The Mackinac Island Original Butterfly House is the first facility of its kind in Michigan and the third oldest live butterfly exhibit in the United States. 

For fans of these fragile fluttering creatures, this is a magical oasis. Plastic doors keep between 50 and 100 varieties of butterflies, some 800 total, contained within a warm flowering habitat. Adults often giggle like children as butterflies land on their shoulders, purses or heads (wear bright colors or floral prints to attract them). Sit  quietly until the colorful little visitors decide it’s time to move on. Kids may find it tempting to touch the butterflies; fortunately, staff members are kind and impressively patient when it comes to keeping little hands off.

Classical music, the sound of falling water and colorful tropical blooms all create a lovely environment for the resident butterflies. The attraction also includes a gift shop and a supplemental section called Insect World, home to what staffers claim is the world's heaviest bug. Butterfly House admission is $8.50 per adult; kids ages 4 to 11 get in for $4.