If you’re looking for a wonderful experience that is truly filled with culture, beauty and class, then look no further than the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Meijer Gardens is based on the three pillars of education: Unique Gardens, World Class Art, and Children’s interaction with nature.  The Fredrick Meijer Gardens is a master of tantalizing the senses - tour the gardens, which include tropical plants, desert plant life, and the world of horticulture and world-class sculpture.

Run by a delightfully educated team of volunteers, each area of art, plant habitat, and interactive nature exhibits excite the senses and ignite the imagination. Touring the tropical jungles to the extremes of the desert in plant life is truly a treat. Each conservatory is beautifully manicured and each plant clearly labeled with fun facts and a brief history of each specimen.

Old Man Palm is used for making brooms and stuffing pillows

Venturing outside is where one is truly rewarded with the tasteful blend of landscaping and world-class sculpture. The gardens are broken into different tours but all are closely located to the main building. A paved walk from piece to piece is easy for most people and most of exhibits are handicap accessible.  The close interaction that you receive with some of the most sought after and respected art of our time is like none other.  Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse: The American Horse by Nina Akamu is the gem of the gardens, standing 24 ft against the majestic Michigan sky. It can only be explained as a surreal experience, but that is just one of the amazing artists showcased at the gardens. Others include Magdalena Abakanowiez, Jonthan Borofsky, and Alexander Calder.

The American Horse by Nina Akamu, replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse

The Children's Gardens are where the whole family can enjoy each other creating memories that will outlast the ages. Wetland observation decks, an authentic log cabin (wooden games and hand-stitched dolls included), a shrubbery labyrinth, and a sailboat pond in the exact shape of the Great Lakes are just some of the wonderful things that you and your children can enjoy together. Each part of the Children's Garden is designed to educate and entertain minds of all ages. If you don’t have a child yourself, you'll still enjoy a walk through the wooden tree houses connected by rope bridges all around the wetland exhibit.

Lena Meijer’s Garden makes it fun for the entire family

Seasonal treasures of the Frederik Meijer Gardens include Christmas – Holiday Traditions Around the World, and Butterflies Are Blooming. Not to mention the countless art shows that rotate, and the wonderful Amphitheater where you can enjoy an array of exceptional live music in the summer months. So when looking for a short weekend adventure filled with art, culture, and fun, be sure to head to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. If you are looking for travel tips, visit Transfer on the Spot.

Scarlatti by Mark di Suvero

Learn more at http://www.meijergardens.org/

Note: We received two media passes to experience Meijer Gardens. Thank you!