Photo: Dean Van Dis
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one of the top tourist destinations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Combining world-renowned sculpture and beautiful garden landscapes, Meijer Gardens includes Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, outdoor gardens, children’s gardens, nature trails, sculpture galleries and permanent sculpture collection- there is something for the whole family to enjoy. The property is 158 acres, so be sure to plan out your must-sees and allow at least half a day for your visit. Tours, programs and interactive activities are available for visitors throughout the year. Check their Events Calendar or the digital display sign at the admissions desk upon arrival for the day’s activities.
Garden Exhibit Highlights
The outdoor gardens feature plantings that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Wege Nature Trail winds through the forest while the Frey Boardwalk takes visitors through the natural wetlands. There are bird watching sites, a tadpole pond and overlooks.
The Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is a five-story, 15,000 square-foot facility featuring rock landscapes, a waterfall and a variety of exotic plant selections. The conservatory houses tropical plants from around the world.
The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, which opened in 2015, is one of the newest additions to Meijer Gardens. The 8-acre Japanese garden is a tranquil place to enjoy the combination of horticulture and sculpture.
At the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, children can follow animal tracks, dig for fossils, sit in a giant bird’s nest, and solve the butterfly maze in this interactive garden. One of the most unique features is The Great Lakes Garden mini-replica of the Great Lakes. Children can launch a boat or build a bridge, and then walk on all the Great Lakes states.
Photo: Kevin Beswick
Sculpture
The sculpture program at Meijer Gardens features more than 200 works in the permanent collection, including notable works by Alexander Calder, Edgar Degas, and Auguste Rodin. Works are presented in indoor settings like the conservatory, as well as outside across the gardens. The 30-acre Sculpture Park holds one of the most comprehensive collections of outdoor sculpture in the world.
Three temporary exhibitions are also held every year, most curated by and for Meijer Gardens. These special exhibitions are shown in the large indoor galleries as well as the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sculpture Park Tram Tour
Take a narrated tram ride through the sculpture park to learn more about the individual works of art. Tram tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $4. Tram tour times change seasonally and tours are weather dependent. A special Kids’ Tram tour is also available in the summer and fall. Check with the Tram Ticket Office for the day’s schedule.
Photo: Peter McDaniel
Music at the Garden
The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens brings national and international musicians from across all genres and all generations. The Summer Concert Series runs from June through September and features beautiful terraced lawn seating and food, beverage and merchandise concessions, surrounded by wonderful views of the gardens and sculpture. Notable acts this summer include The Beach Boys, Cake, and Sarah McLachlin.
The Garden also holds a Tuesday Evening Music Club in July and August. This program is free with admission and the music is family-friendly local talent. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic or purchase food from the café.
Dining & Shopping
The James & Shirley Balk Café serves lunch (plus dinner on select Tuesdays) with an emphasis on local produce. The menu features sandwiches, salads, small bites and a kid’s menu. Enjoy the brilliant ceiling sculpture by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
The onsite DeVos Keeler Gift Shop offers original and locally made gift selections, including house plants, high quality garden supplies, handmade pots, garden art, as well as gardening books.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 E Beltline Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Photo: Peter McDaniel
