Branson Vacation Part 2

Butterfly Palace and Rainforest

On one of our excursions, Patsy and I went to the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest. (If you look closely at the picture you can see three huge metal butterflies.) It was a beautiful building that was three levels high. The top level housed the butterflies, the second level the rainforest exhibit, and the lower level the gift shop. The exhibit proceeding in three steps.

Step One - Introduction

Included a short film (like the Omni in 3-D) on the life of a butterfly. It was so cool. We had some children in our group that totally had fun. In one part of the film butterflies appeared to fly from the screen and into the audience. The children would put out their hands to catch the butterflies! We then received specific intructions on behavior and safety for the butterflies before went went through the doors. We had to go into a holding area first, then proceed into the butterfly sanctuary. We had to insure that the butterflies did not get loose.

Step Two - Butterfly Sancutary

In this area you could experience beautiful flora, birds and butterflies. The flowers, of course, caught my attention. Some of the flowers I had never seen.

You also saw beautiful and so, so, cute birds. One bird ran around on the ground and amongst the flower beds and it was so tempting to pick them up and cuddle them. They ranged from brown speckled to white. I was told that we didn't dare pick them up because as a defense the little birds would drop all of their feathers! The birds would grow their feathers back; however, they didn't want a bunch of naked birds running around.

Then of course all of the beautiful butterflies. I know Patsy got tired of waiting for me as I waited for the perfect moment to snap my camera. (Thanks for the camera Danell!) The butterflies ranged in all sizes and colors. My favorite was the green patched butterfly.

Step 3 - Tropical Rainforest

I will have to admit that this was not very impressive. The reptiles where in glass cases rather than out in an open rainforest area. However, the reptiles were pretty cool looking. Especially the one that was a long salamander/lizard type with an extraordinary flat tail.

I am glad that we visited this place. However, I must admit that I like butterflies, flowers, and creatures. It is a great place for kids to visit and enjoy nature up close and personal.

Auntie Phiss