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Exploring Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park encompasses 158 acres of indoor and outdoor botanical and artistic experiences, just outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan. With outdoor trails and nature areas, the campus offers plenty of room to roam and explore.
Built in 1995, Meijer Gardens has added to its original footprint, now offering both indoor and outdoor experiences year-round. Along with many permanent exhibits, you'll find an annual springtime butterfly exhibit as well as their wintertime holiday exhibition.
Over the years, as a West Michigan resident, I've visited Meijer Gardens several times with my family. When my kids were small, they loved the Lena Meijer Children's Garden. Prepare to spend a lot of time wandering this area with your kids as they explore.
My kids' undeniable favorite was always the Great Lakes Garden. Even in cooler weather, they loved splashing in the waterways of this raised water play exhibit. And my husband and I appreciated the surrounding benches that let us relax and watch when we needed a break. But really, who can resist water and boats? We were usually splashing along right with them.
Regular storytelling and other events are held in the Children's Garden, including special offerings for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and more.
The Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park features works by world-renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin, Dale Chihuly, and Edgar Degas. Many sculptures are spread throughout the entire campus, but most are collected in this specific area. Paved pathways allow you to wander as much as you want and explore at your own pace through fields, woods and waterways.
On one visit to Meijer Gardens, a close friend and I took our teen daughters. With older kids, we could explore further and more in depth than when they were younger, and the girls loved posing for selfies and taking photos and videos to share on social media.
There's a lot to see here, both manmade and in nature. In one portion of the sculpture park, waterfalls flow into a large koi pond where you can simply sit and relax at your leisure. You never know what to expect around the next bend – beautiful foliage or incredible works of art that you can walk right up to.
This 24-foot bronze sculpture was brought to life by Nina Akamu in 1999, based on drawings by Leonardo da Vinci for a project that he never completed. There were only two created – one in Italy, and the other here at the Meijer Gardens.
It's truly an epic sight to stand near, and you can even pose for pictures right underneath.
This beautiful, tranquil area was added to the gardens in 2015 and was the highlight of our experience this summer. I think we explored just about every path in the Japanese Garden. The area is centered on a large pond, with waterfalls, boulders, bridges, trees, flowers, and of course art, everywhere.
You can walk right down to the water's edge and follow winding stone pathways, or stay on the paved trail to explore. Nature pulls you in from every direction from the sounds of the wind to the smells of the trees and the feel of the path under your feet and the branches swaying as you pass by. Some of the paths closer to the water are made of stepping stones or other material that is difficult or impossible to traverse on wheels, so if you have a stroller or wheelchair in your group you'll want to stay on the higher paved pathways.
A spiral path leads upward to the highest elevation in the garden for a beautiful view. There is also a gazebo right on the water and a Japanese tea house. Several areas are clearly meant for quiet reflection and scattered benches also offer places to relax and simply enjoy the environment.
The only one of the many gardens that I have yet to explore is the Michigan's Farm Garden. I know that it offers a look into what life was like for farmers in our state during the 1930s. A variety of plants and vegetables can be found there as well as sculptures of farm animals and a 3/4 scale replica of an actual farmhouse. I can't wait until my next visit to learn more about and experience this garden.
This area is one of my favorites at Meijer Gardens. The sight and sounds of the large, multi-tiered waterfall make a wonderful backdrop to the large pond filled with koi fish. There are Adirondack chairs located throughout, so you can sit down and relax and just take in the view. We've seen several wedding party photography sessions in this area too, as the waterfall makes a lovely backdrop.
The Amphitheater Garden is the location for an annual outdoor summer concert series. My husband and I were fortunate enough to see the Indigo Girls here several years ago. The garden makes for a wonderful backdrop for live music and the amphitheater offers a variety of seating options. Our seats were near the rear, but we still had great views and loved the ambiance.
The 2025 Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert series includes favorites like Wynonna Judd, Train and Cheap Trick. I was hoping we could make it to see Andy Grammer or Maren Morris, but both concerts are already sold out.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Get tickets as soon as they're announced, especially for popular bands or singers!
Along with beautiful gardens outdoors, there are several indoor spaces that aren't to be missed. My kids love the unique carnivorous plant house – the only dedicated display of carnivorous plants in the United States.
The five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory displays more than 500 species of plants in a lush setting. Tropical birds also make this area their home, and every spring, you can visit the annual Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit here to see and walk among thousands of tropical butterflies. It's really an incredible experience to have butterflies land right on your head or shoulders as you walk along and explore.
From the tropics to the desert… On our visit this past summer, the teens really enjoyed the succulents and cacti of the Earl and Donnalee Holton Arid Garden. We don't see many of these kinds of plants naturally here in the Midwest, so it's fun to explore!
Other indoor gardens include the Victorian Garden Parlor and the Seasonal Display Greenhouse.
From November 26, 2025 until January 4, 2026, you can experience the University of Michigan Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. This annual exhibition is extremely popular, with different themes making it unique every year.
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is located on East Beltline Ave. NE in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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