Description: Coming to Grand Rapids wouldn’t be the same without stopping at one of its most favorite attractions the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. This magnificent charm was made possible by the generosity of Fred and Lena Meijer who donated all the funds, and their entire sculpture collection to get this project underway.
It is the second most-popular cultural destination in Michigan with 600,000 visitors annually, and is funded almost entirely by private donations. “Meijer Gardens” as we call it, has inside it’s 125-acres Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, the nations most extensive carnivorous plant house, outdoor gardens, boardwalks and nature trails, the most comprehensive outdoor sculpture collection in the area, library, amphitheater, gift shop, classrooms and conference rooms, and a café. See why more than 3 million visitors have flocked to this place in the last 10 years.
This is a horticulturalist's heaven with its ever changing botanical exhibitions found here. The Conservatory is a 5-story, indoor, 15,000 feet² greenhouse filled with tropical plants found around the world; which include massive palms, exotic orchids, bamboo and banana trees which are displayed amongst ponds, fountains, and charming sculptures spotted everywhere. The temps are always in the 80ºs inside, making this a haven on those cold winter days. Other indoor gardens offer seasonal displays of beauty. You may visit during a bonsai exhibit or an English cottage themed tour but whenever you do you will always find an impressive array of nature to be discovered and experienced.
Go outside to experience the sculpture park which features over 170 different pieces from over 30 renowned sculptors, as well as abundant seasonal plantings which surround the winding paths of this section. Each season you will be surprised by all that is there to explore. With its wetlands and other variety of foliage seen everywhere you will understand why it’s also a bird lover’s paradise as well. The most famous sculpture in this collection is the Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse. At 24 feet tall it’s the largest bronze equine sculpture in the Western Hemisphere, and one of only two in the world.
During March and April the butterfly exhibit is the most popular, with over 6000 tropical butterflies let lose to flutter inside freely inside the conservatory. It's amazing to see them land on your hands, head or shoulder. This is one of my favorite exhibits.
Christmastime is magical at the gardens. Its display of over 40 international trees, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers singing, strolling the grounds, and the awesome vision of over 300,000 twinkling lights makes this a holiday treat. Newly added was the Polar Express Railway exhibit for us to experience.
From June through September an outdoor concert series is offered, showcasing some great entertainers at the gardens amphitheater. This is a great place to spend time outdoors amongst the beauty of the gardens, wonderful musicians, and friendly people.
Open daily from 9am to 5pm, Tuesdays 9am to 9pm. Adults are $12, students and seniors are $ 9, children are between $6 and $4, and children under the age of 2 are free. Guided tours are available and everywhere is handicapped accessible.
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