Thanksgiving PointSet to Break Ground on Butterfly Biosphere

-Butterfly Biosphere will become fifth venue at Thanksgiving Point and unlike anything in the state of Utah-

LEHI, Utah (August 31, 2017)–For more than 20 years, Thanksgiving Point ( has become synonymous with entertaining families through its four venues, the Museum of Natural Curiosity, the Museum of Ancient Life, Farm Country, and the Ashton Gardens. A fifth venue, Butterfly Biospherein the Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation Honoring the Memory of Hilda Ruth Harrell Building, will break ground on Monday, September 11 at 9am. All are welcome.

Media covering the event should arrive by 8:50am to secure a proper camera location of the announcement.

“The Butterfly Biosphere is unlike any other experience in Utah,” stated Mike L Washburn, Thanksgiving Point President and CEO. “We are focused on bringing the very best parts of museums and attractions from around the world and bringing them to Thanksgiving Point. The Butterfly Biosphere will explore the small, but significant, world of insects and create lifelong learning and memories in the process.”

The Butterfly Biosphere will be more than 33,000 square feet of hands-on exploration and play areas for families of all ages. The venue will be housed in the former Emporium building, just north of the iconic Thanksgiving Point Water Tower. The new Butterfly Biosphere is scheduled to open in 2018. Some of the new experiences include:

  • The Costa Rican Climber Play land
  • Butterfly Flight Zone
  • Discovery Room for hands-on learning
  • Education Classrooms and Exhibits

Various VIPs, including Governor Gary Herbert will attend the groundbreaking. A short program will highlight some of the ideas for exhibits generated by local students that were later incorporated into the experience. Guests will also see a Fancy Shawl Butterfly Dance, try foods made from insects, and participate in a live butterfly release.

For more information, please visit thanksgivingpoint.org.

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About Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of a farm, garden, and museum that are collectively dedicated to providing opportunities for transformative family learning and fostering an environment where positive, meaningful experiences naturally happen. Created in 1996 by Alan and Karen Ashton, Thanksgiving Point has become a center of community engagement for more than 1.6 million annual visitors from all 50 states and around the world. Thanksgiving Point is located at 3003 North Thanksgiving Way in Lehi. For more information, call 801-768-2300 or visit thanksgivingpoint.org.

Media Contact:

Josh Berndt

(801) 768-7482