Most of us know that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is an important migratory flyway for many species of birds. But there’s another famous migration that takes place in Minnesota every year. It’s much quieter, but just as beautiful. Millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the North Star State every spring. So, when can we expect the arrival of monarch butterflies in Minnesota? Read on to find out!

Monarch butterflies are beautiful insects that are famous for their cross-country migration every spring and fall.
Nic McPhee/Flickr
Are there monarch butterflies in Minnesota? Yes - they are Minnesota's state butterfly!
So, you're probably wondering, "When do monarch butterflies migrate to Minnesota?"
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Every spring, millions of monarch butterflies begin a migration from their wintering site in Mexico. They fly north into the United States and parts of Canada.
Along the way, butterflies lay their tiny eggs on milkweed plants.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
The eggs hatch, and monarch caterpillars begin to grow. In just a few weeks, the caterpillar becomes a butterfly!
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState

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These newborn butterflies continue the migration north. Several generations of monarchs are born and die during the migration.
USFWS Midwest Region/Facebook
The butterflies will thrive in southwestern Minnesota's prairies, where milkweed and other prairie flowers grow naturally.
USFWS Midwest Region/Facebook
You can also draw them into your backyard by planting milkweed.
USFWS Midwest Region/Facebook
This is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Minnesota.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
In just a few short weeks, these colorful insects will be ready to depart once again. Tens of millions of monarchs will fly out of Minnesota between July and October. They'll head back to their winter grounds in Mexico.
Those butterflies that make the journey will spend the winter in warm weather before continuing the cycle again next spring. The monarch butterfly migration brings beautiful insects to Minnesota every year!
Brett Whaley/Flickr

Have you ever spotted monarch butterflies in Minnesota? While these butterflies still arrive by the millions, their numbers are dwindling. For more information about the insects, check out the DNR monarch butterfly page. And for information about attracting the butterflies to your yard, check out the DNR’s butterfly garden page. You can find monarch butterfly garden kits on platforms like Etsy.

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