Every year the beautiful Monarch butterfly makes a 2,500 mile journey from Canada to its sanctuary in Michoacan, Mexico, with a pit stop on the way in Chicago.

Starting tomorrow through September 19, Sanctuary: Flight of the Majestic Monarch will be on display at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The exhibit allows for hands-on learning with paintings, photography, 3-D video, and sound installations.

Award-winning Chicago artist Hector Duarte, a native of Michoacan is creating a living mural that he will continue to work on throughout the months of the exhibit. Guests can watch and even take part in this one-of-a-kind creation. He’s set to be at the museum every Friday, but be sure to check the museum website for updates when Hector will be painting.

There are ways we can help the monarchs have a comfortable stay during their migration: museum educator Amaris Alanis-Ribeiro was kind enough to answer some of my questions and she explained that “while many people like to plant exotic flowers in their garden, planting native plants to your area is the best way to attract the monarchs as they migrate.” Also, plant milkweed plants as that is where they lay their eggs (and milkweed attracts many other kinds of butterflies, too.)

We had a free sneak preview yesterday- it was oh so professional of me to run up there with Ivy and Gray who were, um, not all that cooperative, but thankfully everyone there was understanding. Kids, you know? Sigh.

I might just run away to live in the Butterfly Haven (a permanent exhibit at the museum) next chance I get. Seriously, a room full of a thousand gorgeous butterflies flying about you. Heaven.

I tried to take more photos in there but chasing Ivy and keeping her out of the water and out of the bushes and from eating butterflies took top priority. Another sigh.

Find the Nature Museum right next to Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission includes all special exhibits and is $9 for adults & $6 for children 3-12, and Thursdays are “free” days with donations suggested.

And! I completely forgot wanted to announce the winner of the Chartreuse giveaway… congrats Beth (no blog, but I have her email!)

About the author: Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a baby girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .