GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The last time Barbara Earl visited Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park it came just after the Japanese Gardens opened in 2015.
On Monday, more than seven years later, Earl was back at the popular Grand Rapids attraction that draws in local, regional, national and international visitors.
The Cutlerville resident, who was visiting Meijer Gardens with her son from California, became the landmark attraction’s 14 millionth visitor.
“I was standing over there watching, seeing all the cameras and everything, and I was like, ‘Oh, I wonder what’s going on,’” she said.
“We’ve been wanting to come here for a while,” she said. “I just like nature and knowing that God is the creator. To me, that’s the most special.”
As she tearfully accepted a gift basket from David Hooker, Meijer Gardens president and CEO, Earl said she “definitely wasn’t expecting it” when she decided to visit Monday.
Hooker, who was just as excited as Earl, said that welcoming the 14 millionth guest warms his heart.
“When Fred and Lena Meijer set out to establish Meijer Gardens, they wanted to create a space that welcomed all people to enjoy the beauties and mysteries of the human experience,” he said. “And we believe we’ve done that, and 28 years to have 14 million people come out. It’s very special indeed.”
In 2022, 695,000 people visited Meijer Gardens, an increase of 145,000 visitors in 2021.
Meijer Gardens also completed its $115 million “Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love” expansion project in June 2022 to revamp the entry and welcoming experience for guests.
Hooker touts that the museum is optimistic for 2023 and is already ready for the annual butterfly exhibition to open in March.
“We’re here to connect with people,” he said. “We like to say about our Lena Meyer Tropical Conservatory: it’s always sunny and 80 degrees. No matter what’s going on outside, it’s always sunny and 80 in there, so come on out.”
Looking to plan a visit? Find out more information and ticket prices here.
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