Get ready to witness the ultimate flight of the monarchs. In April and May, monarchs flutter from Mexico to Canada, with Cleveland being the perfect pit stop for some milkweed munching and flower feasting. It’s a reverse migration party in September and October as they bid farewell to the chilly North and head back south to Mexico, gracing Cleveland once again with their majestic presence.
During these months, Cleveland's lakeside parks and gardens become hotspots for butterfly sightings, offering prime seats to nature's most fabulous show. So, keep your eyes peeled because it's not just in a book anymore — this butterfly spectacle is right in our own backyard. And if you hear LeVar Burton's voice in your head, trust us, you're not alone.
Lake Erie's version of a butterfly spa is Wendy Park, where even the most exhausted monarchs flock for a well-deserved break. The butterflies lounge in trees, casually sipping nectar from wildflowers like it’s a fancy cocktail, and it sounds so serene that we’re tempted to join them — so if you happen to spot us up there with the butterflies, just play it cool and pretend you didn't see a thing.
Gordon Park's wild meadows lure in those weary wings with promises of a nectar pit stop, where they can refuel on the good stuff before continuing their journey. The trees around the park are like the VIP lounges of the butterfly world, providing shelter from stormy weather. The next time you're strolling through, don't forget to look up — you might just catch a glimpse of those high-flying monarchs living their best life up there.
As Euclid Creek Reservation winds alongside the creek's path to Lake Erie, its vibrant meadows explode with yellow, purple and pink hues, enticing migrating monarchs with its floral feast. At the height of migration, it’s like a monarch convention as thousands of butterflies descend for the ultimate blossom recharge.
In the heart of West Creek Reservation's all-purpose trail loop, native grasses and wildflowers are the hottest spots for a butterfly soirée. Walking along the paved trail is like watching a butterfly dance-off, with monarchs gracefully flitting from goldenrod to ironweed. It's the kind of party where even the caterpillars are practicing their moves, hoping to one day join the ranks of the majestic monarchs, even though they can probably only dance the worm right now.
Prepare to tee off with the monarchs at the new and improved Acacia Country Club. Cleveland Metroparks’ golf course is getting a makeover, swapping out sand traps for wetlands and putting greens for meadows. While it's a dream come true for butterfly enthusiasts, we can't help but think a mini-golf course designed just for monarchs would have been a hole-in-one idea. Imagine tiny golf clubs and itty-bitty scorecards — now that's a game we'd pay to watch.
Huntington Reservation: Where even butterflies take a beach day. With lakefront access, lush trees and a picturesque beach, it’s not just a butterfly haven but a paradise for us humans, too. This area has teemed with butterflies in recent years, so grab a towel, lay back and enjoy the spectacle above.
Off the Beaten Path
If you're eager for more monarch mania or simply in the mood for a leisurely walk, the Cleveland Metroparks has an abundance of other options for you. From April 2 to October 31, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens become a butterfly wonderland, with hundreds of newly emerged butterflies fluttering about the indoor Costa Rica biome. Plus, make sure to catch the daily butterfly releases at 2:00 p.m. It's like witnessing a royal coronation with more wings and fewer crowns.