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Since its grand opening in 1995, Frederik Meijer Gardens has grown out of its artistic apprenticeship and blossomed into the cultural, botanical and sculptural Mecca for Michigan residents and the... More
Since its grand opening in 1995, Frederik Meijer Gardens has grown out of its artistic apprenticeship and blossomed into the cultural, botanical and sculptural Mecca for Michigan residents and the greater Great Lakes region. The 125-acre attraction on Grand Rapids' Northeast side is a year round experience comprised of wetlands, woodlands, meadows, indoor and outdoor botanical gardens, world-class sculptures and performances by nationally acclaimed musicians. The crown jewel of the indoor gardens is the five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, the largest facility of its type in the state and is home to tropical plants and flowers from five continents including 30' high palm trees, coconut trees, bamboo, papyrus and vibrant orchids. The giant greenhouse also features a waterfall, gentle streams and is maintained at a delightful 75 degrees. Next to the conservatory, the Gardens' indoor horticulture collection also includes a carnivorous plant house and desert and Victorian gardens. In 2000, Meijer Gardens opened three state-of-the-art galleries that have held the works of Picasso, George Segal, Mark di Suvero and Claes Oldenburg.
The 35-acre outdoor sculpture park is filled with works by famous and world-renowned artists like Rodin, Henry Moore, Sansovino, Magdalena Abakanowicz and Jacques Lipchitz. Some of the works are colossal, the most famous of which is Leonardo Da Vinci's American Horse, the 24' bronze equestrian by sculptor Nina Akamu. Seeing is believing as no picture does it justice. It is simultaneously detailed and immense, beautiful and inspirational, fun and awe inspiring. If for no other reason, visit Meijer Gardens to see the Da Vinci Horse. Learn more about it online: http://www.leonardoshorse.org
Other grandiose works include the 35' Grand Rapids Arch by Andy Goldsworthy, the 23' tall Male/Female by Johnathan Borofsky the 42' canopy B-Tree II by
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Frederik Meijer Gardens is such a beautiful place. even the view of it from the street is just amazing.
My childrens school brought them there and I never heard the end of it, they just could not... More
Frederik Meijer Gardens is such a beautiful place. even the view of it from the street is just amazing.
My childrens school brought them there and I never heard the end of it, they just could not tell me enough. Finally we planned a family trip to go and am I ever glad I did. SO many beautiful things to see. I would reccomend this place to anyone and everyone. You will not be dissapointed with this trip!
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The Gardens is one of those Must See Attractions in Grand Rapids. It's home to the world famous Leonardo da Vinci's Horse Sculpture. There are tons of things to do here for every season. Around... More
The Gardens is one of those Must See Attractions in Grand Rapids. It's home to the world famous Leonardo da Vinci's Horse Sculpture. There are tons of things to do here for every season. Around Christmas time, they offer a Christmas Around the World exhibit which features Christmas trees from around the world, carriage rides, and the Garden's Polar Express designed around the movie the Polar Express. In the spring, they have the Butterfly exhibit. They let hundred of butterflies fly throughout the Conservatory which you walk through. It's an amazing site!! During the summer, you can play in the Lena Meijer Children's Gardens, walk through the Sculpture Park, or listen to a concert in the Amphitheater Garden. The Gardens offer guides tours and tram tours for nominal fees. Everyone should visit the Frederik Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park at least once.
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The best part of the gardens are well...the gardens. It is very intersting to walk through the different climates and see the variety of plant life. If you really want to enjoy your time, go in the... More
The best part of the gardens are well...the gardens. It is very intersting to walk through the different climates and see the variety of plant life. If you really want to enjoy your time, go in the spring, when butterflies fill the gardens. It is very nice outside too. The are many sculptures, and a nature trail.
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Frederik Meijer Gardens is one of the best attractions in Grand Rapids. The sculpture park is amazing, as is the butterfly exibit in the spring. The indoor gardens are a little lacking, but the... More
Frederik Meijer Gardens is one of the best attractions in Grand Rapids. The sculpture park is amazing, as is the butterfly exibit in the spring. The indoor gardens are a little lacking, but the overall it is a great experience! Even in the winter the indoor exhibits are worth the cost of admission.
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We LOVE this place! There are things to do all year round! For kids in the summer we play with the water and boats and also run around the tree house. There are so many sculptures and botanical... More
We LOVE this place! There are things to do all year round! For kids in the summer we play with the water and boats and also run around the tree house. There are so many sculptures and botanical gardens for adults to look at too, not to mention the incredible butterfly exhibit!
In the winter the Christmas trees are awesome! The sheer abundance of them is amazing! And the kids are occupied with the trains.
The family pass is certainly worth it too. You basically get your money out of it going just a few times. I highly recommend visiting the gardens at different times throughout the year!
PROS: too many to list!
CONS: expensive if you don't have a pass
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I have attended several large events at the Frederick Meijer Gardens. I think their facility is absolutely stunning, but it doesn't always work out well for large events. They have a hard time... More
I have attended several large events at the Frederick Meijer Gardens. I think their facility is absolutely stunning, but it doesn't always work out well for large events. They have a hard time getting sound distributed throughout the space for corporate parties and receptions (in my experience). You are limited in your choice of cateres, and I've found that the more reasonably priced options have a hard time creating quality products for large (250+) groups.
I think the Meijer Gardens is great for touring and seeing the gardens, but I would not hold an event there.
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Meijer Gardens is a great place to take the family! I have enjoyed the Christmas Around the World exhibits as well as the Butterfly exhibits. I have attended a wonderful wedding reception there too.... More
Meijer Gardens is a great place to take the family! I have enjoyed the Christmas Around the World exhibits as well as the Butterfly exhibits. I have attended a wonderful wedding reception there too. At the reception, the area was very clean and the decor was uplifting. There is ample parking.
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Frederick Meyer Gardens is an awesome experience whether you are enjoying the hatching of the many varieties of the butterflies or seeing the Christmas Trees from around the world, this place always... More
Frederick Meyer Gardens is an awesome experience whether you are enjoying the hatching of the many varieties of the butterflies or seeing the Christmas Trees from around the world, this place always has something to offer. Just recently the Children's Garden was completed and has a lot of exciting experiences for younger children to take in. There are often special exhibits that visit for certain times of the year. The price is a little costly but well worth the adventure.
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If you ever plan on visiting Grand Rapids, MI please, whatever you do, make yourself a promise. Promise yourself that you will visit Frederik Meijer Gardens. This place is absolutely beautiful. And... More
If you ever plan on visiting Grand Rapids, MI please, whatever you do, make yourself a promise. Promise yourself that you will visit Frederik Meijer Gardens. This place is absolutely beautiful. And if you could rearrange your schedule to come visit when the butterflies are blooming - you will never regret it. There's a huge room where you can see butterflies blooming from their cocoons & full beautiful, just gorgeous butterflies flying around. It is such a beautiful sight. It really makes you feel as if you are in a rainforest in a far off country. I believe it costs $12 per person. It's so worth it. I promise.
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