The 49 best places to go out in Grand Rapids (2025)

Honestly always a beautiful place to go for a walk. Excellent area for kids to experience and learn. Little gift shop has some beautiful items. Honestly I could never understand how someone may not like this place. Whether you go by yourself to take pictures or just to clear your mind. Or you're going with a significant other for your entire family and kids. Definitely worth the experience and the money spent. Some may think ticket prices a little high however we fully understand that the ticket price doesn't just pay wages and basic upkeep that it also pays towards donations and contributions to keep this place up and running and growing. You're ever in the area I highly recommend you check this place out.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an enchanting destination that offers a perfect harmony of indoor and outdoor beauty. The indoor aspect features a breathtaking butterfly conservatory that is simply stunning. The vibrant colors and delicate fluttering of the butterflies create a captivating experience. On the outdoor front, the park offers scenic views that are equally impressive. From well-manicured gardens to picturesque landscapes, the outdoor aspect of the park is a visual treat. Whether you're exploring the butterfly conservatory or enjoying the serene outdoor scenery, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a place of unmatched beauty and tranquility.

You can easily spend all day here. There are so many different things to see and experience. There is a wetland area that you can just watch the blue herons, turtles, frogs and other wildlife enjoy. There are sculptures and art galore. Beautiful landscape and flowers everywhere. Such a peaceful serene atmosphere all over that makes it wonderful it just walk through. There is also a kids area that is interactive with splash pad and more.

FM Gardens and Sculpture Park is one of the gems of Michigan (the whole country, really!) I’ve been a member over the years, and they keep making a great place even better. I go there often, to walk amongst the beautiful grounds, and to see the art - they have over 200 sculptures by world-class artists! If you have kids (I took mine when they were little and now bring my granddaughter) there is a special children’s garden full of interactive things to do, as well as an awesome indoor play area. The whole place is a wonderland for children, full of plants and wildlife, including swans and geese and ducks and turtles and frogs in the wetlands boardwalk area. And there is a great cafe, wonderful gift shop, picnic area where you can bring your own food, and plenty of spotlessly clean restrooms :) They also offer many special events, including parties and concerts, and things like the butterflies in the spring and holiday trees from around the world in late fall. If you haven’t been, I recommend it as one of the top things to do in Grand Rapids!

A must visit place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Eye soothing ambiance and scenery. The thing I didn't like is it closes too early, at 5.00PM. You should plan for at least 4-5 hours for this place. 2-3 hrs are just not enough. Only the Japanese garden will take 1-2 hrs if you want to see the full garden. Too much to see, heaven for photography. Though the ticket price is pretty high. And it is difficult to find parking during the weekend.

Such a neat place. Loved the indoor plant displays. We were there while they were doing their butterfly exhibit, which was awesome. (Butterflies are my favorite!) We also did the nature walk, visited the Japanese Garden, and walked around the sculpture park. Highly recommend!

This was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. There is way more to see than the eye let's on. The ticket price of $18 is well worth the amount of park to cover. There is also a great indoor area to explore as well. The park sections are well taken care of and it was a true delight to walk the trails and see wildlife in its natural form. We probably spent more time looking at the frogs, tadpoles, and chipmunks than anything else. There is staff readily available anywhere in the park. The Japanese Gardens is definitely a highlight and a must see.However, there is not nearly enough shaded areas to take refuge in during hot summer days in some of the outdoor sections. With little cloud cover the particular Sunday I went, it was too much to continue on and finish the park.The park recommends giving yourself at least 2 hours, but honestly, you should plan for 3 or 4 if you like to stop and observe. It's a great way to spend a large portion of your day.

Beautiful gardens and museum! Highly recommended! I haven’t been here in 10 years and I was pleasantly surprised with all the recent renovations! This place is top notch! My adult children, my toddler grandchild and I all loved it/Perfect for all ages! I can’t wait to go back!

It was a bit hot but the trolly ride was very worth the extra $6 each. Then we strolled around the absolutely beautiful and relaxing Japanese Gardens. There are a lot of benches throughout the park. Definitely plan to go back and check out more of it.

What a fun way to spend the afternoon! There's lots to see.. so many pretty plants & trees along the many pathways. They have a neat children's play area. Make sure to bring drinking water!! It's a long walk, but we seen everything within 2 hours.. if you're wanting to move slower and take your time you could easily spend all day here tho. The greenhouse was really neat, lots of tropical plants & trees.. the cactus room is amazing also! As for the art.. well it's was ok. I'm not big into art so most of it didn't impress me. A few that were neat tho was the giant horse, arch, and electricity one(pictured)

A rather wonderful space for the community, and travelers alike. The grounds are expansive with meandering trails both shaded and open. The gardens, landscape and hot house vignettes are enjoyable, but lack emphasis on botanical diversity and content. Dominant use of hybrids and ordinary nursery stock used creatively to provide aesthetic balance.There are a lot of sculptures, large and small. The diversity of styles is impressive and each provide a plaque to note artist and title while leaving the interpretation to the viewer. The amphitheatre is beautiful and offers a unique space to partake in cultural performances. It is the very reason I had the pleasure of visiting this venue, being on tour with a music concert.Absolutely all the staff and volunteers, from every department and level of position are friendly, helpful and accommodating. There is tram service that tours the grounds for those that want or need a way to see everything. An on-site cafe offers uncomplicated yet fresh food for a variety of dietary needs and tastes, with options for indoor and outdoor seating. If you're visiting with children you will not be alone, there are a variety of spaces geared to offer safe and entertaining areas for the young ones. Generally speaking the venue is large enough that those desiring more peaceful contemplation of their surroundings will not feel neglected.

When I lived in the area we visited frequently and had annual passes. We enjoyed the butterflies in the spring and the train ride at Christmas. In between we never tired of the standing exhibits or special exhibits. Back in the day we could see The Thinker. Today you can see Eve and of course, The American Horse which is an epic sculpture.You'll find the Children's Garden to be charming at any age. You'll be entranced by the Japanese Garden. Other areas you don't want to miss are Michigan's Farm Garden and Sculpture Park. There are also exhibits indoors.If you want to see everything, allow 4-5 hours. It's best though to become a member and return regularly. Plan a trip with a book or a camera and sit in the many well positioned areas to enjoy beauty and tranquility.Also, check frequently for special events including outdoor concerts in the spectacular amphitheater.Below please enjoy some photos below. It's not a complete tour so you'll want to go yourself.Pricing hasn't changed in years so it's still very reasonable.Almost everything is completely accessible except for a few small trails. There is a mobility center with some wheelchairs and scooters (first cone first serve). There is a tram that is narrated if you prefer not to walk.There are some designated picnic areas and some eating options though I didn't see these personally.Parking is plentiful.No smoking.The signage maps are plentiful and strategically placed. The guest guide provided with your ticket is very helpful .Adult ticket is $20; seniors $15.

It's one of the nicest Bottanical gardens we've been to. The sculptures spread out around the grounds, and interiors add a lot to the experience and are well curated and of very high quality and artistic value as well as being representative of many eras and styles.It was hotter than expected, so we stayed to the paths with some shade. From the sounds of laughter and giggles the kids were having fun at the water feature in the children's garden. We'll definitely be back again.

Visited on a Wednesday evening for a family event. It was spectacular. My children really enjoyed the children's garden. We walked around and enjoyed several waterfalls, an island, bridges, and seeing nature all around. There are restrooms and drinking fountains all around.The sights were beautiful and I strongly recommend this place to other families.

It was really cool to see international sculptures in grand rapids. I've personally never been to a sculpture garden but it's cool to listen to everyone's interpretation of what they think the sculpture represents if the artist won't tell you. Sometimes the artists actually visit the gardens which is really cool to hear what they have to say about their own work. The Japanese garden was may favorite, probably because of my affinity for Japanese culture and art. They have a tea house in which they actually do tea ceremonies there every once in a while, but you have to reserve a spot for yourself if you want to experience that. There are plenty of different types of flora and lots of ponds and waterfalls. A very nice place to forget all of your issues and just relax. When I went it was like 90° F so I was focusing more on not being dehydrated but I did take some time to sit on a bench in the shade and just reflect. The art is very abstract if you're into that. Plus the visitor center is air-conditioned so it feels nice to go in after being in the hot sun.

This garden is absolutely stunning and worth every penny. The entire garden is perfectly kept and you could easily spend your entire day here. Not only is it nice to look at and explore it's a great place for photos. The garden is kid friendly and has tons of activities to keep busy. There's easy access to many bathrooms spread about the garden and lots of drinking fountains and places to recycle or throw items away. There's places to eat snacks from home or eating from their personal Cafe. Overall i enjoyed every second of being here and would highly recommend going.

WOW!!😯😍 Such an amazingly beautiful and awesome place!! We spent 4hours walking through most of the inside and we ate lunch there too. It was raining outside, and this was a perfect place to go on a rainy day. BUT we have to go back to walk through all of the outside. I did walk outside to see a couple fountains real quick, but there is SO much more that I want to see. They have very detailed and handy maps that you can get from staff. You can take a tram tour through most of the outside gardens. This place is just unbelievable, and sooo worth the price. If I lived near by, I'd get a membership forsure. The cafe is amazing too, and has so many neat options to choose from.

magnificent botanical and sculpture garden. includes conservatory and greenhouses off the lobby area. Lovely Cafe with several food choices. Including vegan choices. Chuily glass displays: ceiling of the Cafe and the chandelier outside the Cafe entrance. Outdoor concerts in the summer. Check the website for the dates, times, musician details. Enjoy this beautiful botanical gardens in Grand Rapids. Only 2 hours and 15 minutes from Valparaiso. Easy drive. 94 to 196. then get off on exit 38 in Grand Rapids Michigan. you have arrived at your destination.

An amazing and beautiful place to visit in West Michigan. Highly recommend doing the 45 minute tram tour to view many of the sculptures on the grounds with narration. We spent over an hour in the Japanese Garden and it is the most amazing spot in the park. The children's garden area is fun and has a really cool tree fort. You need all day to even try and see everything. We spent 3 hours there and did the tram, Japanese Garden and Children's Garden.

The sculpture park is a highlight of this establishment, featuring an impressive collection of outdoor sculptures from renowned artists. As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll encounter striking sculptures set against lush landscapes, creating a harmonious interplay between art and nature. The pieces range from classical to contemporary, ensuring there’s something for everyone to appreciate.The botanical gardens within the park are equally captivating. They showcase an array of plants, including tropical, arid, and seasonal displays, making it a year-round destination. The conservatory is a real gem, housing a diverse collection of exotic plants and seasonal flower displays. It’s an ideal place to escape the cold Michigan winters.The children’s Garden is a fantastic space filled with interactive exhibits and activities, making it both fun and educational for kids. Educational programs and events are often hosted here, making it a valuable resource for learning about horticulture and art.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I couldn't even begin to say enough wonderful things about these gardens! And the sculptures too! My parents brought me here years ago when it was a lot closer to its original opening and it certainly has grown and FLOURISHED! The pictures speak for themselves as to the beauty of the entire place. But the workers are just as beautiful. Everyone was so kind, helpful, friendly, and happy! A truly pleasant and peaceful place to be! Thank you so much, Frederik Meijer Gardens, for an amazing day and memories that will last forever!

Had a really great time! My in-laws have the grandparents membership and it's totally worth it, this place is extremely family friendly. The indoor gardens are stunning and the kids loved watching the mini train go by! There's a kids playroom on another level as well if you need a break from all the noise. We mainly went for the Christmas around the world exhibit, which is so beautiful I just wish they had the space to do every county. Staff was also wonderful!!

Went here with our family of 7 and some friends. We had a large group and on this day April 21st around 2:30pm, it was very busy… we had to stand in line for approximately 25 minutes to get tickets. And then going through the exhibits were single file line and took about 30-45 minutes to make it through each “area”. The butterfly exhibit took longer of course and was not single file, it was still elbow to elbow and not easy to walk around freely. I would go back though, the butterflies are so majestic and beautiful to watch. My wife took our kiddos here on another occasion and she said it was not that busy at all. The outdoor play area is terrific way to spend an evening to let you kiddos play and explore!

My visit to the state-of-the-art Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was decidedly ravishing!! In addition to the congenial and accomodating staff, I felt particularly grateful for the very expansive and tranquil Japanese Garden (including the space dedicated to "Faith Reflection"), the English Perennial Garden, the cafe, and the gift shop! Everything is meticulously curated and maintained! It reminds me of Heaven on Earth!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/5 Stars

Outstanding place! The gardens in summer are gorgeous. The indoor exhibitions are exquisite art. The greenhouse is impressive and relaxing. The. Children's Garden is super fun, I loved the Michigan state pool shape, and it has boats for the kids to play. The playground is great with plenty of shade and space to play. In summer, they have different activities each day, such as clay, bugs, and construction blocks. There is a tour ride on a train, which is $5 extras but totally worth it. For many reasons, it is one of Michigan iconic places that you can't miss.

The only negative i could say about here is that they don’t have a squished penny machine! 😢 My girlfriend and i absolutely lovee this place let me tell you what, i have been going here since i was real little and am fortunate enough to live close by. I have the membership and i am constantly surprised and amazed that every time we go, there is something new and different to see. The property is big and they have a lot to offer and see, i would highly recommend going if you can!

Loved the butterfly exhibit! Very nice place to get out and walk. Sculpture gardens and beautiful Japanese gardens. They also have a restaurant that serves great sandwiches (turkey and curry chicken salad were wonderful). You can also pack a lunch and eat outside if you want. Was not crowded when we went and spent just over three hours. Will definitely come back next time we are in town.

Gorgeous facility! We took the tram ride, which cost $6 each, to view the sculpture garden as we were limited on time. The guide was knowledgeable about the sculptures and the artists, adding details to our visit. We then walked the Japanese Garden. Absolutely stunning! A tranquil setting that was very peaceful. Unfortunately the Corpse flower was done blooming but still on display, so we could see the size of the plant and hear the details of its bloom cycle. Overall, a very enjoyable morning!

I visited on the Fourth of July since it was one of few places open and we had to wait to check into our hotel and it was a really cool experience! The info desk was super helpful in telling us the main places to see if we only had a few hours. The sculptures are very interesting and the gardens are beautiful, but their insect exhibit was what blew us away and we almost missed it! It’s inside the welcome building behind the restroom area so definitely make sure to check out the exhibits that are there!

A must visit place in summers. Kids love the open are and lots of things and activities to choose from. Children’s garden nd insects exhibited in the gallery were awesome.Will try to go again to cover the areas which we missed today.

Such a beautiful place to visit! We went there mostly for the butterfly exhibit but also to explore the park. I enjoyed every moment here. $20 dollars for a ticket and they do discount for $2 each up to 4 people if you’re a EBT card holder. Totally recommend.

Enjoyed the inside displays and lunch in the cafeteria. Prices are overly high, but the food is good. Then, we visited the borders to see the flowers and the children's area to see the Great Lakes display, the cabin, and the swinging bridge. Well maintained, clean, and beautifully planned. Sculptures are delightful and thoughtfully displayed. The senior admission at $15 is a bargain.

It was absolutely beautiful! But I'd definitely recommend looking at a map and buying tickets ahead of time. It can be pretty confusing once you're there. All the staff are very helpful though, and of course the gardens are gorgeous.

Spent the entire day here with friends who had never visited the gardens before. We started out with the 45 minute tram tour ($5), which took us through the entire complex, highlighting everything in the sculpture gardens and giving an overview of the botanical gardens that we might choose to visit. It was a very hot day, so we took a midday break inside at the cafe. Definitely bring water or plan on visiting the cafe to rehydrate and enjoy the air conditioning inside on hot summer days, or enjoy the lovely patio dining on cooler days. We visited multiple gardens, and the Japanese Garden and Children's Garden were our highlight of the day. Before we left at the end of the day, we enjoyed a special exhibit indoors on flight. A few pictures of the exhibit are included.

I no longer live in Michigan and visiting GR it was fun to take our kids to see the gardens and the butterflies. Such an incredible experience to see all the plants and the butterfly experience was incredible. I would definitely recommend visiting and experiencing the butterflies.

It was such a beautiful place! It's being taken care of by professionals! We did the tram ride, and it was so much fun. The guide was amazing, and he would crack a joke and make all of us laugh. He was very informed about the sculptures and the land.

We had so much fun at the garden during our visit. We were there for around 4 hours and it was so relaxing. The butterfly conservatory was incredibly beautiful, and there were so many amazing plants to look at.The gardens are well designed with plenty of trails with easy access to most areas. I love that there are plenty of things to look at in between areas.Would highly recommend this location to anyone cisiting grand rapids!

Wow…what a great experience! Visited in early May (Tulips Festival too). The grounds were immaculate and beautiful. Volunteer staff were so helpful and informative. We saw a couple visiting art exhibits that were amazing. The tram ride around the sculpture gardens was really good. Informative and relaxing.

Wonderful place to visit. The gardens and facility itself are beautiful. Indoor and outdoor gardens to explore, easy parking and they also have banquet halls for large group settings. I definitely recommend seeing this place.

We made a return trip to see the butterfly exhibit today. It was wonderful! We also took a tram tour of the sculpture park. The tour was narrated by Bruce. He was such a knowledgeable tour guide and made it such an enjoyable experience. Thanks again Bruce. You made our day!

My daughter and I enjoyed the butterfly exhibit!! The staff is always so friendly and helpful The quails are so cute along with the canaries. Will definitely be going back. The sculptures are very interesting. The handicap parking area is plentyful. The wheelchairs are readily available. I can't wait until the plants outside start blooming. Beautiful outdoor areas

Such an amazing and beautiful place. So much to see and do! Lots of walking but worth it to see all the beauty this place has to offer. Can't wait to go back to explore all the things we didn't get to see this time around.

Beautiful gardens with walking paths for all abilities. There are wonderful sculptures and you could spend several hours here admiring the sculptures alone. The gardens are also beautiful, with ponds, waterfalls, walking paths, and benches to enjoy. The indoor greenhouses have so many beautiful plants like cactus, palm, tropical plants and others. This is an amazing oasis to connect with many beautiful plants and natural areas.

I went in early April for the butterfly exhibit and was absolutely blown away. It was my first time coming here, but will absolutely not be the last. The butterflies are very chill about you getting close for pictures (but NO TOUCHING). I've heard there can be a long wait in the ticket line ($20/adult), but we made the mistake of showing up an hr before close so there wasn't a wait 🙃

It was really cool, everyone loved all the butterflies and sculptures. I even found some plants and shrubs that I think I need at home now. I think my favorite part was the Japanese gardens. Would definitely check it out again. And just up the street is bros doughs, check it out for an excellent sweet treat

Quite a nice place to go and visit. Always changing exhibits and nice gardens. Personally just not a huge fan of most of the art and sculptures in general, but there is certainly something for everyone. I definitely loved the Japanese gardens and Lena’s pond. Worth the trip with some friends or family for sure

I’m still taking in our experience here over the weekend. We were in Grand Rapids for a concert and since we were 8 minutes away, we knew we had to stop, especially with the corpse flower being on display. The Japanese Garden is immaculate, but know that it’s not for those with low mobility. The sculpture garden was something beyond my expectations, being an art educator myself, I am so thrilled that there’s something so beautiful that exists in my state. This is about a 2.5 hour drive from my home, but I would easily make this drive again. It is so beautiful, and we are so lucky to have it!

Best $20 I’ve spent in a long time! It’s so beautiful and it truly makes you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere else. The art history nerd in me loves all of the sculptures, and the rotating gallery exhibits were phenomenal. I have been a few times now, but I always find something new and beautiful