Accessibility & Inclusion

At Butterfly House & Aquarium (BHA) we are committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all abilities and mobilities.

We make every effort to provide an unforgettable experience for all our guests!

Aquarium for All

Equitable Access

Butterfly House & Aquarium's Aquarium for All program gives thousands of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in our community the opportunity to experience all that BHA has to offer by offering reduced-price admission.

  • All those who participate in programs including South Dakota's SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and WIC are eligible to receive a reduced admission rate.
  • An individual program card holder can purchase up to two (2) adult and six (6) children discounted general admission tickets per visit.
  • To receive this reduced admission rate, present your program card and valid ID at the admissions counter.
Kulture City

KultureCity

Butterfly House & Aquarium

The Butterfly House & Aquarium is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our guests, including those with sensory needs. BHA has earned Sensory InclusiveTM certification through a partnership with KultureCity.

Signage has been installed throughout the facility identifying quiet zones and headphone zones to help visitors as they explore.

Headphone Zones:
  • Aquarium Gallery
  • Butterfly Conservatory

Quiet Zones:
  • Hallway near Staff Offices
  • Area next to water fountains

Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-reducing headphones, and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at admissions.

Mobility Assistance

Mobility Assistance

Butterfly House & Aquarium is wheelchair accessible.

Wheelchairs are available to check out at the admission counter for no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.
Twins Day

Nursing Parents

Mothers may nurse their children in any public location at the Butterfly House & Aquarium. According to South Dakota law: "A mother may breastfeed her child in any location, public or private, where the mother and child are otherwise authorized to be present as long as the mother is in compliance with all other state and municipal laws."

Restrooms located near Ambassador Alley may provide a private and more quiet space that mothers may utilize to nurse their child.
Service Animals 1

Service Animals

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only working trained service animals are permitted within the facility. Pets, exotic species, therapy animals, and emotional support animals are not permitted.

Owners assume all risk to their service animal, including but not limited to zoonotic disease transmission and ingestion of toxic materials.

The ADA does require service animals to be always under the control of the handler. Service animals who attempt to chase or bark at the turtles or quail will be required to leave the Butterfly Conservatory.

You will not be issued a refund or rainchecks for tickets if you are asked to leave the premises.