Discovery Gardens at Fair Park

One of the most interesting places we have visited here in Dallas is the Discovery Gardens. It is located in Fair Park where the State Fair of Dallas is held yearly, although the Garden is open all year long. Fair Park could be a post all on its own, but the Discovery Gardens warrants its own post.

The grounds are 7.5 acres of 100 percent organically grown plants and trees. Each section showcases a variety of different plants, including a water setting. There is also a water fountain which is especially attractive to the children on the hot summer days.

Towards the back of the park is a exhibit of many of the snakes that can be found in Texas. Some are venomous and some are not. Even though I am not a fan of snakes, I can appreciate the role they play in the environment.

There is a working beehive with a side that is made of glass so that the bees can be seen in their native habitat. They are allowed to come and go as they please. It is always entertaining to watch them and to try to figure out which one of them is the queen.

The major attraction is the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium. Inside this glass building is a re-creation of a tropical rain forest complete with beautiful plants and trees. It’s pretty warm and humid in the building, but that is to be expected. In this area, you get to see all different types of butterflies and moths soaring around in the two story building. There is a small case that shows young butterflies emerging from their chrysalises. One of the highlights of this area is the daily butterfly release. All the butterflies that have emerged since the day before are released into the building. There is a person who explains anything you wish to know about butterflies and moths available at the release.