With over 132 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan is well worth a visit! When we returned to Grand Rapids this year one of the things we had to do again was to visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Bent of Mind by Tony Cragg at the Frederik Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens
If you are looking for things to do in Grand Rapids make sure the botanical garden are at the top of your list. The Frederik Meijer Gardens include 158 acres of gardens, meadows, woodlands, and wetlands along with the amazing conservatories.
There are sculptures from more than 200 internationally acclaimed artists. Don't miss the 1930's era farm at Michigan's Farm Garden. This area is complete with a barn, farmhouse, windmill, heirloom vegetable garden and more!
If you can visit during the summer don't miss the summer concert series! The perfect combination of art and music!
Me Hy Yip Yip, 1990
Shelley Curtiss.
Frederik Meijer Tropical Conservatory
The Tropical Conservatory has more than 300 species of plants. From bromeliads to banana trees that tower more than four stories tall. During March and April, you can enjoy the annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition at Meijer Gardens is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. The gardens host America's largest temporary butterfly exhibition.
Frederik Meijer Sculpture Garden
One of our favorite sculptures was American Horse. John is 6 foot 3 and looks like a kid compared to the statue. Truly an amazing piece of work.
Stele Garuge, 2000
Dietrich Klinge
Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
Frog, 1970
Marshall Fredericks
The children's garden is gorgeous and perfect for kids to play around in. They can enjoy beautiful sculptures while still having an area to burn off energy.
One piece of advice! Give yourself longer to explore the gardens than you think it is going to take.
Even in the chilly winter and the heat of summer, we found ourselves wandering the grounds for hours. The sculptures are truly spectacular. You can easily spend an afternoon or evening just wandering the exhibits.
Japanese Gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Japanese Gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens
In 2015 the new Devos Japanese Gardens opened at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and it is spectacular. We learned that they actually held off opening the Japanese Gardens until the plants looked exactly how they envisioned. The Japanese Gardens is eight acres of beautiful gardens and relaxing areas.
We could have spent hours soaking in the zen of the Japanese Gardens even on one of the hottest days of the summer. I would love to see how the Japanese Gardens look in the Fall with the leaves changing colors and a little cooler weather.
The Japanese Gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens were designed by Hiochi Kurisu. Mr. Kurisu is one of the world's leading designers of Japanese Gardens. He designed the gardens and supervised the design of the architectural structures within the gardens. There are seven contemporary sculptures within the gardens that you can enjoy,
Untitled, 2010
Anish Kapoor
This sculpture is by Anish Kapoor, an Indian-born British sculptor who creates works of art that reflect the viewer.
Things to know
For more information visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens website or call 888-957-1580
Frederik Meijer Gardens Hours
Sunday - 11 am – 5 pm
Monday - 9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday - 9 am – 9 pm
Wednesday - 9 am – 5 pm
Thursday - 9 am – 5 pm
Friday - 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday - 9 am – 5 pm
Frederik Meijer Gardens Ticket Prices
Members - FREE
Adults (14 – 64) - $14.50
Seniors (65 and older) - $11
Students (with student ID) - $11
Children (5–13) - $7
Children (3–4) - $4
Children (2 and younger) - FREE
Where to eat at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Food and snacks are available at the Taste of the Gardens cafe. Make sure and check out the Dale Chihuly glass exhibit.
Picnicking is allowed in 3 outdoor pavilions near Parking lots A, B, and C.
Snacks may be enjoyed in the Children's Garden. There are vending machines located in the Children's Garden information center.
Parking at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Free on-site parking for cars and RV's
Additional Grand Rapids Resources
Gerald Ford Presidential Library
If you are wondering where to stay in Grand Rapids check out our articles on the Amway Grand Plaza and the J.W. Marriott Grand Rapids
Elaina
What gorgeous pictures! Made me feel like I was there:)
Kerri
I would love to visit this sculpture garden. Looks like you had a great time and saw some amazing things.
Jennifer
gorgeous .My girls would love a picture with that huge horse. They are obsessed.
valmg
That's my kind of place, I get lost in places like that for hours taking photos. Great butterfly photo!
Jen
This looks like it was a great day. What a beautiful park. I love all the pictures.
Jenn
Wow! Your photographs are so beautiful! This is a lovely post.