One of the biggest seasonal exhibitions of tropical butterflies just so happens to be a road trip away from Detroit!
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is one of the biggest hidden gems in the region!
We can’t recommend a springtime visit enough, as that’s when it explodes into life, not only with bright blooms that fill its gardens, but also with the roughly 7,000 butterflies emerging from their cocoons in the garden’s 15,000 sq. ft. greenhouse.
What is The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park?
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a massive, 158-acre property filled with lush gardens that surround its outdoor sculpture park!
Not only has the sculpture park been named the best in the United States for the past three years in a row (2023, 2024, 2025) by USA Today, but it’s also famous for its incredible garden, which features dozens of cherry blossoms, bamboo groves, a waterfall, and more.
Particularly exciting this time of year is the garden’s indoor conservatory, which transforms into a butterfly sanctuary every spring, housing over 7,000 butterflies from over 50 unique tropical butterfly species.
The annual spectacle, which they call ‘Butterflies in Bloom’, is running from March 1st to April 30th.
Visitors can walk through the 15,000 sq. ft. space to view the plants and watch butterflies flutter about!
During your trek, a few butterflies may even land on you as you walk through the exhibition, making for a perfect opportunity to immortalize the springtime moment with a picture.
How much does it cost to visit?
Access to the butterfly exhibit is included in general admission tickets, but prices vary day to day depending on the demand and availability.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults (14–64): $25
- Seniors (65+): $20
- Students: $19
- Kids (3–13): $14
- Under 3: Free