Butterfly House & Aquarium

Imagine an oasis of eternal summer tucked away in the heart of Sioux Falls. The Butterfly House & Aquarium (formerly known as Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove) is a unique combination of a tropical garden and a marine museum located in the USA. This destination invites guests to journey from lush jungles straight to mysterious ocean depths, all under one roof.

The core of the complex is an indoor conservatory where hundreds of vibrant tropical butterflies flutter freely among exotic plants. The second part, Marine Cove, introduces visitors to the amazing life of coral reefs and their inhabitants. The facility serves as an important educational platform, focusing on nature conservation and the study of wildlife life cycles.

Thanks to its high rating and location alongside the Great Plains Zoo, it has become one of the state's most popular family attractions. Here, you can not only see rare species of insects and fish but also feel the profound connection between humans and the natural world.

To confirm details before your visit or to book group tours, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that the facility is part of the Great Plains Zoo complex.

The highlight of the Butterfly House is a stroll through clouds of living winged flowers. Butterflies are everywhere here: they might land on juicy fruit, bright flowers, or even your shoulder. This is a wonderful opportunity for unique photos and observing how new individuals emerge in special incubators.

Moving into the Aquarium section, you will enter a world of silence and grace. Here you can see swift sharks, majestic rays, and schools of colorful tropical fish. Interactive touch tanks allow you to see marine life at arm's length, which is particularly thrilling for young explorers.

Beyond sightseeing, the complex offers a deep dive into ecology through educational programs. You will learn about insect migrations, the structure of coral reefs, and ocean protection measures. After your tour, you can relax in the neighboring park, which features playgrounds and spots for a peaceful outdoor picnic.

The easiest way to reach this slice of wildlife is by car. The complex is located in the southern part of the city at 4320 S Oxbow Ave. If you are driving from downtown, the trip will take about 15–20 minutes (approximately 10 km): head south on I-229 and S Minnesota Ave, then turn onto Oxbow Ave. Spacious free parking is available on the zoo grounds for visitors.

For those who prefer public transportation, Sioux Area Metro (SAM) buses stop near the zoo entrance. However, a more comfortable and faster option would be to call a taxi or use ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft. The ride from Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) takes about 20 minutes.

The history of this wonderful place began in the early 1990s as an initiative of the Sertoma Club—a non-profit organization dedicated to making community life in South Dakota more vibrant and engaging. Originally conceived as a tropical garden, the project quickly became a first-of-its-kind attraction in the region, joining forces with the local zoo.

A significant milestone in its development was the opening of the Marine Cove pavilion in the late 1990s. This allowed the institution to expand its educational mission, adding mysterious denizens of the ocean depths to the vibrant fluttering butterflies. Since then, the complex has operated as a unified space for studying the planet's biodiversity.

Today, the Butterfly House & Aquarium is not just an exhibition, but a modern conservation center. It actively works to inform visitors about the importance of protecting endangered species and maintaining the fragile balance of ecosystems in both tropical forests and the global ocean.

To see all the exhibits at a leisurely pace and soak in the tropical atmosphere, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your visit. This is usually enough time to spend about an hour in the butterfly pavilion and approximately 45 minutes in the aquarium area.

Families with children will likely want to stay longer to participate in interactive programs or study the information boards in detail. It is also worth leaving some time to relax in the adjacent park or buy souvenirs to remember your visit to this unique spot in Sioux Falls.

The Butterfly House & Aquarium welcomes guests daily, making it easy to include in any travel itinerary. The schedule is consistent throughout the week:

Monday — Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00.

Please note that entry closes some time before the official closing hour, so it is best to arrive early to ensure you can see both parts of the exhibition without rushing. Hours may vary on holidays, so it is recommended to check the official website before your trip.

A visit to the Butterfly House can easily be combined with walks through other interesting spots in the city. The surrounding area offers opportunities for both active recreation and quiet corners to explore the region's history, making your day as fulfilling as possible.