Welcome To Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Are you planning to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan? Then you must visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This amazing 158-acre nonprofit park is the perfect combination of art and nature. Whether you are a local or just visiting West Michigan, this place is a great spot to relax and find inspiration. There are impressive sculptures, beautiful gardens you can walk through, and you can also explore Frederik Meijer Gardens butterflies in a tropical conservatory. Since it opened in 1995, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Grand Rapids has welcomed over 15 million visitors. And it has been ranked the #1 Sculpture Park in America for three years in a row! Right now, they are celebrating their 30th anniversary with the theme “120 Seasons.” Let’s explore the park’s history, attractions, and what makes it a standout for everyone in this article.

Frederik Meijer Gardens, a legacy built on generosity and vision

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park exists because of the generous vision of Fred and Lena Meijer, the founders of the Meijer retail chain. It opened in 1995 and was born from their passion for art, nature, and community enrichment. It first started as a small botanical garden; today, it has grown into an internationally acclaimed institution with over 200 sculptures and five indoor themed gardens. The Meijers’ generous gift endowment ensured the park remains a nonprofit. So, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is focused on preserving natural beauty while showing artistic excellence. In 2025, the park celebrated its 30th anniversary with special exhibitions, member events, and community programs.

Sculptures, gardens, and butterflies

Visitors can see the famous sculpture park at the heart of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Grand Rapids. It holds more than 200 works, with pieces from world-famous artists like Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Dale Chihuly. Since the art seamlessly blends into the landscape, it feels like a natural part of the park. You have a couple of ways to explore the park,

Take a 30-minute tram tour for $8 per person to get a guided look at the sculptures and gardens
Or you can walk the 3.3-mile loop on your own

All the paths and trams are wheelchair-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them.

Frederik Meijer Gardens brings indoor and outdoor spaces together and gives visitors a magical experience. Inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, a five-story glasshouse, you will find exotic plants all year long. It hosted the Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit. At this event, visitors could see thousands of butterflies from 60 species flutter around plants.

Outside, the 8-acre Japanese garden offers visitors something completely different. Visitors can explore its peaceful koi ponds, bonsai displays, and the traditional tea house. And for families, the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden offers everything they want and more. Your kids can have a great time here, climbing through treehouses and trying out the splash pads. What really makes the gardens special is how art and nature are perfectly blended. Sculptures are placed to fit right into the landscape, like bronze figures appearing in a meadow or modern pieces tucked into the woods. You can spend hours finding new combinations of art and nature that most gardens never attempt.

Exciting events and concerts throughout the year

Frederik Meijer Gardens event calendar is packed all year long! The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts series recently finished, with 34 shows from May to September in the 1,900-seat amphitheater. It was a huge success! The gardens saw many sold-out shows for artists like Alison Krauss & Union Station and Vance Joy.

Beyond the music, there are some other great Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park upcoming events.

West Michigan Bonsai Club Fall Bonsai Show – On October 4-5, see amazing miniature trees and learn from experts.
Japanese Teahouse Open Hours – Visit the teahouse for a cultural experience on October 19.
MUMS at Meijer Gardens – All throughout October, see Michigan’s largest display of thousands of colorful chrysanthemums.
ENLIGHTEN – From November 26, 2025, to January 3, 2026, this immersive light show takes you on a one-mile path with incredible displays and music.

The gardens also make it a fun and informative place for everyone, with many family-friendly events like Fall Family Day held on September 28 and other educational programs.

Planning your visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Grand Rapids

You can find Frederik Meijer Gardens at 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI. There’s free on-site parking, and the park is cashless. Frederik Meijer Gardens hours? The park is open Monday through Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. On event nights, like the Tuesday Evening Music Club, they stay open until 9:00 p.m. Just remember, they are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Your ticket gives you great value, covering both the gardens and the sculptures. Members get free, unlimited admission for one year, discounted and pre-sale concert tickets, and discounts in the gift shop. Members also get access to exclusive “Early Hours” on the first weekend of each month and reciprocal benefits at over 300 other gardens nationwide. There are paved pathways and ramps for wheelchairs and strollers throughout the indoor and outdoor areas, so the park is very accessible.

When you get hungry, you can grab a casual meal at the James & Shirley Balk Café or a quick bite at the Eileen DeVries Concessions Center during Frederik Meijer Gardens concerts. If you want to learn more, you can take a guided Art and Nature Tram Tour (extra $6 for adults and $3.50 for children) or sign up for a workshop like bonsai care. You can purchase these tour tickets at the Transportation Center.

FAQs Section

How much does it cost to go to Meijer Gardens?

Admission is $22 for adults (14-64), $17 for seniors (65+), and $16 for students (with ID). For children, it is $11 (ages 3-13) and free for ages two and under. They also have some great discounts. If you have an EBT or WIC card, you can get in for just $2 per person (for up to four people). Active military and disabled veterans get $3 off, and members always get free admission and early access to events. Just a heads-up, the gardens do not take cash, so you will need to use a card or their on-site “reverse ATM.”

Is Frederik Meijer Gardens worth it?

Absolutely! Visitors consistently praise its world-class sculpture, beautiful gardens, and fun activities it offers for the whole family. The gardens have been ranked USA TODAY’s #1 Sculpture Park for three years in a row (2023–2025) and are even considered one of the top 100 most-visited art museums in the world. Do not miss your opportunity to explore highlights of Lena Meijer Children’s Garden and the “Butterflies Are Blooming” exhibit.

How long does it take to go through Frederik Meijer Gardens?

Most visitors spend about 2-4 hours exploring the main attractions. It is enough time to see the Sculpture Park, and to walk through the 158 acres of gardens, including the Japanese Garden and the Tropical Conservatory. For special events like ENLIGHTEN or Frederik Meijer Gardens concerts, you should plan for a full half-day to enjoy everything.

Is Frederik Meijer Gardens free?

No, you do have to pay for a standard ticket. However, there are a few ways you can get in for free or at a discount.

Members always get free entry and even get early access to special events.
If you are a member of the American Horticultural Society, you can get in for free through their reciprocal program (just check for any exclusions).

Conclusion

There is always something magical happening all year long in Frederik Meijer Gardens. From colorful Butterflies Are Blooming exhibits to big Summer Concerts series, the garden offers something for everyone. Gardens’ amazing events like the ENLIGHTEN light show and BUSTED sculpture exhibition make you want to visit again and again. So, what are you waiting for? Check their official calendar, grab your tickets, and get ready for your next adventure.