away in Westminster. However, you will find other hospitals plus pharmacies in Denver, Boulder, and the surrounding suburbs. Once you venture into the wilderness areas, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, these resources thin out considerably. Contact an employee at the Butterfly Pavilion if you are not feeling well and need assistance.
