This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.

Simplified: The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium is one step closer to being all together in one location. The Butterfly House and Aquarium will close at the end of this year as the new Butterfly Garden on the Great Plains Zoo campus is set to open in early 2027. We sat down with zoo staff to talk about what this adjustment means for members.

Why it matters

  • The Monarch Membership is the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium's premium membership tier – offering access to both the zoo and butterfly house campus. As SFZA transitions to one campus, the Monarch Membership is also evolving to offer even more benefits beyond seeing all of the animals in one destination.
  • Membership covers year-round admission, and, starting Jan. 4, Monarch members will get exclusive early admission starting at 9 a.m., as well as early access to ZooCamp registration, discounted tickets for special events and a first look at the new Butterfly Garden when it's ready to open.
"That membership really pays off when you can come and just enjoy a little bit of time in the Butterfly Garden and then pop out and see your favorite animal," PR and Marketing Director Denise DePaolo said.
  • Current Monarch members can also continue to visit both campuses through the end of the year. And, for those who aren't quite ready to commit to membership, SFZA is offering a limited-time "Sea & Snow" pass with discounted admission to both campuses.

Tell me more about the new Butterfly Garden

The facility is currently under construction and expected to open mid-February 2027.

  • The $12 million project has a number of unique features. Visitors will follow a prescribed path through the garden, going past a waterfall as an homage to Falls Park, an oversized lantern as an homage to the gazebo in the current Butterfly House facility, and an artistic tree of life that will be visible through large windows facing the plaza.

The Butterfly Garden will also be lit up at night and will quickly become a recognizable feature of Sioux Falls.

"Its going to be a really recognizable, iconic landmark for our city," DePaolo said.

Tell me more about membership

Monarch membership changes will take effect Jan. 4, and you can see a full breakdown of what's new on the SFZA website.

New features include:

  • Discounted tickets for Adult Night events,
  • Discounts on train and carousel packages,
  • Early registration for ZooCamps
  • Five one-time-use tickets plus 15% off additional guest tickets
  • And one free butterfly feeder per household every Sunday AND Wednesday (currently just covers Sunday).

It's also worth noting that these additional features do not mean a price increase. Rates for the Monarch membership will be $250 for a family through the rest of 2026 and in 2027.

  • For a family of four, it'll only take four visits to the zoo for that membership to pay for itself.

How can I get a membership?

Learn more about membership tiers, changes and buy your membership today on the SFZA website.

Not ready for a membership? Get admission to both the Butterfly House and Great Plains Zoo campus at a special discounted rate with the Sea & Snow package.

Already a Monarch member?

Watch your inbox for details on a special farewell event at the Butterfly House and Aquarium and an exclusive preview event at the Butterfly Garden.