G.T. Butterfly House & Bug Zoo

05/31/2025

Our PINK katydids are growing fast! Learn about the rare genetic mutation and the studies we are doing with raising this stunning animal in Northern Michigan. We have two orange katydids too 🧡 Open Daily 10-4:30 for self-guided tours.

05/28/2025

Save the fireflies! Stop using chemicals on your lawn, you're also killing baby birds who eat the poisoned bugs. Ask your neighbors to help! It's not a sustainable practice--we are driving animals into extinction

Did you know? Fireflies aren’t flies at all: they're beetles! Of all of the insects in the world, fireflies are among the few to have evolved an extraordinary language of light. Many fireflies use a system of flashes in some of the same ways we use words: to attract, to say, “Here I am,” even to deceive. They emit light from a tiny organ, called a lantern, on the underside of their abdomen, where a biochemical reaction takes place within specialized cells called photocytes. The reaction releases energy in the form of light.

Photo: Jessica Lucia, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, flickr

05/26/2025

Memorial Day--Our thoughts and prayers are with veterans and their families, as we remember those we've lost defending our nation. We are open today for self guided tours 10-4:30, and offer a discount to any past or present military service members EVERYDAY (Thank you Veterans!)

05/21/2025

We're hanging out this holiday weekend, waiting to make memories with you! Open this holiday weekend 10-4:30 for self-guided tours.

05/21/2025

Wings Up! We're proud to host school kids each day while they wrap up the school year in June. Thank you to all the bus drivers, parents and of course incredible teachers who make the effort to introduce kids to animals at the Zoo.

05/21/2025

Daisy saying hello! She's hanging with her tank mate Eddie to educate others about the special powers of axolotls. No wonder they're in Minecraft, they're amazing in real life!

05/15/2025

Celebrating our 11th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. We could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉 Engage, Educate Entertain

05/15/2025

Ready for a staring contest with your kids! The Iberian Ribbed Newt has powerful abilities to defend himself. Learn about Squiggy and all the amphibians on display, daily tours available! Open daily 10-4:30 for admission.

05/15/2025

Come make memories with us! Open daily for self-guided tours, 10-4:30. Share if you love butterflies!

05/11/2025

Happy Mother's Day to the amazing moms near and far. We invite you to make memories with your family and friends at the Zoo! Open daily for self-guided tours, 10-4:30.

05/10/2025

A cool video to check out!. Remember the honeybee observation hive in the Bug Zoo is a must see when visiting! We can help you find ways to help native bee populations too.

05/10/2025

Yeah, what Traverse City Tourism is saying!