Highway 13 Butterfly Trail

The Highway 13 Butterfly Trail in Hamilton, Missouri: A Local Spark in a Statewide Conservation Trail

The Butterfly Park in Hamilton, Missouri is more than a scenic spot—it’s the birthplace of a conservation movement now known as the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail. This 10-acre park, located on city-owned land, was proposed by the Hamilton Community Alliance in 2017 as a space to support pollinators and bring eco-tourism to town.

Inspired by Bellevue, Iowa’s own butterfly haven, the project caught early momentum thanks to support from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Although a historic drought and the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress, the launch of the Little Otter Creek Reservoir allowed community leaders to reimagine the park as part of a broader mission: building a 292-mile habitat corridor along Highway 13.

What is the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail?

The Highway 13 Butterfly Trail spans 12 counties and aims to support over 20 migrating butterfly species, including monarchs and swallowtails. By linking native wildflower plantings along public parks, schools, rest stops, and more, the trail ensures pollinators have access to shelter, nectar, and breeding grounds all the way from Iowa to Arkansas.

Hamilton Misouri's Role

Hamilton Missouri is home to one of the trail’s first and most important projects: the Little Otter Creek Pollinator Haven and the original Butterfly Park site. These locations are shaping up to become regional destinations, drawing eco-conscious tourists and educational programming.

The town is also one of five designated destination stops along the trail, alongside:

Dunn Ranch (Harrison County)
Powell Gardens (Lafayette County)
Springfield Botanical Gardens (Greene County)
Butterfly Palace in Branson (Taney County)

Combined, these destinations welcome over half a million visitors every year

Ecological Urgency.

Each year, over 20 butterfly species—including monarchs and swallowtails—migrate through Missouri. Habitat fragmentation makes it increasingly difficult for these pollinators to complete their journey. The Highway 13 Butterfly Trail addresses this challenge by creating a linked series of habitats or "stopover" sites along their path. These plots, rich in native plants, provide critical resources for both migratory and resident species.

The Project in Action

The trail is being developed in structured phases:

Phase 1: Identifying partners and defining roles (nearing completion)
Phase 2: Educating governments, schools, and the public on the value of pollinators
Phase 3: Assisting communities in planting habitat-rich plots with educational signage
Phase 4: Enhancing the trail with murals, sculptures, and barn-style butterfly signs
Phase 5: Unlocking economic potential through tourism and agri-tourism
Phase 6: Launching a Pollinator Interpretive Center at Little Otter Creek
Phase 7: Replicating this corridor model in other states, from Minnesota to Texas

The Highway 13 Butterfly Trail Project Goals

Establish a 26-mile-wide corridor for pollinator migration
Expand acreage of native habitat along Highway 13
Educate communities and school systems about pollinator ecology
Shift public perception and use of native plants
Promote economic growth through eco- and agri-tourism

Measuring Success

The success of the trail will be measured through:

Pollinator diversity and abundance
Habitat quality and plant health
Presence of full pollinator life cycles (egg, caterpillar, adult)
Community engagement and educational program attendance
Broader biodiversity impact (birds, mammals, beneficial insects)
Long-term ecological monitoring
Economic indicators like local tourism spending, overnight stays, and fuel tax revenue

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds play a vital role in our ecosystems and agriculture. The Butterfly Park Hamilton Missouri project directly addresses habitat loss by planting native species that support full pollinator life cycles—from egg to caterpillar to butterfly.

Native prairies established nearby by the Missouri Prairie Foundation, including Thoh-dah and Schuette Prairie, are also boosting the region’s ecological health.

Partners and Momentum

With leadership from the Hamilton Community Alliance and support from MU Extension, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and more than a dozen other state and federal partners, the Highway 13 Butterfly Trail has moved from vision to reality.

Funders include the TC Energy Foundation and Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund. The USDA and Missouri Prairie Foundation are also involved, supporting native prairie development and Conservation Reserve Program enhancements.

Community Benefits

The Butterfly Park isn’t just about flowers. It’s about education, engagement, and pride. Through school programs, volunteer plantings, and tourism, Hamilton is leading by example in how small towns can make a big environmental impact.

With support from MU Extension, USDA, MoDOT, and other conservation partners, the Butterfly Park Hamilton Missouri continues to grow in influence and impact.

Want to get involved or learn more? Visit the trail headquarters right here in Hamilton or follow us on Facebook for updates and events.

The Highway 13 Butterfly Trail is more than a trail—it's a statement. A call to protect pollinators, educate the public, and support small-town resilience through conservation. With your support, this corridor will continue to blossom.

Learn how you can plant a plot, sponsor a butterfly sign, or support educational programming.

Contact: Highway 13 Butterfly Trail
P.O. Box 352
Hamilton, MO 64644
303-345-4380