Frederk Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI
Visit one of the country’s most significant botanical locations in Grand Rapids, a forty-minute drive from Saugatuck that is well beyond worth the drive. Besides its outdoor four-season plantings, the campus includes five indoor theme gardens, nature trails, sculpture galleries and collections, a café, a gift shop, and the state’s largest tropical conservatory. It’s no wonder why Meijer’s is known internationally: the orchid wall, seasonal heirloom vegetable patch, and autumn beauty of the sculpture park all make Meijer’s a Michigan must-see.
Attend the Holiday Gift Show at Meijer Gardens on November 4th, 9 AM-5 PM. The annual event attracts shoppers from all over the region. Get there early for the best selection and cross off all those gifts you haven’t gotten around to just yet for friends and family this holiday season. Gift wrapping is free. The DeVos Keeler Gift Shop includes original and locally-crafted gift selections like jewelry, accessories, house plants, tools, gardening supplies, handmade pots, art, and informative books. It’s the perfect place to find something for any green thumb.
Green isn’t complete without something red beside it. From November 21st to January 7th, Meijer’s Gardens’ holiday exhibit, “Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World,” will be celebrating the season with hundreds of thousands of lights, more than 40 international trees and displays, homemade cookies, miniature houses, and model trolleys and trains in the companion Railway Garden exhibition. The Holiday exhibit honors the various holiday traditions around the world with displays like the England tree, Germany tree, and the Eid ul-Fritr display.
You can also visit Meijer’s Garden on November 5th for the 2-3 PM seminar on Rodin, The Rodin Revolution with Chief Curator Joseph Becherer. Discover how the Renaissance sculptor who changed it all broke with tradition by borrowing elements of others and breaking the rules to pioneer new paths in his field of art. After the seminar, take a $5.00 guided tram tour through the sculpture garden for a relaxing and unique journey through the outdoor sculptural exhibits. Fees for The Rodin Revolution are included with admission.
On your way out or way in, stop at the Taste of the Gardens Café near the main entrance for a colorful seasonal menu that is fast, fresh, and local. Select from Michigan craft beers (or a cool glass of wine) while relaxing in the indoor area of Lena’s Garden. The furniture and décor are just as colorful as the menu and the local ingredients make any selection delicious.
Learn more about Meijer’s Gardens at the website discover more to do, and plan your visit today.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
1000 E Beltline Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
616.957.1580
