The Monarch Butterfly Festival at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the signature fall events in Wakulla County, and this year’s celebration will be held at the refuge on Saturday, October 27 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission is free for all ages, so start planning today!
Monarch butterflies make their way south
Every autumn, millions of monarch butterflies leave their summer homes in the north and travel southward in search of warmer winters. Due to its location on the Florida panhandle, Wakulla County is a hotspot for migrating monarch butterflies in the fall. Many of the monarch butterflies that spend the summer in the northeastern U.S. and Canada make their way along the coast and down to Mexico.
Every year, the beautiful St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge hosts a festival to commemorate the migration and encourage attendees to learn more about this special natural phenomenon.
Play, learn, and volunteer
The Monarch Butterfly Festival is always a treat for both kids and adults, and there are numerous opportunities to participate in activities, learn more about the monarchs and the refuge through educational displays, and enjoy special wildlife exhibitions. You also have a chance to contribute by volunteering to help tag the butterflies on Saturdays during the peak periods of the migration.
Celebrate one of nature’s most unique events
The Monarch Butterfly Festival is always one of the most exciting times of the year in Wakulla County, and it’s a sure sign that autumn has arrived in full. This festival is just one of the many amazing ways you can see nature in an entirely different way. Check out our accommodations page so you can plan to join us for the Monarch Butterfly Festival, and stay longer to discover the unique natural beauty of Wakulla County.
