Closure notice: The Butterfly House at Butterfly Estates in Downtown Fort Myers closed on July 28, 2023. It is no longer available to visit as the butterfly attraction described below. This article is retained as a look back at the former conservatory. Previous opening hours, admission prices and visitor programs are no longer valid. Source: WGCU, July 28, 2023.
The Butterfly Estates brought native Florida butterflies and tropical greenery together in a peaceful setting in Downtown Fort Myers. Visitors could walk among the butterflies, learn about their life cycle and discover how to create a butterfly-friendly garden. The following description refers to the attraction before its closure.
Fort Myers Butterfly Estates: a look back
History and conservation
The Butterfly House opened in 2009. It became the nonprofit Florida Native Butterfly Society in 2012, combining butterfly conservation with education. Its work focused on butterflies native to Florida and on helping visitors understand the role these pollinators play in local ecosystems.
The attraction formed part of the Butterfly Estates property, where historic buildings housed shops and dining businesses. The closure notice concerns the Butterfly House; it should not be read as confirmation that every other business on the property closed at the same time.
The former location
The conservatory stood at 1815 Fowler Street in Downtown Fort Myers, near the Caloosahatchee River and Edison Bridge. The location is included for historical context, rather than as a recommendation to travel there for a butterfly-house visit.
What the former Butterfly House offered
The conservatory
The centerpiece was a greenhouse of approximately 3,617 square feet (336 square meters), filled with tropical plants and flowers. Native butterflies flew freely among the vegetation. Benches, quiet music and a pond with turtles and koi contributed to the peaceful atmosphere. The lush surroundings also provided a backdrop for photography.
Butterflies were raised on-site, allowing visitors to follow their development from caterpillar to adult. Releases of newly emerged butterflies were part of the former visitor program.
Guided tours and education
Guided tours explained butterfly breeding, the insects’ life cycle and their importance to Florida’s plant life. Visitors learned which plants could support butterflies and how to provide suitable habitat in their own gardens. These tours and releases belong to the attraction’s history and are not current bookable activities.
Gift shop
The former gift shop complemented the educational program with books, plants, gardening supplies and butterfly-rearing kits. It also offered souvenirs and other items associated with gardening and nature.
Dining nearby
Earlier visits were often combined with a stop at neighboring Bullig Coffee & Bites, known in the previous article for sweet and savory waffles, cakes and coffee. This is a historical description, not a verification of the café’s current menu, opening hours or operating status.
Events and photography
The previous article described wedding photography, receptions, gardening workshops, talks and family activities at the Estates. Those descriptions are retained only as part of its history. They do not establish that the former Butterfly House can currently be booked for an event.
Closure of the Butterfly House
WGCU reported from the conservatory on its final day, July 28, 2023. Butterflies were rehomed or released as the facility closed. The report described the property owners considering a different use for the conservatory.
Old ticket offers, annual memberships, coupons and seasonal opening hours should therefore not be used to plan a visit. Any future use of the site or activity by an individual business would need to be checked separately.
Butterfly Estates FAQ
Is the Butterfly House at Butterfly Estates still open?
No. The butterfly attraction in Downtown Fort Myers closed on July 28, 2023. This article describes its former operation.
When did the Butterfly House close?
Its final day was July 28, 2023, as reported by WGCU at the time.
Which animals lived in the former Butterfly House?
The conservatory focused on butterfly species native to Florida. The former visitor descriptions also mentioned turtles and koi in the pond.
Can I still buy tickets or book a tour or wedding there?
The former Butterfly House’s ticket prices, tours and event offers are no longer current. Do not rely on those old offers for a visit or booking. Other businesses on the property must be checked individually.
