Mt. Magazine State Park, located near Paris, Ark., is a nature-lover’s paradise. Not only because Arkansas’s newest state park is located 2,753 feet above sea level offering cooler summertime temperatures, but because the altitude, geography and climate of the park’s 2,200 acres combine to create unique habitats for rare plants, animals and, especially, the nation’s showcase butterfly, the Diana Fritillary.A Butterfly HavenArkansas has a total of 127 resident species of butterfly, and of those, 91 appear on Mt. Magazine’s plateau-like summit.

Butterfly enthusiasts from around the world are lured by the many species found on Mt. Magazine. From the first Mt. Magazine International Butterfly Festival held in 1997, the festival has enticed thousands of people from more than 45 of the United States and half a dozen countries.

Arkansas has a total of 127 resident species of butterfly, and of those, 91 appear on Mt. Magazine’s plateau-like summit. Virtually all Arkansas resident butterflies are represented in plentiful numbers on the mountain. The Diana Fritillary -- seen only occasionally in other parts of the United States -- consistently reproduces on the mountain, making Mt. Magazine one of the country's biological "hot spots" -- a living butterfly "Eden." Mt. Magazine is part of the "Tri-Peaks State Parks Destination" which includes two nearby sister parks located at Mount Nebo (near Dardanelle) and Petit Jean Mountain (near Morrilton.)

The festival officially begins at 8 a.m. at Mt. Magazine State Park with horticultural and butterfly seminars, nature walks with interpreters and other family-friendly events. The date is set in advance on a pre-determined Friday and Saturday in mid-to-late June. Downtown Paris events occur in conjunction with the State Park on Saturday, with various activities including a Photography contest, Fine Art Show & Sale, Craft Show/Sale, 5K Race, and a Live Butterfly Observatory Tent.  Please refer to the Paris Event Schedule for listings, locations, Dates and Times.