Rusk Ranch Nature Center

The butterfly part of this place was really fun. The rest of the center was just ok. Not worth having to pay to get in.

We stopped by here on our way home to Crescent City. We enjoyed the grounds and the care that had been taken for Covid precautions.nWe happily donated, and enjoyed our short trip with the Painted Ladies in the pavillion.nWhat a gem along the Highway.nThank you.

If you love butterflies (especially monarchs!), bees, birds, and flowers, you'll love it here!nnUPDATE: I originally visited Rusk Ranch in September 2019 and there were at least a half dozen (but probably more) monarchs in their butterfly pavilion. However, when I visited again in July 2020, there were very few monarchs in the enclosure, most of whom were hidden or sitting on the netting at the top of the enclosure. There was only one or two that occasionally landed on the flowers. I'd suggest postponing your visit until mid August or early September if you're hoping to see a lot of monarchs.nnIt's still a beautiful and educational center that's worth visiting, and you'll find Swallowtail butterflies outside of the enclosure, as well as hummingbirds, fish, different varieties of moths, and bees.

Great for kids, it's not a huge sprawling complex of butterflies but you can tell the people that own this place love what they do. Very informative, love the interactive natural playground. We saw a Doe with two young fawns nursing at her side. Perhaps just a sign of deer overpopulation but still very cute.

Better than I expected. Still developing but great vision for the future. There is a lot for the little ones to see and do. More than just butterflies! A nice place to spend a couple hours.