United States
Michigan (MI)
Kent County
Grand Rapids
Things to Do in Grand Rapids
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
5
3,007
#2 of 66 things to do in Grand Rapids
Gardens
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
View modern sculpture in a stunning garden setting at this combination botanical garden and sculpture park, which features exotic plants, desert and Victorian gardens, wetlands, meadows, and sculptures by famous artists throughout.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,007 reviews
Excellent
2,477
Very good
432
Average
67
Poor
17
Terrible
14
CarmelMel
Carmel, IN100 contributions
A must see/experience attraction in Grand Rapids
Couples
This is a must see in Grand Rapids. It is an artistic delight! Enjoy the different types of gardens and the unique and incredible sculptures. Allow 1/2 day if possible, 2 hours minimum. Recommend purchasing tram tickets to see the majority of the Sculpture Garden (with commentary provided by a capable volunteer), the largest of the multiple gardens and sit in the first car on the left-hand side for the best photo opportunities. Take the time to go through the displays inside and outside. First-rate attraction! Absolutely loved this beautiful place and would go back.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A2coolcity
Fishers, IN962 contributions
A TRIP WORTH REPEATING 🤗
Couples
We were wanting a weekend getaway and randomly chose to drive from Indy area to Grand Rapids MI. When we stumbled on the Meijer’s Gardens our minds were blown with an explosion of beautiful flowers, amazing statues and delicious food.
The Meijer’s family has done an incredible service to the world by working in harmony with God to provide this place of treasures and delights.
There is something for everyone (young & old alike) - both inside and in the incredible outside (weather permitting) gardens and peaceful walks.
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND investing an additional $5/person for the tram ride to get an guided tour of the grounds and the secrets of this haven of rest and celebration of beauty.
Our tour guide “Al” and driver “Tom” are outstanding and made this trip a true TREAT!! 🤩

We definitely will be back to bring friends and family.
Thanks for a great experience worth repeating! 😎
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stan
Charlevoix, MI593 contributions
You must visit this park
Until you visit this place, it will never be clear to you what it is. It is a collection of staggeringly big sculptures set in a horticultural paradise. Add in some theatrical venues for both children and adults and you can begin to visualize what this place is. There is full time staff here, but there are also hundreds of volunteers that make it function by interacting frequently with visitors. You could easily spend 7 or 8 hours here and still not visit every nook and cranny. I would strongly suggest you start by riding the tram. That is $4 per person which is on top of the park admmission which is about $15 for adults. In terms of buying an all day engagement, it is inexpensive - just a tiny fraction of what tickets cost at other all-day pursuits you could go and do. The crowds can be thick on peak days, and the park attracts a rather large array of international visitors, but overall it is easy to move around.

The tram takes around 30 minutes and orients you to the layout of the different parts of the park - which you can then go visit or not visit depending on what interests you have. You can also eat at their restaurant which you will need if you spend 6+ hours on your visit. There also is a very elaborate gift shop where you can spend as much money as you like.

The gardens are beautiful, the multitude of different and exotic plants are awesome, the sculptures are mind boggling and the entertainment venues are very entertaining. When you leave your first inclination will be that you will want to return again.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
urlookingood1
Palmview, TX41 contributions
Breathtaking!
I was in sensory overload and just couldn't take in another pretty sight. We rode the tram and walked the park until my tootsies hurt and never saw it all. Plant lovers and artists could spend a full day here discovering the beauties of this park. Sculptures by famous artists are displayed around the park and I can't begin to tell you everything we saw. This park doesn't get over 4000 4/1/2 stars for no reason. Go to their website to see what they have to offer. Tips: Due to COVID restrictions are in place and of course you have to wear a mask when inside. The tram ride costs $4 and is a must do. You will have a 45 minute tour through the sculpture gardens while a guide tells you about the artists. The tram runs every 30 minutes. If you wait to the last minute to get a ride chances are you won't get one. This is a very popular attraction, there are limited number of seats, and there is not a drop on drop off option. The cafeteria has limited service but they are doing a good job of sanitizing and making everything clean as a whistle. The bathrooms were spotless. There is a nice gift shop with an assortment of items for adults and children. Free wheelchair use is provided. I saw many families with children, but I highly recommend strollers. There is a special children's garden complete with squirting fountains the kids can play in so take a towel if you are interested. Picnic areas are available for the budget conscious. Oh, don't for get your camera and take plenty of batteries!
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andylucia
Hopewell Junction, NY177 contributions
Do NOT miss this AND give yourself much more time than you think!
This is a very cool group of gardens and sculptures and just a beautiful setting. If you think you will need 2 hours to walk through, plan on spending double that (or more). Each time we thought we were done, there was more to see. We went through the indoor gardens (cacti and tropical) and indoor sculpture area. We also went through the kid's garden (even though we have no kids) and that was just as cool. We walked through the amphitheater and then rounded a corner and saw the most massive horse sculpture (enter from across the kid's garden). It was AWESOME. After strolling through the Japanese garden, some of our group was tired and we managed to see a few of the gigantic sculptures. All in all, we spent just over 2 hours from arrival to leaving and did not see all that there was to see. Unless you are running through and not really looking, plan on at least 2 hours from arrival (some of the time waiting on line for tickets). We did not ride on the tram, but since we did not get to see everything, I kind of regret that. Do not miss this amazing location!
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
veryuniquetraveler
NEBRASKA551 contributions
Well worth a visit
This was a very enjoyable attraction, highly recommend to art fans or naturalists. You'll need half a day to see it all, a little longer if you have small children and want to enjoy the children's play area. It is a lot of walking. Since this was our first visit, we took the tram tour. The tour does give you a lot of information about the sculptures that you wouldn't get otherwise and drives past the farthest areas, savings you a little bit of walking. The conservatory was one of the best I've ever been too. Vast selection of exotic plants, many I'd never seen before. The walks through the Japanese garden, shade garden, and wetlands boardwalk were very relaxing. Loved the cute statues in the farm garden.
Nice picnic area outside the entrance.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PENNY S
10 contributions
My teens surprisingly loved it!
Family
I booked this as part of our spring break 2022 road trip and almost immediately regretted it. What was I thinking? I have 3 teen boys and it’s snowing in Grand Rapids today. BUT my southern boys loved it even tho we’re not prepared to hang in cold weather long.
They shockingly liked the butterfly and greenhouse areas and I thought I’d push my luck and mentioned the sculptures were the main attraction outside. The youngest was immediately onboard- the older two didn’t say anything which in teen boy mom land means proceed. Selfie Rama began in abundance and laughter even rang out as they made it probably 3/4 of the way thru before my youngest and my very southern husband said they just couldn’t take the 34 degree temps and snow any longer.
We returned for the planets in my mind exhibit which they also liked. I know … I need to buy a lottery ticket! Thank you Grand Rapids! I’m forever grateful for your hospitality!
Love,
A boymom trying her best!!!
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deborah M
4 contributions
Find your own way amid the fumes
While the sculpture and the gardens are lovely as any should be with the amount of money that is available to procure the art and manicure the gardens, the park was a trial to navigate. Everyone gets a map, but there are few maps throughout the park that tell you where you are when you are out there wandering. We encountered one 'ask me' volunteer as we left the park. The tram was nice for the small part of the park it traveled, but it leaves you in the middle of the park (maybe) without visual directions. No option for a ride back to the main building. The tram itself is still gasoline powered so don't sit in the second car of the tram. Their little runabouts for the staff are also gasoline powered and leave you in their exhaust as they zip past. Yes, there is construction going on which might make the necessary walking longer than usual, but no accommodations were made for it if that is the case. The cafe is good, very good. Enjoy lunch and leave.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Judy W
85 contributions
Spent Longer than we Expected
I read the reviews that said you can’t see everything in one day and laughed. I was wrong! There is just so much to see that you can’t absorb it all in a day. My wife & I are members at Longwood Gardens and go there each season of the year. Frederik Meijer Gardens is only a few years old, not even finished and it outshines Longwood in many ways. We signed up as we entered for the Japanese Garden tour which was great and then took the tram ride to see the sculptures which was also outstanding. That ride was narrated by a very knowledgeable former college professor who really knew what we were looking at and knew how to explain it. Looking forward to seeing what we missed and what was not finished someday.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary
37 contributions
Lovely flowers, spend several hours so much to see!
Wonderful botanical gardens and sculpture park. The Japanese garden was my favorite - beautiful huge white hydrangea bushes, red Maple trees surrounding the path around the lake. Didn't have children with us, but other little ones were having fun in the Great Lakes water feature. Stayed for the Tuesday evening concert which was fun sitting on the lawn in the cooler evening weather (it was 90 degrees the day were were visiting). Ate at the cafe and enjoyed the Michigan Cherry Chicken salad.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is open:
  • Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Mon - Mon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Tue - Tue 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Wed - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Restaurants near Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: View all restaurants near Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on Tripadvisor