Planning on visiting the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium during the Western Montana Fair? As this is our first fair in our new facility, we’re changing how we usually operate to accommodate the anticipated crowds. Read on to learn more about what to expect, where to purchase tickets, and adjusted fair hours!
Hours
Tickets
The Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium will adjust operating hours to accommodate the Western Montana Fair Schedule.
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Normal Operating Hours)
ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED (MEMBERS INCLUDED). WALK-INS ARE NOT AVAILABLE THIS WEEK.
Tickets are valid for 1-hour timeslots and include entry to both the Butterfly House and Insectarium. Tickets are only valid during the window of time for which they were purchased. Early entry and late exit are not permitted.
Daily Timeslots:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
6:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Free Events
Come by the G.W. Marks Exploration Center to see some of the free activities MBHI will offer during the fair!
PLEASE NOTE: These activities will occur in the MBHI Classroom and the Balsamroot Room of the G.W. Marks Exploration Center; they do not grant access to the Butterfly House and Insectarium.
Join us in the Balsamroot Room at the G.W. Marks Exploration Center for an exciting look at how our predatory bug ambassadors consume their prey. This event is first-come first-served.
Tuesday, August 6th: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM
Wednesday, August 7th: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM
Friday, August 9th: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM
Join us in the MBHI Classroom in the G.W. Marks Exploration Center for Lil’ Bugs Story Time! We will read a short story, meet our friendly Bug Ambassadors, and do a bug-related craft! This event is first-come, first-served.
Thursday, August 8th: 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM
Book: Good Trick Walking Stick by Sheri M. Bestor
Saturday, August 10th: 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM
Book: I’m Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton
Parking
PUBLIC PARKING LOT
The entrances for public parking are located on the southeast side of Russell St. and on Stephen’s Ave. Handicap parking is accessed on Stephens Ave. at the Gerald W. Marks Exploration Center and Rocky Mountain Gardens. There is no entry from South Ave.
PARKING HOURS
The Russell Street public parking lot opens at 7:30 a.m. daily under the stewardship of the Kiwanis Club of Missoula.
$10 PARKING FEE – CASH ONLY
A parking fee of $10 is collected at all gates to public parking lots. Only cash is accepted.