WHITEHOUSE, Ohio — Get ready for the long-awaited return of a popular local attraction. The Butterfly House at Wheeler Farms will reopen in spring for the first time since 2019.
The Butterfly House remained closed during the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A planned reopening in 2022 was scrapped after a strong April storm shattered the glass ceiling of the greenhouse.
Repairs were delayed due to trouble sourcing the materials necessary to meet USDA guidelines for safe operation of the popular attraction, the Wheeler family said at the time.
But now, the greenhouse is in perfect shape and getting ready for a grand reopening in May.
Wheeler Farms staff are readying plants for the butterflies to call home beginning in April when the first round of chrysalises arrive from Costa Rica. The Wheeler family promises this year's experience will be bigger and better than ever for guests.
"I just want them to be in awe. I just want them to be excited to come back again sometime soon and to bring your grandparents, to bring their friends," Christy Geha, director of operations at Wheeler Farms, said. "And it's just a really peaceful environment and people can come here and they can just sit for hours, listen to some classical music and just have a really wonderful time."
Over 30 species of butterflies from around the world will populate the greenhouse. Visitors can walk at their own pace among the free-flying butterflies, flowering plants and waterfalls.
The Butterfly House, located at 11455 Obee Rd. in Whitehouse, officially reopens May 4.
For hours and entry prices, visit the Butterfly House at Wheeler Farms' website.
MORE FROM WTOL 11: