Grand Haven, Michigan

In 1990, the West Michigan Horticultural Society approached Frederik Meijer about donating a parcel of land owned by Meijer, Inc, as a potential home for a botanic garden and conservatory.  It is currently the second most-popular cultural destination in Michigan with 600,000 visitors annually, and is funded almost entirely by private donations. Meijer Gardens includes Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; three indoor theme gardens; a new 8-acre Japanese Garden, outdoor gardens, nature trails and boardwalk.  In its first ten years of operation, Meijer Gardens has attracted more than three million visitors. Meijer Gardens celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2010. On May 7, 2010, the Gardens welcomed its six millionth visitor.

Mad Mom

The American Horse

Our personal Tour Guides - Gene and Deannie

Frederik and Lena Meijer

 

Better known as Fred Meyer in the Pacific Northwest

Downtown Holland

A beautiful oasis on the edge of downtown Holland, Windmill Island Gardens features a 250 year old working Dutch windmill "De Zwaan" (meaning graceful bird). The windmill, which reaches 125 feet from the ground to the top of the blades, towers over 36 acres of gardens, dikes, canals and picnic areas.  Guides give tours of DeZwaan through-out the day.

De Zwaan windmill, the last mill allowed to be transported from the Netherlands. De Zwaan still functions by grinding locally-grown grain into flour that is sold to visitors and local businesses.

Saginaw

Lake Michigan Sunset with Gene and Deannie

Dessert at

Grand Trunk Western Coaling Tower

Nightly Musical Fountain Show

Tunnel Park
Named for the concrete tunnel that cuts through a sand dune and provides access to a Lake Michigan beach.

What is a Michigan Left?

A Michigan left which replaces each left turn with a right turn and a U-turn. The design was given the name due to its frequent use along roads and highways in the state of Michigan since the late 1960s.

We really enjoyed Michigan. The water was so clear.  We were surprised by all the agriculture in this area. Another surprise was romaine lettuce was $2.99 a pound making it around $4.00 a head.  Best of all we had no mosquitoes!  We would definitely come back.