Most of us know the Land of 10,000 Lakes is an important migratory flyway for many species of birds. But there’s another famous migration that takes place in Minnesota every year. It’s much quieter, but just as beautiful. Millions of monarch butterflies migrate to the North Star State every spring. So, when do monarch butterflies migrate through Minnesota? Read on to find out!
Are there monarch butterflies in Minnesota? Yes! Did you know the monarch butterfly is even the state butterfly of Minnesota? These beautiful insects are famous for their cross-country migration each spring and fall.
So, you’re probably wondering, “When is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Minnesota?” Every spring, millions of monarch butterflies begin migrating from their wintering site in Mexico. They fly north into the United States and parts of Canada.
Along the way, butterflies lay their tiny eggs on milkweed plants.
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The eggs hatch and monarch caterpillars begin to grow. In just a few weeks, the caterpillar becomes a butterfly. These newborn butterflies continue the migration north. Several generations of monarchs are born and die during the migration. Monarch butterflies have a short lifespan of just two to six weeks. However, the last generation of the year generally lives between eight and nine months.
Monarch butterflies typically return to Minnesota in mid-May. However, September is one of the best times to see monarch butterflies in Minnesota. Large groups of butterflies gather on trees and bushes to prepare for the up to 3,000-mile journey south. The tiny insects, weighing in at only an ounce, can fly as many as 100 miles each day.
Those butterflies that make the journey will spend the winter in warm weather before continuing the cycle again next spring. The monarch butterfly migration brings beautiful insects to Minnesota every year.
Monarch butterflies thrive in southwestern Minnesota’s prairies, where milkweed and other prairie flowers grow naturally, but you don’t have to travel to see these natural beauties. You can also draw them to your backyard by planting milkweed. Look in your favorite gardening store or online for seeds.
Plant common milkweed, which is native to Minnesota, in your yard, ideally in September or October before the first frost of the season. Fall planting helps strengthen the germination of seeds in the spring. Don’t worry, though, if you’ve missed the fall planting (I have). You can also plant milkweed in the spring, preferably after the final frost.
Where you plant the milkweed is also important. Full sun is ideal, although partial shade tends to work, too. Most of my yard is open space, so I’ve chosen a spot that’s in the full sun and near a window so I can watch the monarch butterflies feed from indoors.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Are there monarch butterflies in Minnesota,” now you know. Where is your favorite place – maybe a local park or a hiking trail – to spot the monarch butterflies in Minnesota? Let us know by nominating it.
While these butterflies still arrive by the millions, their numbers are dwindling. For more information about the insects, check out the DNR monarch butterfly page. For information about attracting the butterflies to your yard, check out the DNR’s butterfly garden page. You can also find monarch butterfly garden kits on platforms like Etsy.
