Breathtaking Butterflies
Jun 03, 2025 07:00AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan
This time of year, Southwest Floridians are looking for fun things to do that are interesting and can be enjoyed during the cooler morning hours. One notable experience is visiting the Tom Allen Butterfly House located at Rotary Park Environmental Center in Cape Coral, a 97-acre preserved space. The butterfly house was established in 2009 and is maintained by dedicated volunteers from the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. While visitors can view the butterfly house from the outside during park hours, access to the inside is limited to free guided tours. The approximately 30 minute tours are currently offered on Monday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 10:30 am. They require no sign-up; just show up on time.
“This time of year, we might see Zebra Longwings (Florida’s state butterfly) Gulf fritillary, giant swallowtails, monarchs, atalas, Julias, orange barred sulfurs, malachites, and pipevine swallowtails, although it differs from day to day,” explains Cheryl Anderson is respondent and curator of the Tom Allen Butterfly House.
The tours are great for kids and adults as they will learn about the types of butterflies, the importance of butterflies, and the life cycles of butterflies.
“If available, kids can hold a caterpillar,” explains Anderson. Visitors might also get a chance to meet the center’s resident redfoot tortoise, Captain Redfoot, and may enjoy a walk with him on Friday mornings at 10 am, weather permitting.
Inside the center lies more interesting species for animal lovers. There is an assortment of snakes, lizards, turtles, and fish. Many of these residents were unwanted pets that their owners gave up.
The younger ones will also enjoy the Liam J. Perk Playground, which is located just steps from the butterfly house. There are also hiking trails, opportunities to bird watch, and an observation tower that offers a bird’s eye view of the park and beyond. Parking is free, and an overflow parking area is available.
Various activities for children and adults are held at Rotary Park Environmental Center throughout the year, such as yoga, butterfly gardening, informational programs, summer camps, guided walks, paddling tours, and more. For more information, check Cape Coral’s Parks & Recreation program guide.
Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.
