Hours of Operation Details Frederik Meijer Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a sprawling 158-acre property featuring 18 breathtaking indoor and outdoor gardens. With its stunning horticultural displays and world-renowned sculpture collection, it's no wonder Frederik Meijer Gardens has become one of the top cultural attractions in the Midwest.
Understanding the hours of operation is key to planning a visit to this beloved destination. Read on for a comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about Frederik Meijer Gardens' hours, from seasonal variations to special holiday hours.
Frederik Meijer Gardens Hours Overview
Frederik Meijer Gardens has core hours that it is open to the public:
- Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Please note that the gardens are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Hours are also subject to change for private events or inclement weather, so check the Frederik Meijer Gardens website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Seasonal Variations
While the core hours stay the same throughout much of the year, there are seasonal expansions during the spring and summer months when crowds increase. Specifically, extended evening hours occur:
- Memorial Day through Labor Day: Open until 9:00 PM on Thursdays
- June 15 through September 15: Open until 9:00 PM on Wednesdays
Key Dates and Special Hours
Mark your calendars! Frederik Meijer Gardens hosts a number of popular annual exhibits and events that sometimes coincide with extended hours:
- Butterflies Are Blooming - March 1 to April 30 (open until 9:00 PM on Tuesdays)
- Summer Sculpture Exhibition - Early June through September (open until 9:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
- Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World - November through beginning of January (extended evening hours on select dates)
Accessibility Features
Frederik Meijer Gardens aims to create an enjoyable experience for all visitors, including those with disabilities. The grounds incorporate several accessibility features:
- Designated handicap parking spaces close to entrances
- Wheelchair-accessible pathways throughout outdoor gardens
- Courtesy wheelchairs available
- Accessible indoor viewing areas for concerts and events
- Braille signage in restrooms and elevator
Before visiting, visitors can request printed materials in alternative formats. A limited number of assistive listening devices are also available upon request.
Notable Gardens and Exhibits
From tranquil Japanese gardens to exotic tropical displays, exploring the diversity of horticulture at Frederik Meijer Gardens is a treat. Some standout gardens and exhibits include:
Victorian Garden
The Victorian Garden encompasses 2 acres behind the main building. Featuring arbors, pergolas, and romantic architecture, it transports visitors to 19th century England.
Lena Meijer Children's Garden
Especially popular with families, kids can play hide and seek among tree forts, crawl through tunnels, smell fragrant flowers, and more within five magical acres designed just for them.
Tropical Conservatory
The three-story Tropical Conservatory showcases exotic plant life from tropical regions like the Amazon and Sri Lanka within its 15,000 square feet filled with winding pathways, waterfalls, and ponds.
Seasonal Butterfly Exhibition
From March through April, thousands of brightly-colored butterflies from around the world emerge within the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory during this popular annual event.
Sculpture Collection
Renowned for having one of the most significant sculpture collections in the country, visitors can admire works integrated seamlessly throughout gardens and indoor galleries by artists such as Picasso, Moore, Oldenburg, and more.
The Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden
Considered the centerpiece of Frederik Meijer Gardens, the stunning eight-acre Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden took 14 years to build by specialists brought in from Japan.
Incorporating centuries-old design techniques, this authentic garden features meandering paths past bonsai trees, tranquil ponds, and cascading waterfalls with opportunities to spot koi fish swimming along the way. The cultural heart includes a sukiya-style tea house where demonstrations allow visitors to experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Spanning a ravine overlooking a wetland valley, the garden provides a serene sanctuary contrasting beautifully with the rolling terrain of the surrounding grounds.
Best Times to Visit
While beautiful year-round, the spring and fall offer prime times to visit the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. In April, 200-year old wisteria vines bloom with lush purple flowers. Meanwhile November offers gorgeous autumn foliage reflecting in the ponds and streams.
Try arriving when the garden first opens or closes for more solitude. An early morning walk or sunset tea ceremony allows fuller immersion into the tranquil atmosphere.
Dining Options
Exploring 158 acres is hungry work! Frederik Meijer Gardens offers several delightful spots for breaks and snacks:
The Cafe
With indoor and outdoor patio seating, visitors can enjoy sandwiches, paninis, soups, salads, and Michigan craft beers at The Cafe while taking in views of the Amphitheater Garden over lunch or dinner.
Picnic Areas
Pack your own picnic basket! The grounds offer several picnic shelters and grassy areas perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal surrounded by nature.
Seasonal walk-up concession stands situated near the amphitheater provide grab-and-go bites to enjoy summer concerts on the lawn.
We hope this deeper look into the gardens, exhibits, and amenities at Frederik Meijer Gardens helps you plan an amazing and accessible visit. Use the comprehensive hours breakdown to decide the perfect time to wander through diverse horticultural displays, get lost in peaceful sanctuaries, discover cultural celebrations from around the globe, and admire some of the most significant sculptures in the country!