Thousands Of Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight For Cleveland This Fall
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 21, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
For many, butterflies are a familiar sight that is most commonly encountered in summer. The truth is, however, that some are just as active in the autumn months. Here in Cleveland, monarch butterflies begin appearing in the area in mass quantities around Labor Day, and they often hang around through October. So what is it that causes the annual monarch migration in Cleveland? There’s something pretty special about the Best Location in the Nation that keeps them coming back year after year.
Every September, monarch butterflies pass through Cleveland in remarkable numbers.
In fact, this migration happens all across the country. No other butterflies migrate quite like monarchs, so it makes the annual influx especially magical.
These teeny-tiny travelers make their way across Lake Erie each year as they trek from Canada to Mexico.
The Cleveland Metroparks, in particular, offer food sources for these tiny travelers, and the parks also offer all sorts of places to roost and rest up before the incredible journey ahead of them. All in all, many of these butterflies will travel over 2,500 miles to their winter destination.
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One of the best places to look for the butterflies is in Wendy Park, as they flock there in impressive numbers when conditions are right.
While most of these internationally-bound insects stay in Cleveland for just a few short days, you'll likely spot the species passing through until mid-October.
For most of the butterflies that pass through Cleveland, their journey began in Canada. Normally, these butterflies only live for a few weeks... but the generation that migrates is specially equipped with long life to ensure their species can make the journey and continue to reproduce. These guys may live up to seven months!
After all, millions of these lovely monarchs will be arriving in Mexico just before winter begins... so it's always possible that more than anticipated will swing through our city!
Interestingly, they will arrive in Mexico around early November, which will coincide with the absolutely magical Day of the Dead celebrations. Legend maintains that these little guys are the spirits of the dearly departed, and they're returning to take part in the annual festivities.
And, believe it or not, the butterflies that make this annual journey are pretty special, as they're uniquely equipped for the long adventure.
Migrations aren't unheard of in Cleveland, but they definitely seem otherworldly. Equally as amazing (and otherworldly) is the annual salamander migration in the spring.
Keep your eyes peeled in Cleveland this autumn... you just might spot a magical reminder of the changing seasons fluttering past!
While the annual monarch migration in Cleveland is magical, it’s also a symbol that Mother Nature is cycling through the seasons and is inching toward the cooler months. These butterflies have a tropical getaway in their future, but they know Cleveland is a worthy vacation destination along the way. Have you spotted any of these magical little tourists in the area yet? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Still waiting for an opportunity to see these pretty visitors? One of the best places to check out this migration in action is Wendy Park. Be sure to visit with a leave-no-trace mentality and a camera in hand!
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