Magic Wings is a popular butterfly conservatory located in Massachusetts. It is home to more than 3,000 species of butterflies and other tropical insects. The conservatory offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Upon entering Magic Wings, visitors are greeted by a lush tropical rainforest environment. This environment is carefully designed to mimic the natural habitat of butterflies and create the perfect conditions for their survival and growth. The conservatory is divided into several different sections, each housing a different species of butterfly.
Magic wings massachusetts
Address:
281 Greenfield Rd
South Deerfield, MA
Hours:
Winter
9 am - 5 pm Sun - Sat Summer
9 am - 6 pm Sun - Sat
The day I wore my magic wings
by Jason Butynski
When I first heard that I was being sent to report on a �butterfly conservatory,� I said what most guys like myself would say in a similar situation: �Damn!� I am a guy who likes sitting around in his boxers and white T-shirt, drinking beers and watching football. I don't do butterflies.
My roommates summed up my feelings, �Are you going to wear a dress to the butterfly place?�
I eventually gathered my strength (which did not include any whiskey) and my girlfriend, Ashley, and went to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory, in South Deerfield. Three hours later, although I would never tell my roommates for fear of the ensuing harassment and beatings, I was looking for an excuse to go back.
The garden, named the Francis R. Redmond Conservatory, for the owner of the Candlelight Restaurant which was previously located on the site, was opened in October of 2000 and was recently doubled in size from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet. As you step through the door into the conservatory you are immediately smacked in the face with hot, humid air. Tall trees and massive bushes engulf the walking path and make you think you have entered a rainforest.
And there are butterflies everywhere. Over 3,000 native and tropical butterflies inhabit the conservatory. The Piano Key, the Blue and Gray Cracker, Zebra Longwing, and numerous types of Swallowtails, are only a few of the 50 varieties of butterflies found flying around the garden.
Both Ashley and I had to duck some of the larger ones. Some were bigger than my head, and I have a pretty large dome-piece. It was like bats flying around only more colorful. Luckily there were only a few big ones and they were pretty much in one place.
We were both hoping a normal-sized butterfly would land on us, and fortunately for me one landed on my head. The butterfly, coincidentally called a Tailed Jay, stayed on my head for about 5 minutes before it flew away. When it did I wept like a little girl.
I overheard the flight attendants, which is what the conservatory's staff are called, explain that butterflies don't always land on everybody, which made my experience that much sweeter. One way to attract butterflies to yourself is by wearing bright colors; you shouldn't overdress though, since it stays a constant 80 degrees inside, which feels more like 180.
Adding color to the already vibrant room is a waterfall and heart-shaped pond filled with Japanese carp, known as Koi. These large orange fish can be viewed as you cross a small bridge in the middle of the garden. Beautiful Butterfly Bushes and purple Echinacea are just a few of the many flowers that make this one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen.
One thing I could have done without is the baby quails, which are allowed to roam freely throughout the garden. I found these brand-new additions to be quite annoying because I always had to watch where I was stepping. The last thing I wanted to do was squish a freakin' quail.
I actually learned a lot about butterflies while I was there. A map on one of the walls shows where all the butterflies are from, and to my surprise, none are from Africa. The majority of butterflies in the exhibit are from South America. There is also a cocoon hatchery where people can watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons. There is a giant box that has hundreds of cocoons in it. Here I saw some butterflies work their way out of their cocoons, which is something I don't think I would ever see in the wild. From here they are released into the exhibit.
I exited through a gift shop, which wasn't too expensive. I even bought the book called, �The Hungry Little Caterpillar.� A garden shop has many of the plants that attract butterflies for sale.
There is also a little snack shop. Another garden is located outside in the summer months. It is full of native plants that attract butterflies, but I felt that once I had seen the conservatory, the last thing I needed was to go sit in an outside garden.
Aside from the conservatory, there are plenty of other activities at Magic Wings. A foyer in the middle of the garden hosts weddings and children's birthday parties. One of the other great things about Magic Wings is that they encourage photographers. They will even set up specific times after closing for photographers to come in alone. Of course, like a moron, I forgot my camera at home.
My trip to see butterflies wasn't so bad after all. I went in dreading the thought of spending an afternoon with butterfly-lovers and ended up enjoying a quiet walk around the conservatory. I even got that excuse I was looking for: Ashley and I are taking her little sister to visit soon.
Although I will always love watching sports and drinking beers, after getting in touch with my feminine side for an afternoon, I may mix in a soap opera and glass of wine.
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory Massachussets
Sometimes, you just need to get away. With multiple projects around the house, writing a book, and pending company coming, I was feeling overwhelmed, and needed a break. What better way to clear my head and find calm for my frazzled soul than the quiet, gentle presence of thousands of butterflies? My husband and I hopped in the car and made our way to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in Massachusetts.
A friend had given a glowing review of the place and said the butterflies had landed on their children. One was really happy it happened, and the other was freaked out! I couldn’t wait to have a butterfly land on me! I wasn’t expecting anything when we walked in, but I was surprised, before we ever got to the butterflies, there were a plethora of other creatures waiting for us. The first creature I saw were these ginormous (yes, I made that word up) Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches!
BaldHiker Social WalksThese looked like the exact same cockroaches I grew up dreading in Florida. It didn’t matter how clean your house was, if your windows were open at night, they would find their way in, and since they fly, if your head wasn’t covered, they would land right on your face! I stayed long enough to take a picture, but I moved along rather quickly to the utterly charming frogs.
Just before leaving the frog area, my eye caught sight of another eye, attached to some creepy-looking thing, hanging upside-down on an aquarium. I stood looking at this odd creature for a while, but it didn’t blink or move. I learned that it stays this way for hours, and even though its eyes remain closed, it is keenly aware of its surroundings, scanning for prey. Typically, it flattens itself into the bark of a tree or hides in the shadows for safety. I figured I wouldn’t see it move, so I moved along.
Just as we were entering the butterfly pavilion, I noticed a large enclosure filled with my favorite butterflies, Monarchs. Growing up in Nebraska, these were abundant. This enclosure fascinated me.
Arriving inside the pavilion, I was astounded by the number of butterflies dipping, swirling and gliding overhead and around us! We were met by a gentle-speaking guide who told us to be aware of where we step, as butterflies could be sitting on the ground, and we wouldn’t want to step on one. Yes, there were a few on the path before us. The humid environment was a welcome relief for the chilly, windy day outside, and the butterflies obviously were thriving. The guide told us the butterflies only lived about six weeks, and we needed to be careful not to decrease that time by catching them or trying to touch them. We could, however, allow them to land on us if we were very still. I wanted this more than anything, so I froze in place. I realized this wasn’t the best plan rather quickly as more people were coming in the door, and I had frozen in place at the pavilion entrance. I moved along. To my right, I was thrilled to see we weren’t only going to see butterflies in the pavilion. I saw Humphina, a 24-year-old tortoise, taking a stroll across her enclosure, and I watched as she shuffled along, much faster than I thought a tortoise could move!
I also got to meet Lola, a walking stick. She wrapped her little claw (?) around my pinky quite tightly. She was much larger than I expected for something called an “insect.” Once the handler took her back, she said to the other handler in the area, “I’m so glad Lola hasn’t gotten aggressive with anyone today.” Um, what? Haha
We were also fascinated by the large goldfish in the stream running through the pavilion. We listened to the waterfall, watched as the butterflies lazily swooped through, and gazed at the two fish as they looped back and forth through the clear water. My husband wondered if they would taste good. Maybe it was time to feed him.
As we strolled slowly through the pavilion, we spotted many different butterflies. No matter how many times I tried to stand still and quiet, I couldn’t get any to land on me.
It was only at the very end, as we were getting ready to leave (yes, so I could feed my husband), that I was able to finally be still enough, so a butterfly landed on my arm. We had been in the pavilion for over two hours, and I guess it took that long for my brain and body to stop vibrating at such a high frequency that the butterflies could feel my calm.
We all need such a break. I wish you could visit Magic Wings. It’s Magic.
Escape the Cold at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield
During this time of year, in the middle of winter in New England, the cold can start to get to me a little bit. When that happens, I like to escape to an oasis from the cold in South Deerfield, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. The conservatory is 8,000 square-feet and houses nearly 4,000 exotic and domestic butterflies. The butterflies can flutter among various tropical plants and flowers and small ponds which hold Japanese Carp, or Koi fish. If you’re lucky, a butterfly might even land on you! The best part is: they keep the conservatory at tropical temperatures, so you can enjoy the warmth, even when it’s wintry weather outside.
Magic Wings also has a gift shop to purchase some butterfly souvenirs, outdoor gardens for the warmer weather, and a food court. They offer the option to host events in their facilities, as well, such as weddings, birthday parties, meetings, or other private parties.
Magic Wings is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost of admission is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 17. They also offer discounts for seniors and students. So if you need an escape from winter without taking a flight, just drive to Magic Wings in South Deerfield.
Click here to check out their website.
- South Deerfield
- Magic Wings
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Things to Do in Western Mass
The conservatory is divided into several different sections, each housing a different species of butterfly. The colorful and delicate butterflies flit around freely, landing on flowers and plants, and sometimes even on visitors themselves. It is truly a beautiful sight to behold and a magical experience to be so close to these magnificent creatures.
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In addition to butterflies, Magic Wings also houses other tropical insects, such as beetles, stick insects, and praying mantises. Visitors can learn about the different species and their unique characteristics through informative displays and signage throughout the conservatory. One of the highlights of a visit to Magic Wings is the butterfly release. Visitors have the opportunity to release a butterfly into the conservatory and watch it take flight. This interactive and memorable experience allows visitors to feel a deeper connection with these delicate creatures and appreciate their beauty and importance in the natural world. Magic Wings is not only a place for leisure and enjoyment but also serves as an educational center. The conservatory offers educational programs and workshops for schools, families, and individuals interested in learning more about butterflies and their conservation. These programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting butterfly habitats and preventing their decline. Overall, Magic Wings in Massachusetts is a haven for butterfly enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its breathtaking beauty, educational value, and interactive experiences make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to witness the wonder of butterflies up close..
Reviews for "Awaken Your Senses at Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in Massachusetts"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my experience at Magic Wings Massachusetts. The place was overcrowded and the butterflies seemed really stressed out. It was hard to really enjoy the beauty of the butterflies when they were flying frantically around, trying to escape from all the people. Additionally, the entrance fee was quite high for what you actually get to see and do. Overall, I wouldn't recommend visiting this butterfly conservatory.
2. David - 1 star - I had high expectations for Magic Wings Massachusetts, but unfortunately, it fell short. The facility was not well-maintained, with dead butterflies lying on the ground and dirty windows. The staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful. The whole experience felt rushed, as if they were just trying to get as many people in and out as quickly as possible. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I won't be returning.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I visited Magic Wings Massachusetts with my kids and we were all left disappointed. The butterfly conservatory was too hot and humid, making it uncomfortable to walk around for an extended period of time. The exhibits were not well-labeled or explained, so we didn't really learn much about butterflies. The gift shop was also overpriced and lacked variety. It's a shame because my kids were excited to visit, but it ended up being a forgettable experience. I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 1 star - Magic Wings Massachusetts was a complete letdown. The butterflies were barely visible, as they were hiding in the corners and camouflaged within the foliage. It was a struggle to find any butterflies and the whole experience felt like a huge waste of time and money. The lack of maintenance and cleanliness added to the disappointment. I expected a vibrant and educational experience, but I left feeling underwhelmed and cheated. Save your money and visit a better butterfly conservatory.