Name: James & Shirley Balk Cafe at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Address: 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525

Located inside Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the James & Shirley Balk Café offers a wide variety of locally sourced and delicious menu items, including soups, salads, fresh baked goods and more.

James & Shirley Balk Cafe at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

We are an economic generator through sports tourism for Greater Grand Rapids and Kent County in the West Michigan area.

We own and operate an award winning baseball/softball complex; the Meijer Sports Complex [www.MeijerSportsComplex.com](https://www.MeijerSportsComplex.com) featuring eight fields, including a championship field that seats 1,000.

Our signature event, the Meijer State Games of Michigan (Olympic-style sporting event), draws 10,000 athletes through 60+ sports in its Winter and Summer Games.  We work with many of our local sports clubs and organizations to host various regional and national tournaments.

Why Grand Rapids? We have:
•	12,000 + hotel rooms (2,500 downtown)
•	234,000 square foot downtown convention center (fits 40 volleyball courts)
•	12,000 seat Van Andel Arena
•	5 facilities that feature 4+ courts and multiple grass or turf fields
•	Grant program for new events
•	and more!

West Michigan Sports Commission

Spread over 158 acres, the park features a diverse array of thoughtfully curated gardens and breathtaking outdoor sculptures. Visitors can stroll through various themed gardens, each designed to engage the senses and inspire curiosity. Noteworthy among them is the serene Japanese Garden, which offers a harmonious blend of traditional design and natural beauty.

For modern art aficionados, the sculpture park showcases an impressive collection of works by internationally acclaimed artists, seamlessly integrated into the landscape. The Lena Meijer Children’s Garden provides an engaging experience for younger visitors, making it a family-friendly destination.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is also acclaimed for its dynamic exhibitions and year-round events, ensuring there's always something new to explore. Whether you're a local looking for a serene day out or a tourist seeking a distinctive cultural experience, this park is a must-visit.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

There are many areas within Meijer Gardens to explore, including five indoor gardens: The Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, Victorian Garden Parlor, the nation’s largest Carnivorous Plant House, etc.

From May 2 to November 1 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will present a comprehensive look at more than 40 years of Chihuly’s work. Taking place throughout the gardens and galleries of this celebrated institution, the exhibition will encompass installations, setworks, and Drawings, representing decades of Chihuly’s innovations.

Chihuly at Meijer Gardens

TreeRunner Grand Rapids features an extensive aerial park with over 70 obstacles and zip lines, designed to test your balance, strength, and courage. With trails ranging from beginner to expert levels, it caters to a wide range of skill levels and confidence. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a first-timer looking for a little adventure, there’s something for everyone.

The park is an ideal destination for families, groups of friends, or even corporate team-building events, providing an engaging environment that encourages collaboration and teamwork. The beautiful, wooded setting offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle, allowing guests to connect with nature while having a blast.

TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park

Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is your ultimate destination for unforgettable outdoor high ropes and ziplining adventures, catering to ages 7 and up with multiple skill levels.

Gravity is a unique to Grand Rapids concept combining superior food with craft-beer. We will provide a craft-beer cultivating community/environment, inviting all of those who enjoy quality fare or craft-beer. Led by our team of certified experts, we integrate an expansive selection of craft-beer with an eclectic variety of food, flavors and scratch dishes with something that appeals to everyone!

Gravity Taphouse Grille

Impeccable service, food & drinks twisted in a fresh, edgy, and unique atmosphere. Focused on using local Michigan products as much as possible!

Morning Belle

Sweet Details GR is a Grand Rapids based dessert studio specializing in bespoke wedding cakes, refined dessert tables, logo cookies, and interactive decorating experiences. Known for its signature feminine aesthetic and thoughtful flavor pairings, each creation is crafted with intention and artistry. The brand is also home to Alma Mia Studio, an intimate micro-event space for workshops, celebrations, and creative gatherings.

SWEET DETAILS GR

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional ice hockey team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They compete in the American Hockey League (AHL), playing their home games at Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League, and are the 2013 and 2017 Calder Cup champions

Grand Rapids Griffins

Use this link to have the service fees waived on each ticket!

See exciting pro hockey action in downtown GR’s Van Andel Arena! The Griffins are a development affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, giving you the chance to catch tomorrow’s NHL superstars today. Playing in the American Hockey League (AHL), the Griffins have won two league championships and sent 200+ players to the National Hockey League. The team plays from October-April, offering a wide range of family-friendly promotions, community programs and food & drink specials throughout each season. Go Griffs! Call (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737 for ticket information.

Classic recipes from one of the area's leading restaurant families are prepared using the freshest locally sourced ingredients.

Kitchen 67

Brand-name sandwich shop offers made-to-order sandwiches plus salads, soups and breakfast sandwiches. Three area locations.

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Licari’s is a casual, energetic, and affordable neighborhood pizza kitchen conveniently located in Celedon New Town next to the Crushed Grape. It’s airy, easy-going, and our spin on the Sicilian food is as delicious as the atmosphere.  
  
Claim a spot in our restaurant and order up some serious pizza, relax with a glass of wine, or perhaps with a bottle of wine from our reasonably priced wine list.

Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen

Four days of championship foosball in Grand Rapids. Juniors and touring professionals play at the same tables. Every dollar raised helps put free foosball tables in schools.

The Great Lakes Classic

Gear up for the 2026 University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon, a thrilling all-ages multi-sport event set to energize the vibrant streets of Grand Rapids on October 18, 2026!  Traverse the scenic landscapes of Michigan's second-largest city as you race towards triumph amidst the community's cheers. 

University of Michigan Health - West Grand Rapids Marathon

The 2026 Thunderfest Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, presented by Fusion Medical, is a Grand Rapids Thunder home tournament taking place October 24–25, 2026, at MSA Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This six-team Division II–III wheelchair rugby competition welcomes athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials, with lunch and a tournament T-shirt provided to participants. Tournament schedules will be emailed after rosters are received, with roster submissions due October 13.

Thunderfest Wheelchair Rugby Tournament

The 2nd annual Women's 3x3 Unified Basketball Tournament is taking place in West Michigan in November 2026! Teams throughout the nation will compete for the gold medal in a thrilling 4-day experience.

Special Olympics North America Women's 3x3 Unified Basketball Tournament

The mission of Special Olympics Michigan is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Donations from Michigan citizens and businesses provide funding for the program.



James & Shirley Balk Cafe at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

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