Welcome to the Garden!
Stroll through the garden or sit and observe the butterfly activity that varies from day to day. Make the most of your day trip to Mount Desert Island with everything you need to know.
Open to the public daily mid-May to mid-October from dawn to dusk.
Located on Norwood Cove, Southwest Harbor, Maine
“Talk about a hidden gem for people of all ages! This magnificently maintained spot is full of butterflies and beautiful plants and flowers. Really a wondrous place for everyone.”
TripAdvisor, Jennifer M, Chicago, IL
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![Black Swallowtail Butterfly on pink flower]()
Butterfly Species
Learn about the butterflies that live at Charlotte Rhoades Park and how to identify them. Learn more >>
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School Field Trips
Plan a September 2025 field trip for your classroom. Students will become butterfly detectives. Schedule >>
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Plant Database
You will find both perennial and annual species of plants growing in the garden. Coming soon…
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![Volunteer Gardeners in purple shirts and hats tend to the gardens at Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden]()
Become a Volunteer
The gardens are maintained by volunteer docents, gardeners, and educators. Get involved >>
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Life Cycle of Butterflies
Butterflies have a “complete” life cycle which includes four stages, this is called metamorphosis. Read more >>
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Monarch Tagging
Each fall the docents and volunteers will tag hundreds of Monarchs prior to migration. Read more >>
Junior Naturalist Program
Join our docents in observation and hands-on activities involving butterflies, caterpillars, plants, and wildlife at the Park.
Every Friday in July and August, 2025
10am - 11am
Ages 6-11 yrs. old
Free to participate
Story Hour 2025
Join our volunteer readers for Story Hour in the Barn to hear stories about the natural world.
Every Tuesday in July and August
10am - 11am
Ages 3-5 yrs. old
Free to attend
Become a Volunteer!
Volunteers work throughout the season with all ages sharing information about butterflies and their habitat. Volunteers can gain a wealth of information and experience working with other gardeners which they can apply to maintaining their own gardens.
The mission of the Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden is to actively promote conservation and organic gardening education to children and adults alike, and to serve as a haven for Monarch butterflies to breed and sustain their fall migration.
Visit the Garden
Stroll through the garden or sit and observe the butterfly activity that varies from day to day. Make the most of your day trip to Mount Desert Island with everything you need to know.
Sponsorship & Support
The Butterfly Garden is a nonprofit organization supported by donations of volunteer time, in-kind services, and monetary gifts. Your support on any level is so important to us. Learn more about what your donations enable us to do.
Plan a Group Event
The park is available for weddings and special gatherings mid-June to early-October with advance application and permission. Read more about Special Gatherings and get started planning a group event.
