Cockrell Butterfly Center in Houston
While in Houston last weekend, we visited the marvelous Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
We enjoyed a fun, interactive exhibit about insects (not just butterflies), looked at displays of preserved specimens and live creepy-crawlies, and gazed through a protective, see-through case to watch newborn butterflies emerging from their chrysalises.
But the best part is the three-story glass building that houses a simulated rainforest and hundreds of live butterflies fluttering all around you. Everywhere you look you see them, and if you’re lucky they may even land on you for a few minutes.
Monarchs were hanging from branches like autumn leaves.
The rice paper butterfly was one of the largest I saw.
These butterflies were busy making caterpillars…
…which will ultimately end up pupating in here, I expect. As you examined the chrysalises, marveling over the different shapes and colors, you’d see one or two wiggle, showing that their occupants were almost ready to emerge. We saw two butterflies emerge, wet and wrinkled, before our eyes.
It was our third or fourth visit to the Cockrell Butterfly Center and still as interesting and entertaining as ever.
Driving down Kirby, I had to stop and take a picture of Goode Co. Bar-B-Q’s Texas-centric sign. I’ve lived in five states and visited many others, but I’ve never seen one that brags on itself like Texas. Some people may think it off-putting, but I find it charming, like the roguish but fun-loving character of Jack in Sideways. I can’t resist the appeal of a place where people are just so damn happy to be there and to share their good fortune with you.
And the barbeque is really good too.
All material © 2006-2009 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
I just love butterfly centers. Maybe one day they will open one closer to us.
In the meantime, I’m sure your beautiful garden is attracting plenty of butterflies in your own back yard, Randy. —Pam
Those are some great shots of butterflies.
And, I love that sign. Being a native Texan, I couldn’t agree with it more. ‘It ain’t braggin’, if it’s true.’
Another great Texas saying, Linda. I’d forgotten that one. —Pam
The butterflies are gorgeous and I imagine the Bar-B-Que is wonderful!!
We had a fun day seeing and tasting, Janet. —Pam
Pam: It is always a JOY to tour a butterfly conservatory! We have one close by in Niagara Falls..I’ve toured this twice and each time I see different varieties that leave me breathless because of heir beauty!
Yours that you share are gorgeous! i love Texas..pass by every winter on route to Arizona.
Ah, lucky you to enjoy the cool of a northern summer and the warmth of a southern winter! I’m glad you enjoy Texas too on your way through. —Pam
I understand your delight with each visit to the butterfly exhibit. Butterflies are entertaining and if they have other bugs too. Well, that is a bonus. A delicious barbq meal after a tour sounds good.
Goode Co. is absolutely delicious, Lisa. Mmm. —Pam
My niece would be in heaven at the butterfly exhibit it’s great to know such a place exists! Texas certainly inspires strong feelings in people, one way or the other. My only experience is in San Antonio, which I enjoyed completely. Others I’ve know that have visited Dallas and Houston haven’t said such nice things. Guess I will just have to see for myself someday!
There are good things to find in every place. You just have to know where to look. We always enjoy visiting the central loop of Houston, particularly the live-oak shaded area around Rice University and the museum district, which is where the butterfly center is located. We like the San Antonio zoo and public gardens in the old part of town, plus the missions. I haven’t found the cool places in Dallas yet, but I’m sure they’re there! Of course, Austin is the best city in Texas, and I hope you’ll come visit one day, Loree. —Pam
Great photos and great subjects, too. I’m sure the kids loved it. I’ll have to remember that for a future trip to Houston since I didn’t even know about it. Thanks!
Diana, right now the Natural Science museum has not only the Butterfly Center but a touring exhibit of the Chinese terracotta soldiers. Plus the Houston Children’s Museum is first-rate. There’s always a lot to see in the museum district. —Pam
The museum district is a wonderous place to go… They’ve just redone the children’s museum and it’s even better than it was before. Oh, and the zoo pays attention to what kinds of plants are planted with which animal displays. If you like plants more than the animals, it’s still worth a tour.
I didn’t know they’d redone the children’s museum, Nancy. Thanks for letting me know about that, and for reminding me to see the zoo again. —Pam
Oh my! I would love to visit that butterfly center.
It’s definitely worth a visit, Keewee. —Pam
That place sound really cool. It is cool how close you can get to all of the Butterflys and the cacoons.
Jake
It’s an amazing place! —Pam
Stunning photography. it is nice to know of somewhere else to visit when in Houston. Is it permanent and visitable at al times of the year?
Yes, it is, Jenny. —Pam
Hi Pam, what a place that is, the butterfly house I mean. Of all the ones I have been to, Houston’s is the best, with that tall space and winding paths. Pure D magic! That is so funny about Texas loving itself so. You can buy everything in the world shaped like the state. We did succumb and bought a Texas shaped stepping stone. Left it with the house when we said goodby to Texas though. 🙂
Frances
Love that Goode barbecue.