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The Best States to Witness Migrating Monarch Butterflies

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Author Freddie Hiney

monarch butterfly
Colorful monarch butterfly sitting on chamomile flowers. Image by elenathewise via Depositphotos

Every year, millions of monarch butterflies embark on a remarkable journey, traveling thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to their wintering habitats in Mexico. This spectacular migration is one of nature’s most captivating phenomena, and there are several prime locations across the U.S. where you can witness it. From the Midwest to the Southwest, here are the best states to experience the awe-inspiring migration of monarch butterflies.

California

The Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. Image by coleong via Depositphotos.
The Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. Image by coleong via Depositphotos.

California’s mild coastal climate makes it an ideal location for monarchs. In the fall and winter months, you can find large clusters of monarchs roosting in eucalyptus, cypress, and pine trees along the coast. Key viewing sites include the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach and the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove.

Kansas

A couple of monarch butterfly's.
A couple of monarch butterfly’s. Image by lilkar via Depositphotos.

Located in the heart of the monarch migration route, Kansas is a prime state for witnessing these butterflies. The tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills are particularly scenic, providing a beautiful backdrop for monarch sightings. Check out the annual Monarch Watch tagging events at the University of Kansas to learn more about conservation efforts.

Florida

Miami beach, Florida. Image by korzeniewski via Depositphotos.
Miami beach, Florida. Image by korzeniewski via Depositphotos.

While most monarchs migrate to Mexico, some choose to stay in Florida year-round, making it a unique location to witness these butterflies at almost any time. Pay a visit to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge or the Florida Keys for some of the best monarch sightings.

Minnesota

Monarch butterfly.
Monarch butterfly. Image by okiepony via Depositphotos.

Minnesota serves as an important breeding ground for monarchs in the summer. As the temperatures drop, monarchs begin their long journey south, making this state a fantastic place to see them as they prepare for migration. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and various state parks are great spots to observe these butterflies.

Arizona

Joshua tree in Arizona desert along road. Image by kamchatka via Depositphotos.
Joshua tree in Arizona desert along road. Image by kamchatka via Depositphotos.

In Arizona, monarchs can be spotted as they make their way through the desert landscapes, stopping to refuel at various oases. The Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Desert Botanical Garden are prime locations to observe these migrating butterflies amidst stunning desert flora.

Oklahoma

Male Monarch butterfly feeding on a white flowers of a butterfly bush.
Male Monarch butterfly feeding on a white flowers of a butterfly bush. Image by okiepony via Depositphotos.

Oklahoma plays a significant role in the monarch migration, with many butterflies passing through the state each fall. Tallgrass prairies and wildflower fields provide essential nectar sources for monarchs on their journey. Visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge or the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve to see these remarkable insects in action.

Texas

Aerial of Rural Sommervile, Texas in between Austin and Houston.
Aerial of Rural Sommervile, Texas in between Austin and Houston. Image by christianhinkle via Depositphotos.

Texas is a critical stopover for migrating monarchs as they make their way to Mexico. The state’s diverse habitats, including prairies, coastal regions, and hill country, provide ample opportunities to see these butterflies in large numbers. Popular spots include the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival in San Antonio and the Texas Butterfly Ranch.

Illinois

Monarch butterfly during summer
Monarch butterfly during summer. Image by karlumbriaco.hotmail.com via Depositphotos.

Illinois is another important stopover for migrating monarchs, with its prairies and conservation areas providing vital habitat. The Illinois Monarch Project works to preserve and enhance monarch habitats throughout the state. Explore the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge or the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie for prime butterfly watching.

Michigan

lake michigan
Rocky outcrop of Lake Michigan. Image by Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The state of Michigan is part of the Great Lakes migration path, offering beautiful locations to witness the monarch’s journey. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens are two excellent places to catch a glimpse of these butterflies as they head south.

New Jersey

Overview of a monarch butterfly.
Overview of a monarch butterfly. Image by WheresWildlife via Depositphotos.

The Atlantic coast of New Jersey is another key stop for monarchs as they head south. Cape May is particularly famous for its monarch population, and the Cape May Bird Observatory hosts events and programs dedicated to monarch migration. The unique coastal habitats provide a rich environment for these butterflies.

Virginia

Virginia
Rudee Inlet, Virginia Beach, VA. Image via Greyfiveys, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Appalachian Mountains offer a beautiful backdrop for monarch sightings in Virginia. As the butterflies move through the region, they can be seen in places like Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Monarch Butterfly Society of Virginia works to protect and promote habitats for these migrating butterflies.

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