New Butterfly Garden Coming to Sioux Falls Zoo

Visitors will see minor detours now, with a larger aquarium and indoor penguin habitat planned for 2028.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium is undergoing major construction, including a new glass butterfly garden expected to open in early 2027. While visitors will see some temporary detours, the zoo is also planning a larger aquarium with a big shark tank and an indoor penguin habitat, which are slated for completion around 2028 once fundraising is complete.

Why it matters

The new butterfly garden and expanded aquarium exhibits will provide more engaging experiences for zoo visitors and help attract more tourism to Sioux Falls. The improvements are part of the zoo's ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its offerings to better serve the local community and draw in visitors from across the region.

The details

The new glass butterfly garden is currently under construction at the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium. While visitors will see some temporary detours during the construction, the garden is expected to open to the public in early 2027. In addition to the butterfly garden, the zoo is also planning a larger aquarium with a big shark tank and an indoor penguin habitat, which are slated for completion around 2028 once the necessary fundraising is complete.

  • Construction on the new butterfly garden is currently underway.
  • The butterfly garden is expected to open in early 2027.
  • Plans for the larger aquarium and indoor penguin habitat are slated for completion around 2028.

The players

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium

A zoo and aquarium located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that is undergoing major construction and expansion projects to modernize its exhibits and attractions.

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What’s next

The zoo will continue its fundraising efforts to complete the larger aquarium and indoor penguin habitat, which are expected to open around 2028.

The takeaway

The new butterfly garden and planned aquarium and penguin exhibits at the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium will provide more engaging experiences for visitors and help attract more tourism to the city, demonstrating the zoo's commitment to continuously improving and expanding its offerings to better serve the local community.