Open Today: 9 AM - 9 PM
Open Today: 9 AM - 9 PM

500+ Species from Five Continents

Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory

The five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, the largest of its kind in Michigan, features tranquil waterfalls and streams winding around lush vegetation. From the massive Bismarck Palm, a native of Madagascar, to the fragrant Orange Jessamin, a native of the tropical Americas, visitors will find plants from tropical habitats all over the world. Each March and April, the conservatory is home to the largest tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. Thousands of butterflies, imported as chrysalises from Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, fly freely within the conservatory.

Tropical Conservatory

Highlights

Orchid Wall

The Leonard and Dora Rosenzweig Orchid Wall—a favorite destination in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory—features flora from Meijer Gardens’ 3,500-piece, always-changing orchid collection.

Cacao Trees

In the center island of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, several cacao (chocolate) trees grow. Look for their thin brown branches and light-green long, narrow leaves that often hang straight down. The cacao tree has small white flowers that develop into orange fruit, which is where the raw ingredient for chocolate comes from.

The Pandan

A vase-shaped plant, the Pandan has giant leaves that can reach up to 20 feet long.

Tropical Birds

All birds in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory are native to the tropics and were raised in captivity. These birds include the Northern Red Bishop, Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu Finch, Chinese Painted Quail and Canary, among others.

Learn more about the tropical bird collection.

Breadfruit Tree

This tree, which grows in the far northwest corner of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, has large emerald-green leaves and a smooth, grey, sinewy trunk. Breadfruit is grown and eaten throughout the tropics.

Crown Gum Tree

In the lush environment of the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory grows the Crown Gum (sapodilla) tree, with glossy, dark-green oval leaves. This tree is famous for its white gummy sap called chicle, the origin of chewing gum.

HOURS

Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
Monday 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 9 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9 am - 5 pm

RATES

Members (with ID) FREE
Adults (14-64) $20.00
Seniors (65 and older) $15.00
Students (with student ID) $15.00
Museums for All $2.00
Children (3-13) $10
Children (2 and younger) FREE

CONTACT US

Holiday Hours

We are closed on November 23, 2023, December 24, 2023, December 25, 2023, December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024. 

Extended Hours

Enjoy extended holiday hours until 9 pm on December 18-22 and 26-30, 2023

Extended Member Early Hours

Members can enjoy early morning hours on Sundays 9-11 am from November 26 through January 7

HOURS

Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

RATES

Members (with ID) FREE
Adults (14-64) $20.00
Seniors (65 and older) $15.00
Students (with student ID) $15.00
Museums for All $2.00
Children (3-13) $10
Children (2 and younger) FREE