FIELD TRIP: Get up close to butterflies at the Science Museum

Get up close, oh so very close, to butterflies at the Science Museum's latest exhibit. Painted ladies, monarchs and more. It's really amazing to observe so many in such a small area. I would plan to be in the exhibit room about 15 minutes - any more and it can be quite overwhelming, especially if there are many others in the room with you.

In addition to passing out q-tips sweetened with nectar, staff in the exhibit help folks understand the life cycle of butterflies.

We checked out the exhibit first, and then headed in to see the Imax show. I wasn't sure how the 2-year-old boy would do during the movie, but he loved it! He talked throughout the entire show in his baby language, amazed and exhilarated. It was simply adorable to observe!

We learned so very much about monarchs and their migration pattern in this film. I think it's a Must See for any Minnesotan as our state plays such an important role for these fragile creatures. Plus, we've all heard about monarchs since we were children, but who has seen the amazing place where these butterflies overwinter? The images are magnificent... Simply remarkable.

Take home a free package of flower seeds to provide more habitat for monarchs and butterflies!

Exploring monarch habitat at Lake Nokomis

With a butterfly book in hand, we set off to explore the monarch habitat carefully cultivated around Lake Nokomis. We didn't see any butterflies (it might have been a little early this year due to the late summer we're having), but it sure was cool to see all the plants the butterflies (and bees!) get nectar from.

Learning on site

The monarch habitat is on the northeast side of the lake. Be sure to check out the Monarch Festival held there each year on the Saturday after Labor Day. It's such a fun time!

Learning to ID butterfly-friendly plants - including milkweed!

Parts of the monarch habitat area are under water due to the flooding this year.

If you're by a lake, well, you'll need to go swimming in it!