Do you know that there are a lot of living creatures to appreciate here in Maine, but there’s one that 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 Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden. If we’ve piqued your interest, read on to learn more about these beautiful butterfly gardens in 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
These botanical gardens in Maine made their debut in 1998, but their history and story go back much longer.
Robert Luce / Google
These now butterfly gardens in Maine were 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.
Over time, the park became a beloved fixture of the community, and in 1998, the butterfly garden officially opened.
Ryan Curtis / Google
Nowadays, these best gardens in Maine 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

Related Stories

The Northern Lights Might Be Visible From Maine This Year

The Northern Lights Might Be Visible From Maine This Year

 Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Maine

Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Fun In Maine

 Discover 6 Of Maine’s Most Iconic Views On This Epic 4.5-Hour Road Trip

Discover 6 Of Maine’s Most Iconic Views On This Epic 4.5-Hour Road Trip
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. Hence, it's understandable why this is the top place to go if you're in the area and wonder, "Where are the closest butterfly gardens near me?"
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, these botanical gardens in Maine 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 come 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
If you can’t attend the annual butterfly release event, you are welcome to visit any other day. Each plant and flower entice 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 these butterfly gardens in Maine, hours, and upcoming events on the Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden website.

Not far from this beauty is another spectacular nature spot to enjoy. Check out our coverage of Asticou Azalea Garden to learn why we think they’re also one of the best gardens in Maine. And, if you’d like to spend more time outdoors checking out butterflies and other wildlife, we suggest taking advantage of this AllTrails offer.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Butterfly Gardens in Maine

Marla S. | March 31, 2024

What are some of the best botanical gardens in Maine?

The following list highlights some of the best botanical gardens in Maine:

  • Viles Arboretum in Augusta: Take your family to this tranquil escape featuring over 200 acres of hikes, forest, fields, and stunning landscapes.
  • Hamilton House Grounds in South Berwick: Along with checking out the gardens at this historic home, take time to marvel at the water views of the Salmon Falls River.
  • McLaughlin Garden in South Paris: If you're a fan of irises, we suggest heading to this lovely garden during spring and summer to enjoy these flowers.
  • Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay: Enjoy epic coastal scenery when you visit these botanical gardens in Maine. These are also the largest gardens in New England.

 

For more ideas of where to visit, check out our Parks & Gardens in Maine guide.

What are some of the best parks in Maine?

Aside from Acadia National Park, here are some of the best parks in Maine:

  • Baxter State Park in Millinocket: Soak in water and mountain views when you explore this stunning park featuring numerous hiking trails.
  • Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle: This 800-acre state park was founded in 1938 and is the oldest in Maine.
  • Fort Knox State Park in Prospect: Unlike other parks in Maine, this historical park features the state's largest military fort.
  • Moose Point State Park in Searsport: This underrated state park, with calming water views, was opened in 1963.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Charlotte Rhoades Butterfly Park, 191 Main St, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA