Monarch Butterfly Migration in Oklahoma 2025

Monarchs, or Danaus plexippus, are among the most recognized butterflies in the U.S., distinguished by their vibrant orange and black wings. Each year, these extraordinary insects undertake a long migration from their northern breeding grounds to their wintering sites in Mexico and California.

What is the best time to spot monarch butterflies in Oklahoma?

Monarch butterflies typically pass through Oklahoma from late September to early October, stopping at parks and gardens along the way. During this period, you can see groups of monarchs congregating in trees, on nectar-rich plants, and around milkweed.

Monarch Lifespan & Migration Route

The migratory monarch butterfly typically lives for two to six weeks, but those born in late summer can survive for eight to nine months. This extended lifespan allows them to travel south and overwinter in clusters in trees across Mexico and California. In the spring, they migrate to their breeding grounds for the spring and summer, reaching as far north as southern Canada. Oklahoma is a key state along their migration route, where monarchs can cover between 50 and 100 miles per day, taking up to two months to complete their journey.

Viewing Locations

Oklahoma lies along the migration route of monarch butterflies heading to Mexico, with the eastern part of the state offering the best chances to see large groups of these beautiful butterflies each fall. Their route, often humorously referred to as "the monarch highway," follows Interstate 35. As they travel from their northern breeding grounds to their wintering sites in Mexico, the butterflies take breaks at various parks and gardens along the interstate. Cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa provide excellent opportunities to witness these stunning swarms during their journey.

Tulsa

Visit Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa, a sprawling 800-acre park featuring trails, an interpretive center with hands-on exhibits, and a wildlife viewing area. The center includes a monarch nursery and pollinator gardens and offers butterfly walks at 9:30 am on the third Saturday of each month from May through October. The exhibitions provide insights into butterfly species, their migration, and their ecological importance. Admission is free. The center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 4:30 pm but is closed on Mondays. Nearby, Mohawk Park is another suitable spot to look for butterflies in Tulsa.

Oklahoma City

Monarchs in Oklahoma City frequently visit several favorite spots each year, including the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Will Rogers Gardens, Lake Hefner, and the Oklahoma City Zoo. These locations offer ample opportunities for observing these beautiful butterflies as they make their seasonal journey.

Butterfly Garden in the Oklahoma City Zoo

In Oklahoma City, you can frequently spot butterflies at the Butterfly Garden in the Oklahoma City Zoo. The zoo offers various attractions, including Halloween Haunt the Zoo, Zoo Brew, Camel Rides, Elephant Express Tram, Explorikeet Feeding, and Safari Cart Tours. Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $13 for children and seniors, and free for children two and under. The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Myriad Botanical Gardens

At Myriad Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre park, you can enjoy butterfly garden tours during the monarch season. The park is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays. Admission is free for general access, but there are fees for specific buildings and events. Conservatory admission is $10.50 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+), and $5.50 for youth (5-17 years). Seasonal events include Mo's Carousel and Pumpkinville, as well as art exhibits and visits to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.

Muskogee

Honor Heights Park Butterfly House and Gardens in Muskogee features a large open-air butterfly sanctuary and a variety of educational displays. The Butterfly Papilion at Honor Heights Park provides information about butterfly species, their habitats, migratory patterns, and their ecological importance. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children, military members, and seniors (65+). The park is open from Mother’s Day Weekend through September 30, Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 3 pm.

Monarch Festivals

Oklahoma hosts several events and festivals celebrating the monarch butterfly migration. The Monarchs on the Mountain Festival, held at Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area in Tulsa, marks the arrival of these butterflies. In Blanchard, the Monarchs in the Park festival, taking place on September 21 from 9 am to 1 pm at Chandler Park, includes activities for children, a butterfly plant sale, art exhibitions, demonstrations, and a Parade of Butterflies. Additionally, Monarchs in the Park in Blanchard features art displays, more demonstrations, and other butterfly-themed activities for kids, highlighting the community's appreciation for these magnificent insects.

Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area and Center

Located in Frederick, Oklahoma, the Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area and Center hosts the Monarch Butterfly Watch event, a key part of the North American Monarch Watch Tagging Program. During this event, visitors can observe the monarchs as they migrate, assist with tagging, and watch them roost in their traditional sites.

Monarchs Migration Map

Despite the season, it's always better to track monarch butterflies by using migration maps such as the National Wildlife Federation Monarch Butterfly Map and the Journey North Monarch Butterfly Migration Map.