Michigan | A Hidden Gem: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Michigan | A Hidden Gem: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 🌸 Let me gush about this incredible spot I visited last May—Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park! If you’re planning a trip to Michigan, especially around Grand Rapids, this place is an absolute must-add to your itinerary—it’s way more than just a “park” and totally exceeded my expectations! 🤩 First off, let’s talk about its scale—this garden and sculpture park is huge! I remember walking in and being shocked by how much ground there is to cover; you could easily spend half a day (or even a full day!) here without feeling bored. For art and sculpture lovers, it’s pure heaven 🎨—there are so many unique, eye-catching sculptures scattered throughout the grounds, from modern abstract pieces to more classic, detailed works. Each sculpture has its own story, and they blend perfectly with the greenery around them—like art popping up naturally from the trees and flowers. I found myself stopping every few steps to take photos; every corner felt like a carefully curated photo backdrop! 📸 Since the park is so large, I opted to take the on-site shuttle (the little tour cart they have) instead of walking the whole time—and it was such a smart call! 🚐 I can’t remember the exact price per person now, but I do recall thinking it was super reasonable—definitely worth the money. The tour guide was so knowledgeable too: they drove us around the entire park, pointed out all the highlight sculptures, and shared fun facts about the artists and the stories behind each piece. It turned a casual walk into a mini art lesson, and I left knowing way more about the sculptures than I would have if I’d wandered alone. If you’re short on time or just want to learn more, don’t skip this shuttle—it’s a total cost-performance win! ✨ I went in May, which was lovely, but I’ve heard April here is magic—that’s when the Butterfly Exhibit happens and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom! 🦋🌸 Imagine walking through a greenhouse filled with colorful butterflies fluttering around you, plus rows of pink cherry blossoms adding that dreamy, spring vibe—my friend went last April and showed me photos, and I’ve been low-key jealous ever since! If you can time your visit for April, you’ll get double the beauty: the sculptures, the flowers, and the butterflies all in one go. It’s probably the most “spring-like” spot in Michigan during that time. 📍 Address 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525It’s a bit of a drive from Ann Arbor (around 1.5 hours), but trust me, the scenic ride there and the park itself make the trip totally worth it. Whether you’re going with friends, family, or even just by yourself, it’s a great place to relax, soak up some art, and enjoy nature. It’s also a fantastic spot for families with kids—little ones will love spotting butterflies (in April) and exploring the open spaces, while adults can appreciate the art and the peaceful atmosphere. If you’re tired of the usual city spots and want to escape to somewhere beautiful, calm, and full of character, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the answer. I still look back at my photos from last May and smile—this place is truly a Michigan treasure! 💖 #Michigan#WeekendGetaway#Sculpture#CherryBlossoms#ButterflyExhibit#AnnArborArea#Park#PhotoSpot#FamilyFriendly