There are a lot of living creatures to appreciate here in Maine, but there’s one that really only gets the spotlight for a short part of the year. In the spring and summertime, butterflies make their way to Maine gardens — and it’s a beautiful sight to see. While there are estimated to be between 15,000 and 20,000 different species of butterflies, most people only get to see a fraction of that amount. While that’s certainly unfortunate, we’re just happy for the ones we can see. And one of the best places to enjoy the butterflies is this park in Downeast Maine!
To spot some truly beautiful butterflies, make your way to Downeast Maine where you’ll find Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden in Southwest Harbor.
Phil Wolf / Google
The park officially opened in 1998, but its history and story go back much longer.
Robert Luce / Google
The park was named for Southwest Harbor local Charlotte Rhoades, who owned the land in the 1950s. In 1978, the land was given over to the town for the creation of a children’s park.
Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook
Over time, the park became a beloved fixture of the community, and in 1998, the butterfly garden officially opened!
Ryan Curtis / Google
The park and garden work to educate visitors on conservation, while also providing hands-on instruction for various gardening activities. Through their conservation efforts, the garden has been curated in a way that specifically caters to butterflies, attracting them from all over!
Jacqueline Scarlett / Google
Volunteers work here even when the park is closed to ensure that every carefully placed plant and flower is growing strong. This is what draws the butterflies.
Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook
In addition to offering a butterfly habitat, the garden is a full celebration of all things butterfly! The beds of each garden are designed to look like butterfly wings, and each plant is considered a “butterfly host.”
Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook
Visitors are encouraged to wander through the gardens, following the carefully constructed paths. This is the best way to see each butterfly and which plant it’s attracted to.
Jacqueline Scarlett / Google
The Charlotte Rhoads Part and Butterfly Garden is a wonderful way to appreciate the outdoor landscape of Downeast Maine, but it’s also a great place for education. Throughout the year, they offer classes and instructional opportunities for those wishing to learn more about horticulture.
elliot hazzard / Google
Visiting is also an interactive experience – especially if you visit on one particular day in the summer. In the past, the garden has hosted an annual butterfly release and this year should be no different. Ticket prices allow for the release of one butterfly and the proceeds go towards keeping the park thriving.
Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook
The event is scheduled to take place in late July 2021, but be sure to check out their website (linked below) to keep current.
Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook
If you can’t attend the butterfly release event, you can definitely visit any other day. Each plant and flower entices butterflies to come visit, and there’s truly nothing else like it!
Jacqueline Scarlett / Google
Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden is open seasonally from mid-May to mid-October, sunrise to sunset. You can learn more about the history of the butterfly garden in Maine, and hours and upcoming events, by checking out their website or following them on Facebook.
Phil Wolf / Google
Robert Luce / Google
Rhoades Butterfly Garden / Facebook
Ryan Curtis / Google
Jacqueline Scarlett / Google
elliot hazzard / Google
Not far from this beauty is another spectacular nature spot to enjoy. When you’re in the area wander through the magical, otherworldly Asticou Azalea Garden in Maine.
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Address: Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park, 191 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
