Fort Collins' 12-acre botanic garden, with a Butterfly House of 400 to 600 free-flying North American butterflies and moths included in admission, a paved, wheelchair accessible main loop, and an Ability Pass for visitors with physical and developmental disabilities, with free admission for caregivers.
Know before you go. The Gardens doesn't list sensory hours or a quiet room. Here's what it does say about the butterflies, the waits, the paths and the rules.
Hours
Winter hours: 10 am to 4 pm every day but Thursday, when The Gardens is closed. During Garden of Lights in December, daytime visits are 1 to 4 pm. The last general admission entry is 30 minutes before close. Closed July 4, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
“Listen to the hypnotic sounds of fluttering while you explore our tropical oasis.”
The Butterfly House has “400–600 free-flying North American butterflies and moths.”
“When you arrive, please check in at Guest Services to reserve your entry time. Timed entry to the Butterfly House is scheduled approximately every 15 minutes, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing (subject to change for evening events).”
“Butterfly House entry tickets are obtained upon arrival at The Gardens on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be reserved in advance.” gosc.ticketapp.org
“Our main interior loop (0.55 mile) is paved and wheelchair accessible, and all other pathways are graded for strollers and mobility devices.”
The Fragrance Garden “showcases fragrant flowers or foliage whose scent may be stronger in the morning, during the heat of the day or in the evening.” “Some of the plants may require you to get very close to detect the scent, while others may be picked up as you enter.”
“Stay on paths and lawns, and avoid climbing structures.” “Children must be supervised at all times.”
“The Visitor Center includes men’s, women’s, and a companion-care all-user restroom, plus a water fountain and bottle-filling station.”
The Butterfly House is inside the Visitor Center, along with the restrooms and the gift shop.
Garden of Lights evenings have their own guide, linked below.
Winter admission is reduced: adults $6.50; adults 65+ and military, children 2 to 17 and students with ID $5.50; SNAP/EBT $1.00 (bought on site); members free. It includes the Butterfly House. You can reserve an admission time ahead, but it isn't required.
The Ability Pass gives discounted admission with free admission for caregivers. If you're eligible for an accessibility program, buy tickets by phone at 970-416-2486.
Butterfly House entry is timed about every 15 minutes. Times are handed out at Guest Services when you arrive, first come, first served, and can't be reserved ahead; the last entry is 30 minutes before closing (subject to change for evening events).
Free parking is in the lot off Centre Avenue and along Botanical Lane. There is a drop-off area in front of the main entrance and four accessible parking spaces nearest it. The Gardens is next to a bus stop and the MAX line.
The main entrance and exit doors have push-button activation. One manual wheelchair can be checked out free, first come, first served, for use on site.
The Visitor Center has men's, women's and a companion-care all-user restroom, plus a water fountain and bottle-filling station. A private room for nursing is available; ask at the front desk.
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks for picnics during regular hours; outside alcohol and grilling are not permitted. Lunch spaces are all outdoor, and covered shelters are first come, first served or can be rented for a fee.
Only trained service animals are allowed inside The Gardens and the Butterfly House. Emotional support, therapy and comfort animals are not allowed on the grounds.
Children must be supervised at all times, and children under 14 must be with a parent or guardian unless signed into a Gardens program. Bicycles aren't permitted inside The Gardens.
