Michigan Bucket List: Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids
Georgia Gurzick
| 3 min read
If you are looking for an exciting adventure in Michigan, set your sights on the West Side. Located about six miles east of Grand Rapids, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park offers a unique array of art, nature and history that belongs on every Michigan bucket list. It was named the best sculpture park according to the readers of USA TODAY in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The gardens cover 158 acres of land and offer a spread of flowers, plants and sculptures. Each season, Meijer Gardens has different sculpture exhibits that feature various artists. Meijer Gardens is not only known for its rich art and landscapes, but they also have year-round events that attract thousands of guests. In the colder months, Meijer Gardens holds events such as every Tuesday in February bringing in local artists to play music, selling seasonal food and drink at the James & Shirley Balk Café pop-up and the Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition.
Gardens: The park takes pride in showcasing exotic gardens with plants from many regions of the world. Visitors can explore areas with orchids from Central and South America, bamboo from Asia, and fig trees and banana plants from India. These gardens offer beautiful views that change with the seasons. With spaces designed for children as well as butterfly and farm-themes areas, there is something for every visitor to enjoy.
Concerts: The venue hosts concerts at its beautiful outdoor amphitheater. It seats 1,900 guests under the pavilion and on the lawn surrounded by gardens and sculptures. Various performers have put on shows here, including the Steve Miller Band, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson.
Sculptures and art: There is a park area that features unique sculptures created by artists who are known around the world. It covers 30 acres and includes more than 50 pieces of carefully crafted art. One of those pieces is known as the “da Vinci horse”. The horse stands 24 feet tall and was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci and his unfinished quest to create this horse sculpture. Some of the other featured collections are the Garden Trails and conservatory collection, Marshal Fredericks collection and Sculpture Park and Galler collection. Each collection stands out in its own way whether by the time period it represents, or the materials used.
Programs: Along with being able to adventure by yourself, Meijer Gardens also have programs people of any age can join to make their experience more enjoyable. These programs range from master classes for all, children's camps, field trips, off-site bus trips and more. These programs offer a good bang for your buck.
How to plan a trip to Meijer Gardens
Planning a trip to the Meijer Gardens is easy to navigate. Check the official website for ticket prices, entertainment dates and operating hours. Here are a few tips and tricks to plan the most efficient day at the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids:
- Check the weather beforehand to ensure you are dressed appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes to walk around the park.
- Plan what activities and sites you want to do beforehand. The garden is a huge venue that has a lot to see. Check the maps for the parks and plan a route so you can see everything that interests you.
- Meijer Gardens has a cafe called the James & Shirley Balk Café with a menu that includes sandwiches, salads and small bites. Anyone is welcome to pack their own food and eat at the picnic tables provided throughout the day. The city of Grand Rapids has an abundance of food options that are sure to satisfy after a long day of sightseeing.
Tickets for all events and programs can be found on the official website. To make your day easier, hop online and book all your tickets in advance.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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