Plan your Visit to the Butterfly Garden
Directions
To reach the garden, follow Route 102 on Mount Desert Island through the town of Somesville towards Southwest Harbor. From the Somesville traffic light it is approximately 5.1 miles to the park. Look for the Charlotte Rhoades Park entrance sign on your left shortly after you pass over the causeway in Southwest Harbor, turn into the parking lot. (Click here for directions).
Address: 191 Main Street, Southwest Harbor, Maine 04679
Island Explorer Bus: Enjoy a car-free vacation! From late June to mid-October, the Island Explorer Bus makes daily trips to Southwest Harbor from Bar Harbor. The Southwest Harbor bus operates every 60 minutes. A limited number of daily trips are offered in the fall. Visit the Island Explorer website for routes and timetables.
FAQs
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There is an information box at the entrance to the garden with brochures and other helpful materials. From mid-April to mid-October, volunteers are on site each Thursday morning (weather permitting) from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM to share information about the garden and butterfly activity. As you explore the garden, you will find signs with information on plants and butterflies.
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The path through the garden is approximately four feet wide. The surface is compacted crushed rock which is reasonably easy to navigate for a wheelchair user who has pneumatic tires on their chair. If using a wheelchair with solid narrow tires assistance would be helpful as there is some loose gravel along the trail. The grassy area along side of the garden is fairly level. The gravel parking lot has a slight grade but is manageable for wheelchair users.
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The suggested donation for a visit is $5.00 per family. A donation box is located at the entrance to the garden.
Donations on site may be made by cash or check, Venmo, or Apple Pay. As an alternative, visitors could donate by credit card through PayPal using the website.
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We love pets, however we have a "No Pets” policy at the park.
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Many visitors enjoy a picnic lunch at the park. The view is spectacular and there are picnic tables available. We do ask that you please take your trash out with you. Alcohol is not allowed at Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden.
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Parking is generally available in the parking lot. Overnight parking is not allowed.
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There is a restroom available when the Education Barn is open.
What People Are Saying
BEAUTIFUL
“For us it was just a 20 minute visit but it is a BEAUTIFUL garden right along the waters edge. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend a stop in to anyone.”
— Trip Advisor
PERFECT PLACE
“I made the trip with my daughter and it was amazing. The gardens are gorgeous, we saw so many butterflies and they have picnic tables and a small swing set overlooking the ocean.”
— Acadia Island Living
HIDDEN GEM!
“We never miss visiting these gorgeous gardens overlooking the water. They let you bring a picnic and just relax there. They have an annual butterfly release in July.”
— Yelp
