Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Sets New Visitor Milestone, Named Best U.S. Sculpture Park by USA Today

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in West Michigan has become a beacon for culture vultures and nature lovers alike, hitting a new high in their latest fiscal year numbers. With over 785,250 guests passing through its gates from October 2023 to September 2024, it's clear that the venue's mix of flora, art, and community events is resonating with a wide audience. According to FOX 17, this figure set a yearly attendance record for the institution, and the park doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

Meijer Gardens recently celebrated its 15 millionth visitor, a notable achievement as it approaches its 30th anniversary. Key events that likely boosted its popularity include the popular Butterflies are Blooming exhibition and the rare blooming of a corpse flower. As a result, Meijer Gardens became the 15th most visited art museum in the U.S. in 2023 and ranked 90th worldwide, as mentioned by FOX 17 and backed by statistics from The Art Newspaper.

With this uptick in popularity, Meijer Gardens has not only caught the eye of art aficionados but has also caught the attention of arbiters of park beauty, with USA Today naming it the best sculpture park in the U.S. for the second straight year. As reported by WOODTV, the president and CEO, Charles Burke, expressed gratitude, “We are deeply grateful for the support of our members, guests, and community partners who have made this significant achievement possible.” 

To usher in their 30th anniversary, they're set to launch ENLIGHTEN, an outdoor holiday light show, which promises to dazzle from Nov. 27 to Jan. 4, according to details released by WGVU News. Burke assured that, "As we prepare for our 30th year, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional experiences that inspire and engage all who walk through our doors."