Who would have thought bugs would be this popular?
Thousands of visitors have flocked to the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center in Westminster since it opened in July.
“We had 11,000 visitors through the facility the first 11 days we were open,” said associate director Deb Hruby.
The attraction, located on 104th Avenue east of U.S. 36, was projected to have 25,000 visitors during its first quarter of operation. It needs 100,000 visitors a year to break even.
The $3.5 million facility is one of only six in the United States. It features an artificial rain forest complete with more than 1,200 free-flying tropical butterflies and 18 glass terrariums displaying a variety of living insects from around the world.
Exhibit hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and Westminster residents, and $3.50 for children 6 through 12. Children under 6 will are admitted for free. Call 303-469-5441 for more information.