Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Reviews

So gorgeous! How blessed we are to have this in our Community!

The Japanese gardens are so beautiful! The whole place is definitely worth a day trip.

Great place for a date or just to hang out with friends. The line for the butterfly exhibit can get long but it moves quickly. The only other thing is the exhibit itself can get very packed but not to big of a deal. Great place for kids too

Great venue, beautiful weather.... awesome concert !

I love going to concerts here. There's not a bad spot in the place. Pack a little picnic and enjoy the show!

It was very interesting and there were a lot of wonderful views. I think it's a good place for multiple age groups.

They are detailed and thourough, which makes even the simplest of things look extraordinary.

Attended Concert, perfect evening! Highly recommend!!

First time there and I love this place. The Japanese Garden if my favorite!!

I've been coming here for as long as I can remember. There is always something new to admire :)

Butterfly area is fabulous! Very clean and neat throughout indoor and outdoor displays! Trolley makes stops throughout the outdoor sculpture displays and gardens for a fee. Souvenir shop. Concerts in the amphitheater. Well worth the trip to visit for children and adults!

We had the best family outing! Come visit, you will love it

Great place to visit but some of the people that work there are not very friendly.

Amazing gardens, was just too hot for me the day we went.

It was my Moms 77th Earth Strong and I surprised her with this trip. It was AMAZING!!!!! THE Japanese Garden was my favorite (I lived in Japan for 1 years)

What a lovely escape. Meticulously tended gardens with sculpture of all styles artfully placed. Needed much more time to explore the corners. Would be interested for a picnic or a walk with a loved one or some time with a camera.

One of the best places to go in Grand Rapids. They have rotating exhibits throughout the year and their Summer Concert series brings in a bunch of great acts. A true landmark!

Always a lovely place for a walk. The butterflies (though, now no longer hatching) are a sight to be enjoyed by anyone of any age. The treehouse, sandpit, and Great Lakes fountain/pool are great for kids.

While not impressed with what seems to be a popular attraction (the butterflies), the gardens are simply breathtaking.

We live nearby and have purchased a year membership which will quickly pay for itself. Most areas are handicap accessible and nearly everything is accessible with a stroller. We spent nearly three hours there our first trip and only made it through the Japanese Gardens. Gorgeous.

A great place to walk around and look at art. The gardens are beautiful, and the exhibits are always interesting.

Price is a little high but the butterflies are captivating. Our family loves it

Beautiful in so many ways. Peaceful gardens, highest quality sculptures everywhere. We spent several hours there, but you really need a whole day, if not more.

Very friendly personnel. We're looking forward to our next trip to Grand Rapids so we can see the parts we missed.

A very good value.

What a wonderful space!! When it's nice out, taking my kids to the outdoor children's area is a favorite! Seeing the butterflies in the warm exhibit is always welcome. Always clean with polite staff and so much to do!!

An awesome place !!! All employees very friendly & helpful !!!

Great play to take a walk with family and Lean about art. Has a nice area for kids inside and outside.

It's an ever evoloving place. We get a membership every year so we can visit all the special events. My children love the children's park during the summer. It's a great way to get there energy out.

Some beauitful butterflies. Very informative and polite guides. But very crowed. Glad they are expanding. Long walk from parking lot for older people.

Get in the car and go! Staff recommendation was to do outdoors first then go inside. Many lasting moments in their outdoor gardens, great for families, romance, or solo adventures.

My children love it here! It is amazing way to spend the day out with family

Loved walking around here, so much to see. The cafe was a little expensive, but the food was great!

We went to see butterflies. Beautiful. My grandkids love to see all the different colors. And I take pictures of the flowers. Thank you for your work to put this on.

Christmas around the world. It truly is an amazing experience being able to see differing cultures all in one place. I was chaperoning my sons second grade field trip and I think I learned more than he did. Not only are there trees and decorations around the facility, you must visit the theatre and watch the 15 minute short film about the local culture and how many celebrate Christmas here in West Michigan. Thoroughly impressed.

Beautiful sightseeing, great Christmas escenary, very good shows, a must for tourist and families

This place is beautiful! I got married here last year and it was the most amazing day. The staff and the scenery are equally awesome!

Fun place to bring the kids in the spring and see the butterflies. Butterfly room can be VERY humid and warm. Best to wear light clothing if you plan to be there long. Can become very crowded. The gardens are very nice. If you plan on going to Fred Meyer more then a few times a year, it's better to get a membership.

Beautiful!! Tour guide answered many of our questions and gave us background on many pieces. (Tall, tan man) The five sense sections was my personal favorite. Japanese garden was stunning!!! Very clean and relaxed atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone coming to this area

The Japanese Gardens are so tranquil and relaxing. In between finding a great restaurant or seeing a show downtown stop in to take a break and admire the beauty of this place. It's well worth the time and hike to see the art on display.

Absolutely stunning! Had such an amazing time here, from the Carnivorous plants, to the Tropical green house, and the amazingly tranquil and beautiful Japanese Garden. The Da Vinci Horse and the Koi Pond were my absolute fave spot though. Well worth the drive out to visit from Traverse City.

Beautiful, wonderful place to enjoy the world. The gardens are amazing, seasonal displays are breathtaking, and everyone has fun here. The cafe has delicious options which are locally sourced.

The many different flowers in Arrangements that are there.

I had a great time here with my dad for fathers day. I loved the Japanese garden. I was surprised of how large it was.

Good place to take the family to see the butterflies & Christmas trees

Awesome experience - kid friendly. Winter or summer, it's still educational & fun.

Let me start by saying that I work in a place of business where we take Customer Service/Relations very seriously. We would not be in business today if we didn't. I have always held the Frederik Meijer Gardens in high regard. But after our last visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens which was very disappointing and upsetting, I now have a new opinion, unfortunately due to the staff behavior as well as their "hidden policies".

We were treated very unprofessionally by the Customer Relations/Admissions staff upon arrival. We had the idea of taking a few Prom pictures (for ourselves, by ourselves, not with a professional photographer) for our daughter's senior prom at the Gardens like we had previously done for my son's Senior Prom. I visited their website for hours and admission. We also called to inquire about taking pictures and in no way was I under any impression that a $300 permit was required.

Upon arrival, when trying to purchase admission for 3 adults and 2 students, the representative asked if we had a permit. I was puzzled and was advised we had to have a permit to enter the gardens and was directed to get in another line at the end of the counter. The second representative would not make any eye contact with me, but only repeat we had to have a $300 permit prior to arriving.

When I questioned this, I was told to wait. After about 5 minutes another representative was sent out to handle the situation. Again the policy was repeated. I asked if this was a new policy, as we were here a few years ago and only had to pay admission. I told her I did not see any information like this on the website and her response was "it is at the very bottom, under policies".

I imagine we were not the only ones turned away that were unaware of this policy. We traveled 30 minutes and I'm sure there were others who traveled further. I asked if it was because they had formal clothes and if we were there in regular clothes if we could still go in and take pictures. She shrugged her shoulders and said it was because we had "intent to take pictures". I am sure almost everyone visiting the butterflies was there with intent to take pictures. She told me it was because someone was hit in their parking lot a few years ago and now a permit is required and all guests have to have a security guard escort your party the whole time you are there. I can not imagine anyone would be in danger of being hit inside the Butterfly exhibit. This seems a bit extreme.

Even after all of the verbal explanation, I still am having a hard time finding anything that refers to a "$300 permit requirement". The very first line of their "Photo Guidelines" states... "Guests may take photos of public areas during normal business hours for personal use according to the photography policy". And then a few policies down..."Portraiture photography (posed photos i.e. senior pictures, engagement / bridal / wedding, family portraits, etc...) is not permitted without prior approval. Please contact Facility Rental to schedule a photo shoot fees apply and our Photography Agreement must be signed."

I understand why a business has to have certain policies in place, however the policies should be clearly stated and staff should be trained how to handle these situations with professionalism, grace and friendliness and maybe a even little compassion. I imagine they were sick of having to explain this all day and were no longer "in the mood" to even try be nice anymore by 4pm. I would not have left with such a bad taste in my mouth had anyone apologized for the situation. Instead we received rude and offensive body language and a poor explanation that this policy is buried on their website.

I would suggest clearly stating this policy on the HOME PAGE and/or HOURS & ADMISSIONS PAGE especially during Prom or Formal Dance seasons (and include "formal dance photos") so guests don't waste their time and avoid disappointment and frustration for everyone.

Beautiful place with a lot of interesting sculptures to see.

I was dropped off in front of the main building. Currently lots of construction going on around the place. Ushered in to a very large room . The room was cold ( I had on a suit and jacket). Lectured to for about 3 hours. Had a snack and went to the bathroom (they were cleaning and in working order). Left the building and got on the bus again. Really can't say too much about the place.

One of the best places to visit in GR. I don't make it out there enough. The sculpture gardens are amazing and the amphitheater is a great place to see a show. Went to see The Shins last night and the concert was a little short but the atmosphere was amazing. A little pricey for what it was but willing to pay for the right artist.

Very casual feel with plenty of great picture opportunities. Tuesday nights seem to be a great time to go without too many kids and a big crowd. When raining the inside portion is very humid and crowded, yet still enjoyable.

They always do a great job. I'm a member here and every time I go it seems like I enjoy something different. The Japanese garden is beautiful.

Butterfly exhibit was amazing! So fun to check everything out! Can't wait to see what the add on to the gardens will be!!

A great stop for the family! Butterfly's in the spring, water play areas in the summer (for the kids) and beautiful gardens. Great banquet facilities and learning opportunities year round.

Attended a wedding. Love what you did with the place! It looks gorgeous!

Beautiful, peaceful and serene. A definite must see. Will definetly ge going back for sure. Highly recommended for all ages.

Specific to the concert venue: long wait for concessions, longer wait (and no staff or cop assistance) getting out of the parking lot.

Meijer Gardens is a great place for an adventure even when the flowers are not ready to come out outside! All ages will enjoy the butterflies, the tropical and desert gardens, and the many art treats throughout.

Phoneminal place the decorated christmas trees of the world is a you gotta see it. Very cool

It's always a wonderful day at the gardens. With the exception of one rude volunteer in the gift shop, it was a great afternoon.

It might always be the same place, but it changes with the seasons. Well worth a membership.

We love Meijer Gardens. You just have to forgive some of the construction. It ll be worth it in the end. We re excited to see how it looks when it s finished!

Beautiful! So much to see and do. Great way to get outside and walk around

Consistently interesting and accessible for anyone even remotely interested in art or the outdoors.

Enjoyed the Japanese gardens new addition to the gardens. Also the beautiful waterfalls and large fish, frogs in the waters throughout the park and large interesting outdoor sculptures scattered throughout your walk. Beautiful play area for children of all ages. Includes a fort, for clumbing, cabin with board games, a large sand box and also an area where they can play in the water shaping our great lakes. Beautiful place to enjoy natures natural beauty in a unique way. A michigan must stop and enjoy.

One of the best sculpture parks in the world. Beautiful indoor and outdoor collections, well-designed facilities, and friendly, helpful staff. The Japanese Lilly Ponds are unbelievable to boot.