Butterfly Gardens in Tennessee Can Make a Family Vacation Special

Have you thought about visiting butterfly gardens in Tennessee on your next vacation? Butterflies seem to dance upon the air. The small delicate beings add color and interest wherever they are. Children and adults often enjoy watching the small bursts of color as they go about their work.

Special rules apply when visiting butterfly gardens. No matter where one lands upon you it is very important not to touch the wings. Butterflies have exoskeletons and touching can hurt them. Tell a staff person if you see someone intentionally touch or rub the wings. They can take the person aside and explain the rules.

Butterflies can be found flying through the air in the butterfly garden. They may land on brightly colored flowers, shirts or hats. Another good place to look for them is at feeders or water sources.

Indoor or enclosed butterfly gardens may contain species that are not native to the area. It's always important to check yourself before leaving the garden. Sometimes butterflies like to hitch rides to other places. Tall mirrors are usually provided near the exit. It only takes a few second to check yourself for butterflies.

The following is a list of some of the butterfly gardens in Tennessee. Days, hours and costs can and do change without notice. Please verify with each location prior to arriving.

Chattanooga
Tennessee Aquarium
One Broad Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Phone: 800-262-0695
http://www.tnaqua.org/Animals/butterflies.asp

One of my favorite gardens in Tennessee is in the Chattanooga Aquarium. It takes up almost half of the top floor of the newer building. (If you are facing both buildings this is the one on the right.) Park in the pay lot to the left of the Aquarium or park at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo and use the free downtown shuttle.

Tennessee River Gardens & Nature Preserve
22573 Highway 41
Chattanooga, TN 37419
Phone: 423-821-7341
http://www.rivergardens.org

Looking over the city of Chattanooga is this Lookout Mountain butterfly garden. An enclosed pavilion is where many butterflies call home. Outdoors varieties are attracted to the wildflower trails. Groups should prearrange visits.

Memphis
Memphis Zoo Butterfly Garden
2000 Prentiss Place
Memphis, TN 38112 901-276-WILD
http://www.memphiszoo.org
The large butterfly exhibit has been removed. In its place is a small outdoor garden. The bushes and flowers that are planted here are designed to attract butterflies.

Tennessee Aquarium - http://www.tnaqua.org/Animals/butterflies.asp
Tennessee River Gardens - http://www.rivergardens.org
USA Today - http://traveltips.usatoday.com/butterfly-gardens-tennessee-10524.html
Memphis Zoo - http://www.memphiszoo.org