The 158-acre gardens feature impressive blooms and hulking works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and others. The sculpture park is star of the show, offering paths and lawns bejeweled with 50 works by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Claes Oldenburg and Anish Kapoor. The five-story glass conservatory impresses, bursting with tropical plants. The children’s garden provides lots to smell, touch and dig into. The tranquil Japanese Garden is another highlight. It is 5 miles east of downtown via I-196.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Michigan
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
4.5 MILES
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Nearby Michigan attractions
1. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
4.13 MILES
Emerging local artists show works at UICA. You might see sculptures made from glitter-dipped fried chicken, or photos of vacant lots. Exhibitions change…
2. Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
4.19 MILES
This little museum/shop is worth a peek. Exhibits change regularly, but pop in and you might see a photography show of boxers like native son Floyd…
4.22 MILES
The city's beyond-the-norm art museum fills a sun-drenched building with 19th- and 20th-century works. European and American masters such as Henri de…
4.26 MILES
Maya Lin – best known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC – created this round plaza in the heart of downtown. In summer it…
4.5 MILES
The downtown museum is dedicated to Michigan's only president. Ford stepped into the Oval Office after Richard Nixon and his vice president, Spiro Agnew,…
27.45 MILES
A popular place to immerse in all things Dutch. When the gardens bloom in spring, Veldheer charges a fee (adult/child $12/6). Otherwise it's free to check…