June 14, 2018

This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

Visit the ocean or flock with the butterflies for half-price every day at the Butterfly House & Aquarium thanks to an enhanced benefit for GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness members.

Members now receive half-off regular admission daily as well as 25 percent off an annual membership.

Once inside, you’ll discover an aquarium with 13 salt water exhibits, including two touch pools, a tropical paradise with up to 1,000 butterflies and button quail, and a Discovery Den filled with interactive and educational exhibits for all ages.

“Our exhibits are constantly changing as we add new animals and corals to the aquariums, and there are different flowers blooming and new butterflies in the Butterfly House all of the time,” marketing coordinator Lindsey Barwald said.

“People are filled with wonder and amazement when they come through our doors. They feel completely immersed and connected with the tropics and the ocean when they explore our facility.”

The Discovery Den has been completely renovated since the fall, including an interactive butterfly life cycle display.

Most recently the South Dakota Seas exhibit added a life-size replica of a colossal sea turtle, which used to live in South Dakota.

“As we continue to grow, we are reaching more and more people. Forty percent of our visitors come from outside of the Sioux Falls area,” Barwald said.

“There are still plenty of area residents who have not been in since we added the aquariums in 2011, and we encourage them to come and check out South Dakota’s only public aquarium. As we are always adding new elements to our exhibits, they look different from week to week, so there is always something new to discover at the Butterfly House & Aquarium.”

Summer is great time to take a trip there. Story times will be held June 29, July 13 and Aug. 17. Junior biologist and aquarist camps also are scheduled.

There’s plenty to delight adults too.

“We have many adults who come in and just sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the Butterfly House and the aquariums. The adults get just as excited to touch the animals in a stingray touch pool and our tidal touch pool, or if a butterfly lands on them,” Barwald said.

On Aug. 9, the facility is open late for its quarterly member appreciation night, and the fall will bring Kid-Venture classes, Riedel wine tastings and Spooky Seas events.

“As a nonprofit attraction, we truly appreciate the support from local businesses and community members that we receive,” Barwald said. “As we do not receive any funding from the city, state or Sertoma Club, we rely on admissions, memberships, gift shop sales and donations to fund our operations and continue to grow into an even larger asset for the Sioux Falls community.”

The Butterfly House & Aquarium is at 4320 S. Oxbow Ave. in Sertoma Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.