The Butterfly Palace

Missouri is not the place that comes to mind when one hears "butterfly" or "rainforest" yet this humble Midwestern state is home to one of the most beautiful exotic butterflies in the U.S. A quick look on a search engine reveals that a butterfly conservatory is called a lepidopterarium and this one doesn't disappoint. Other attractions include a simulated rainforest, 3D films such as "Flight of the Butterflies," and complimentary nectar flowers to handfeed the delicate, winged creatures. See the website for current hours. (Submitted by Tom Matteo)