Frederik Meijer Gardens

Yesterday Bob and I visited the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, which is in Grand Rapids, about 30 minutes from our home. It's 132 acres of gardens and sculptures and has been named as one of the 30 must see museums in the world. We have been there quite a few times, but it's always enjoyable and it seems there is usually something new.

One thing I like is the way they have sculpture mixed into the Gardens. You never know what you are going to see as you walk!

This is a statue of Fred and Lena Meijer. They are the founders of the Meijer stores and are the benefactors of the gardens.

One of the most well known statues here is the DaVinci horse. It's a replica of his sculpture, on a smaller scale. It's huge - when I walked under it, my face was even with the front hoof that is raised up!

How would you like to come around a corner and find this giant spider?

The paths through the woods are so inviting.

Here is Bob, standing under the 'Grand Rapids Arch.'

There is a small farm on the property.

Everywhere you look there are glimpses of beauty,
from small berries...

to clusters of pine cones...

to majestic trees. The beauty of God's creation surrounds you!

We were walking near a pond, when we saw a hawk swoop down, grab a snake and fly off with it in his mouth. Imagine our surprise when we rounded a corner and saw this:

The hawk was sitting on top of a light, eating the snake.

We also saw a woodpecker...

a duck...

and several egrets and blue herons.

As we walked away from the wetlands, we saw these cute frogs on the hillside.


There is also an area for kids.

This area is a map of the Midwest. Many states are mapped out in the cement, with the Great Lakes surrounding Michigan - and such a fun place for the kids to play in the water.

These silver scoops spin in the wind.

Even the storage sheds are cute!

Here is a back view of the conservatory as we left the children's section.
Right now there is something special going on at the Gardens. I'll share that with you tomorrow!