Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Things To See During Your Visit! Fun Photos, Butterfly Exhibit, Exhibitions, 200 Must-See Sculptures
Article: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Things To See During Your Visit! Fun Photos, Butterfly Exhibit, Exhibitions, Must-See Sculptures
Frederik Meijer Gardens is one of the most incredible Botanical Gardens in Michigan! There are so many fun things to see, paved walkways to traverse, over 200 sculptures to find and enjoy, ponds to explore, and play areas for kids. Chris and I have personally been to these Grand Rapids botanical gardens several times so we can first-hand recommend it to you! We are real people (not AI) that love exploring and traveling Michigan.
What Is Frederik Meijer Gardens?
Frederik Meijer Gardens is a 158-acre botanical garden, expansive art museum, and sculpture park located in Grand Rapids Township in Southwest Michigan.
In The News
Frederik Meijer Gardens is ranked among the most-visited art museums worldwide and named the "Best Sculpture Park in the United States" by USA Today in both 2023 & 2024! Pretty Cool, huh!?
Where is Frederik Meijer Gardens?
1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Things To See
Walk (or Ride the Tram) Through the Sculpture Park!
It's definitely worth your time to explore the permanent sculpture collection that is internationally acclaimed. There are about 200 masterworks created by several well-known artists including Auguste Rodin, Nina Akamu (created The American Horse) and Joan Miro.
Perhaps the most famous sculpture at Frederik Meijer Gardens is The American Horse by Nina Akamu. It's so majestic and beautiful, isn't it? You can tell by the people in the shot below just how imposing this sculpture really is.
Did you know two casts were created of the 24 foot tall monument? One was made for Frederik Meijer Gardens and the other was produced for display in Milan, Italy.
This sculpture is named Aria and was created by Alexander Liberman in 1979–1983. It is made with painted steel and stands 42 feet tall. It was a gift of Fred and Lena Meijer.
I have to say, this area of the Sculpture Park, called "Waterfalls" on the map, is hands-down my favorite area to visit on a sunny day. I love to sit on the warm flat rocks near the edge of the water and watch the colorful koi fish swim leisurely around the pond. It's so peaceful and quiet here. Bring a sketch book and take a couple hours justfr creativity and joy.
If You Are Visiting in April, May or June See the Butterflies in Bloom Exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens!
What the butterflies begin to emerge from the chrysalises! It's pretty impressive!
The Blue Morpho butterfly is my favorite butterfly, hands down. They are exquisite on the outside and when they take flight, they show off brilliant sparkly blue wings. The photos above and below are the same type of butterfly!
Visit The Richard and Helen Devos Japanese Garden
You will absolutely love exploring this 8-acre Japanese garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Things to see include several waterfalls, gazebos, high vantage point views, lovely plants, sparkling ponds and several trails.
Visit Michigan's Farm Garden
A cool place to visit is the Michigan's Farm Garden as you can see what is was like to live on a 1930's-era farm. It features an iconic red barn that you can enter, farmhouse, windmill, gardens and animal sculptures. Restrooms are also here.
The Frey Boardwalk at Frederik Meijer Gardens
The Frey Boardwalk is always my first destination when arriving at the botanical gardens. I love finding turtles sunning themselves on logs, bright green frogs, majestic swans and several ducks. It's a lovely boardwalk that is so peaceful and relaxing.
What we like about it
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a fantastic botanical gardens, art museum and sculpture park. I think everyone should visit throughout the different seasons as the views always change.
FAQ's people are asking!
Answer: There are about 200 sculptures at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Where To Eat
Frederik Meijer Gardens has a cafe so be sure to grab a quick lunch while you explore!
When to Go
Frederik Meijer Gardens is a lovely garden that is accessible throughout all four seasons. We love to visit when the Butterflies are Blooming Exhibit is happening as you can see everything during one visit.
Related Fun Pages!
Here are more fun things to do in Grand Rapids!
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Author: Sherry Trautman
Author | Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander...read more about Sherry Trautman