Visitors to Frederik Meijer Gardens can go on electric tram tours

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A relaxed way to tour one of the world's most popular parks is on a tram ride.

Visitors to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park can go on narrated tours through the park on one of three new electric trams.

Meijer Gardens Communications Director John VanderHaagen told WOOD Radio in a telephone interview the new fleet replaces the old diesel trams and provides guests with a comfortable way to explore the sculpture and horticultural displays.

"These trams will move, I believe, up to 40 people at a time through our gardens, through our sculpture park. They are on our tram path, so they're not on a rail," VanderHaagen said.

The trams go on a 30-minute loop around the park. In the past the tours were on diesel trams, which could be loud and smelly. The new trams are quiet and electric, with some solar-charging capabilities.

"They're completely different than tram tours in the past. So, we've reversed the orientation of the tram. We've added an all-new interactive tram tour with some wonderful narrators," he said.

The eco-friendly trams are part of the park's effort to be environmentally responsible.

They feature wheelchair ramps. The tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are weather-dependent. Tickets are available at the Cook Transportation Center on the day of the tour. That is where the tram tours start and end, near the Lena Meijer Children's Garden.

"We're really excited to welcome guests to experience this new, narrated tram tour and experience the all-new electric tram," VanderHaagen said.

Here are more details provided by Meijer Gardens in a news release:

 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park announced the acquisition and implementation of a fleet of new electric trams, which are now in service. It also introduced a pilot program this spring using goats to help with vegetation management. These initiatives underscore Meijer Gardens' commitment to the environment, sustainability and enhancing the guest experience.

Three new electric trams offer narrated tours through the outdoor Gardens & Sculpture Park, providing guests with an eco-friendly and comfortable way to explore the diverse sculpture and horticultural displays. They also feature wheelchair ramps for enhanced accessibility, ensuring tram tours are available for all guests.

"The introduction of electric trams aligns with our mission to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts," said Carol Kendra, Chief Operating Officer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. "We are delighted to offer our guests a sustainable and engaging way to experience the beauty of our grounds."​

Tram tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are weather-dependent. Tickets are required and available at the Peter C. & Emajean Cook Transportation Center on the day of the tour. Trams are fully accessible; guests requiring assistance are encouraged to consult with staff at the Cook Transportation Center. Tours last approximately 30 minutes.

Pricing is set at $8 for adults, $6 for children aged 3-13, and free for children 2 and younger. For more information on tram tours, visit MeijerGardens.org/tram

In addition to converting its tram fleet from diesel to electric to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability, Meijer Gardens also piloted a program this spring that welcomed a herd of 50 goats to assist with vegetation management in designated areas of the Frey Boardwalk. These goats, provided by a professional contractor, helped remove dense and less desirable vegetation, including invasive species, in an ecologically responsible way.

Other sustainability initiatives at Meijer Gardens include:

• Building LEED-certified facilities (including the Welcome Center and Covenant Learning Center)
• Implementing green infrastructure practices like growing vegetation on the Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden to aid stormwater management
• Adding natural stormwater controls such as rain gardens and retention ponds to manage runoff and protect surrounding ecosystems
• Reducing waste by composting green waste from horticultural activities and repurposing materials across the organization

 

Through partnerships with local institutions, the organization also offers volunteer opportunities to staff and sustainability internships that involve conducting waste audits, developing educational materials, and supporting zero-waste events – fostering environmental awareness and leadership.

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About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and is regularly listed in the 100-most-visited museums in the world and 15-most-visited museums in the United States by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE, and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented numerous solo shows, including artists Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Donor, George Segal, David Smith, and others. The 158-acre main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an 8-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians each summer. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings, and award-winning catering. 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.