Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Reviews

The gardens and sculpture park are beautiful even in midwinter!

Every time I come to Grand Rapids i make sure to stop here because they always have something new going on. There's enough to do and see here to occupy you for an entire weekend. The sculpture gardens is my favorite part. Today i visited the recently opened Japanese garden and it was gorgeous! I only had about 2 hours today so i went to the perennial garden and Japanese garden. You definitely should dedicate a few hours for your first visit to the Japanese garden to fully appreciate all the details you might overlook if you rush through.

Great fun...bring the kids and they will love it!!!

I went to visit the "Butterfly Exhibit" either this early spring or perhaps later into last year's cold and dreary winter. There was still snow outside and it was very cold and windy up the day that I visited the butterfly exhibit. And as far as the exhibit and the building that contained it, well it totally blew my mind with all that I visually witnessed, learned, and got to touch. The butterflies light here and there and everywhere (maybe even on you).

It's far beyond the scope of my rating the beautiful things here to give you a full view of this. Why you may be asking yourself, well that is because I wouldn't know where to properly start and when to end a perfectly descriptive and thorough review because (when speaking solely of the butterfly exhibit) it showcases so much of the beauty of creation within and without such an alluring garden which rests fully within such a pleasingly aesthetic architecturally sound structure. I mean that garden, WOW! It was breathtaking to me when I first saw what was there; but then after I entered it and had gotten somewhat used to the amazing phenomenon, and when I took time to analyze and realize the complexity and thoughtful design of it all (whew!) it blew me away once more.
Visiting the butterfly exhibit can be an experience which both young and old may both enjoy now AND reminisce and ponder for years to come.

They've come a LONG WAY since this exhibit was first offered.

**** And by the way there IS a fee to enter the massive enclosure but that $15.00 or so is well worth the money. ****

I can't imagine how much money that it would cost them to both build & maintain this most excellent exhibit, that alone would be staggering to me.

But all in all, it's simply amazing in so many ways; and that's an understatement. I've attached over 50 photos for you to view, please do enjoy them and hopefully they will entice you too to visit there.

And for the record, I've never been here at any other time but this; but if the rest of the zoo is just as superb as this is, then I want to travel the 50 miles again just to visit again and experience that too. And that says a lot because of the physical issues that I deal with every day

Hey, enjoy your visit to the zoo and may you find similar happiness too.

Beautiful gardens and grounds, and the art is exceptional.

One of the best places I have ever been the most amazing gardens with several types from different areas of the world they were adding on when I last visited and cant wait to see the finished product also has several classes on gardening and has areas of beautiful paintings

Great arrangement of seasonal plantings along with interesting sculptures. Spring through late fall, the gardens have a different look every couple of weeks as what is in bloom changes.

Need to add more parking spots. Overall fun place to take the whole family.

Great way to spend the day with family or friends. There are areas for kids to play in as well, and indoor and outdoor gardens to explore, so there's things to see in any season. It really is beautiful and if your into plants or art, this is the place to be.

This place is absolutely amazing. Romantic setting I would say leave the kids at home enjoy some art.

Well Planned Beautiful Gardens and Sculptures. Wheel chairs available. Tram Ride very informitive

Buddy Guy is a legend! Great show on a beautiful night :)

This is a monumental addition to the area. Beautiful artwork, fabulous landscaping and gardens, and a wonderful entertainment venue.

Visiting Meijer Garden is a great way to spend the day any time of year. During the holidays is extra special.

Absolutely beautiful. Perfect place for get to know you date

Construction had made it to difficult to enter the gardens for someone with limited mobility. I was forced to let my membership lapse and I won't be renewing it anytime soon.

It's a big place with a long walk from the parking lot.

One of Michigan's most wonderful attractions. If you love art, gardens, or are a child. You will love it here.

Nice place but bepared to spend some$$$ there if u don't have a year pass.

Have seen many exhibits including the gardens, butterflies, art galleries and more. They also host weddings, concerts, and have interactive exhibits as well. Highly recommend this location for all ages.

A shining star for our West Michigan community. We've been members for years and always get our money's worth. Special events make the membership worthwhile to keep year after year. The summer music and having a nice place to meet for lunch or get some quiet time are just gravy. If you live in GR and haven't been here, you need to fix that. There's enough to keep you busy for 3 days so just get the membership. You won't regret it.

Escape the winter at the sculpture garden. Use your GR Library card to get up to 6 people in free! * See your local branch or contact GRPL for details.

Wonderful gardens and sculptures. Plenty if shade when needed and paths were easy to navigate. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is into plants and art..

I had a few hours to kill in Grand Rapids. So headed over to the gardens, it s so much more than I could ve ever expected. The gardens are absolutely breathtaking - probably the best botanical gardens I ve been to, and the artwork is very good and top-notch. If you re into either I would definitely recommend checking it out. The gift shop is also a great place to grab some trinkets to bring back for friends and family if you are visiting from out of town.

We arrived about 1 1/2 hours before closing, but paid our $15 per person and proceeded to enjoy our walk through the sculpture and plant gardens.
As we were finishing our tour my girlfriend's blood sugar dropped.
We made it to our car and I sat her on a curb beside it to get her a snack and drink.
While she was eating her snack a park employee came and told us they didn't allow tailgating. That we could sit in our car or leave.
She walked away without giving me any opportunity to explain.
I am very disappointed in the way this changed our whole experience.
$30 for a hour and a half walk through the gardens with a threat and an insult to finish.
Completely inappropriate.

What a wonderful landmark Grand Rapids has to offer at the Meijer gardens. What is there not to love, maybe the omission of a mini theme park/animal sanctuary ...hmm on second thought better not. It would ruin the ambience, although I always hope to see more animals just there in the wild, in their element. Maybe if this was Australia or Africa lol.

The gardens are beautiful for a day visit, to take a relaxing walk, maybe somewhere to take a date or out of town guest for something to do. They have a little cafe with reasonably priced, good food ...I like the mac n cheese, they also serve beer and wine I believe. There's a cute gift shop by the entrance featuring a good variety of quality made items, great for a gift or souvenir to take home.

The grounds are well maintained all year round and they have different exhibits and themes for each season. They have different events and a summer concert series which is nice. Cool educational children's section also as well as throughout the park, like the Michigan barn. Some of their events I personally find boring, but maybe I just need something more interactive or entertaining like a fire dance off! Older folk and kids would love it though.

They have event space for weddings, corporate functions and such and always do a nice job with decor and catering, it might be on the pricey side, but as with all things you get what you pay for right.

The volunteers, usually older retired folk, are no joke they take their duties seriously and could lighten up, but are generally lovely and hey they're manning the forte for free!

Great way to spend an afternoon or to get the kids out of the house for a little bit.

Beautiful gardens and park. Attended a fundraiser and the food was amazing. Parking is tricky with construction but will be worth the hassle when it is completed. Friendly staff.

The live butterfly exhibit is a family tradition that we share since it was started years ago. It signals Spring for us. This year there is a lot of construction going on so limited area outdoors for exploring. But it will be worth it when finished. We are excited about the planned changes.

This place is fantastic I love the birds I have seen!

My little piece of Heaven. Beautiful place to visit.

Plants and decorations are well-kept. Beautiful scenery. Definitely will go again!

Beautiful grounds, several different garden loops, and extensive paved walking paths. Not possible to truly take it all in on one visit, so we will return.

Butterflies were beautiful. Loved the sculpture "garden". The Japanese garden was beautiful even though things were just starting to bloom.

Nice but they need golf carts for the disabled and elderly. Long walk to cars.

Amazing place. From kids to couples its a great time.

Beautiful indoor garden and sculpture park. The indoor section of the gardens holds several different types of botanical gardens, as well as a large indoor butterfly room (when in season). Outdoors, there are several large sculpture parks, each with their own theme. There is also a very nice children's play area and even an outdoor concert venue. Although the tickets can be a little pricey, it is well worth it as there are hours of sights to see.

The Japanese garden is beautiful!
We enjoy a beautiful and relaxing walk.
It is very worth it,
I was surprised by the delicious food tasted in the cafeteria.

Such a nice thing for West Michigan to have access to.

Beautiful gardens and rotating exhibits year round.

Awesome experience for all ages. Frederik Meijer Gardens always has events going on or different exhibits.

The gardens were very busy today, but the lines moved quite swiftly and we were never not greeted with a smile and friendly hello! The butterflies were beautiful and we had a great day!!

Best place to be a member of! Easily go each week without feeling bored with it!

Taylor Taylor is a name to look for. She is a very talented kid with a bright future.

Beautiful setting! Need to finish the additions before heavy traffic coming for concerts, not enough parking.

Wow! You can get lost here in a very good way. Engagement for the entire family. Could spend several days or come back multiple times.

Great place to spend the day or to take a short and serene walk outdoors in a landscape filled with sculptures and brimming with nature. Walk the Japanese garden with its bonsai trees, large pond, and tea house. Experience farm life on the grounds of the Lena Meijer Farm Garden. Enjoy the wildlife along the wetlands boardwalk. Let the young ones play and learn in the Children's garden. Catch a musical performance at the outdoor amphitheater. Explore the greenhouses and conservatory. And grab some lunch at the excellent onsite cafe. Make this destination a priority on your next trip to West Michigan!

Amazing place and extremely well maintained. Worth the visit.

Great place to bring family for a day in Grand Rapids.

Had a great time and facilities were nice. The height of chairs allow was uncomfortable for me. So I didn't get much of a view.

Went too early in the season. The mum's were not out yet. Construction was not the worst it could have been, but unenjoyable just the same. I cannot wait to see the changes.

With everything going on in the world it's wonderful to have a place filled with beauty --both natural and artistic. The walking tour is fantastic.

Loved this place. Lots to see and explore.great for the entire family.

Wonderful place with an astonishing Japanese Garden! You can easily spend the entire day here!

Gorgeous grounds with art scattered throughout. Perfect for a stroll with family or friends.

Love the Japanese garden there. A great place for family and friends.

Great venue. Had a dinner dance there. Staff absolutely amazing.

So many reasons to like this place. Beautifully kept gardens both indoor and out. Most of the areas are planted in such a way that there is hardly ever a season where you won't have an enjoyable visit. There are quiet benches everywhere with pretty views that make it worth coming back again just to find a spot to read a book, reflect, or just enjoy. The base year membership is an amazing deal to get unlimited access. The events and concerts may be a bit pricy but just to have them as an option is a neat thing since you'd want to visit regardless of them.

Loved the butterfly Garden!!! So much fun!! The kiddos loved the child Garden.

A great, natural beauty getaway in the middle of the city. There is no other place like this in the midwest.