Two Michigan Sculpture Parks In Running To Be Named Best In U.S.

Is the Best Sculpture Park in the U.S. right here in Michigan? 10best.com recently announced a list of 20 finalists across the country, and two Michigan sculpture parks made the list. Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids and Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville were both named as finalists for Best Sculpture Park so let’s take a look at the case for each one. These two Michigan art parks will be competing against parks in New York, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Missouri, California, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Washington, Montana, Louisiana, and Washington D.C.

Frederik Meijer Gardens opened in 1995 and has drawn in visitors from the Midwest and beyond ever since. It has expanded from its original footprint by adding an amphitheater in 2003 that hosts concerts and the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden in 2015. USA Today/10best makes their case: “Spanning 158 acres in Grand Rapids, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features outdoor gardens and a five-floor, 15,000-square-foot Tropical Conservatory. The permanent sculpture collection features more than 200 works, many of which are displayed across the 30-acre sculpture park.” At the time of this writing Frederik Meijer Gardens sits in 2nd place, trailing only Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Center, Illinois. You can vote for this beautiful park at www.10best.com.

Michigan Legacy Art Park also dates back to 1995, and was the vision of artist David Barr. Tucked back in the hills of the Crystal Mountain resort and ski area, this art park focuses on our wonderful state and attempts to tell its history through art. We visited here last year and loved seeing how the unique pieces on display blended into the landscape. From USA Today/10best: “This 30-acre wooded preserve in northern Michigan features a collection of more than 50 sculptures, as well as rotating exhibits. The park hosts drop-in programs for both adults and kids to encourage connection with art, nature and history.” At the time of this writing, Michigan Legacy Art Park is in 4th place. You can cast a vote for it here: www.10best.com.

You can vote for one of these great Michigan sculpture parks once per day now through June 12th. Winners will be announced on June 23rd.