Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory is a captivating attraction that offers visitors an enchanting experience with butterflies. Located in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, this conservatory is home to hundreds of different species of butterflies. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and individuals seeking a unique and serene experience. Upon entering the conservatory, visitors are greeted by the sight of a lush tropical garden filled with vibrant flowers and plants. This carefully designed environment replicates the natural habitats of butterflies, creating a conducive and authentic experience for both the butterflies and visitors. The main attraction of Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory is, of course, the butterflies themselves.
During the shutdown, Magic Wings operated with a core staff of seven employees to maintain the butterfly conservatory and greenhouses.
By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. For more than 20 years, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory Gardens in Deerfield has been hosting visitors who delight to see butterflies from throughout the world.
The main attraction of Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory is, of course, the butterflies themselves. Visitors can observe these delicate creatures up close as they flutter around, sip nectar from flowers, or even land on lucky visitors. The conservatory offers a rare opportunity to witness the fascinating life cycle of butterflies, from eggs to larvae to pupae and finally to adult butterflies.
Magic Wings aflutter with success as Western Mass. tourism destination
There’s just something delightful about butterflies: They are colorful. They are quiet. They flutter about.
For more than 20 years, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield has been hosting visitors who delight to see butterflies from throughout the world.
“I think Magic Wings has been successful for so many years because people love butterflies and nature in general,” said Kathy A. Fiore, general manager and co-owner. “You would literally have to take a trip around the world to see all of the different creatures we have here. Whether it is January or July, you will also find an amazing tropical ecosystem at Magic Wings.”
She noted that there are a handful of butterfly conservatories in the United States, but Magic Wings has more butterflies per square foot than any other.
A butterfly comes in for a landing at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens opened in 2000. Today, it has an 18,400-square-foot facility that includes an 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation.
There are some 4,000 butterflies of all colors, shapes, sizes and varieties. Seventy percent of the butterflies are propagated on-site, while 30%are imported from outside livestock providers.
“When people enter the conservatory, there are many different reactions. Some people tear up, some people are mesmerized, some people laugh,” Fiore said. “Many people believe that butterflies represent growth and change and connect with them in memory of a loved one — ‘When butterflies are near, angels are here.’”
A Rice Paper butterfly stops for a snack at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
Magic Wings is open to the public year-round and welcomes about 90,000 visitors annually.
The sun shines through the glass walls and heats up the conservatory to an 80-degree, tropical-like environment all year. There is a heart-shaped pond with Japanese koi at the center of the conservatory.
There also are exhibits and a display area with videos and exhibits about the history and evolution of butterflies.
Magic Wings has about 10 full-time and 10 part-time employees. Summer can bring three or four more part-timers.
Summer Cleveland of Amherst, a "fllight atendant" at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield, mists plants with water, part of her daily work. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
“Over the past 22 years, we have had generations of families visit us. Many families make it a yearly stop. We try to introduce new and different creatures for people to enjoy,” Fiore said.
In accordance with the state’s COVID-19 regulations, Magic Wings closed its doors to the public on March 17, 2020, and reopened as allowed, fully reopening as of June 8, 2021.
During the shutdown, Magic Wings operated with a core staff of seven employees to maintain the butterfly conservatory and greenhouses.
In order to generate income during the closure, the business utilized its online shopping option on its website magicwings.com; customers placed more than 1,000 orders through the website during the closure.
More than 2 million people have visited Magic Wings over the course of its history. But now Fiore and her brother, George Miller, are currently searching for new owners to take Magic Wings into the future. “Magic Wings’ future is a bright one,” she said.
The business includes a gift shop, food court and several function rooms for hosting weddings, showers, parties and other special events.
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To enhance the experience further, the conservatory provides educational displays and information about the various species of butterflies found within its walls. Visitors can learn about their lifecycle, feeding habits, and unique characteristics. The conservatory’s knowledgeable staff is always available to answer questions and share interesting facts about these beautiful insects. In addition to butterflies, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory also houses a variety of other insects, such as beetles and spiders. This allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse world of insects. For those who are interested, the conservatory also offers butterfly releases, allowing visitors to witness the magical moment when butterflies take flight for the first time. Overall, a visit to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory is a magical and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allows one to connect with the delicate beauty of nature. Whether you are a butterfly lover or simply curious about these graceful creatures, a trip to this conservatory is sure to leave you with lasting memories..
Reviews for "Discover the Magic of Butterflies at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory"
1. Samantha - 2 stars:
I was really disappointed with my visit to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. The entry fee was quite expensive, yet the exhibit seemed small and not well-maintained. The butterflies were difficult to spot as they blended in with the plants, and there were no informative signs or guides to help identify the different species. Additionally, the temperature inside was uncomfortably hot and humid, making it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. Overall, I expected more from a butterfly conservatory and would not recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 1 star:
My visit to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory was a complete letdown. The facility was overcrowded, and it took away from the peaceful experience I had hoped for. The pathways were narrow, making it difficult to move around without bumping into other visitors. It felt more like a tourist trap than a serene place to observe butterflies. The lack of proper ventilation also made the air stale and stuffy. I couldn't help but feel disappointed and regretful of having wasted my time and money on this attraction.
3. Rebecca - 2 stars:
I had high hopes for the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, but it fell short of my expectations. The variety of butterflies was limited, and I was hoping to see more exotic species. The lighting inside the conservatory was also quite dim, which made it hard to appreciate the vibrant colors of the butterflies. Additionally, the gift shop was overpriced, and the staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful. Overall, I believe there are better butterfly conservatories to visit that provide a more enjoyable and educational experience.