Belle Isle 2025: One of Michigan’s Best Kept Secrets is an Island off Detroit Shores
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Belle Isle is an Urban Oasis in Detroit MI
While some of Detroit‘s popular attractions are well known, many are less familiar with an island just off the city’s shores.
Located between Canada and the USA and boasting an aquarium, conservatory, nature center, museum, beaches, and more, the island of Belle Isle is a must-see destination.
We’ve mapped out a to-do list to make the most out of your stay on this hidden gem on the Detroit River.
Explore Belle Isle
10 Things to Do on Belle Isle
We’ve rounded up a list of activities on the island. Many of these suggestions are year-round, but the summer portions are epic, so you’ll want to visit in all seasons to get the full effect.
Do you need a map? The Belle Isle Conservancy has a great one on its site (you can download the PDF version).
1 – Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
4 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 (I on map)
The warmth will hit you in the face the minute you walk through the door, ushering you into what feels like another world of beauty as you are surrounded by rare plants from around the world.
Paths lead to several themed rooms, including the Cactus House, the Tropical House and a sunken Fernery. Don’t miss the center room housing palms, with a giant palm tree reaching to the sky.
- Hours: Wed – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
2 – Belle Isle Aquarium
3 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 (L on map)
The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest in the United States, opening its doors in 1904. The fish are as engaging as the breathtaking architecture of the historic building.
One of our favorite things is the Island replica in the middle of the building.
Don’t forget to check out the seahorses!
- Hours: Fri – Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
3 – Belle Isle Nature Center
176 Lakeside Dr, Detroit, MI 48207 (P on map)
After a 2.5 million dollar renovation, the Belle Isle Nature Center reopened in late 2022 with more hands-on, interactive displays and habitats featuring urban nature.
The Detroit Zoo runs the nature center, which offers many activities, including games made out of natural materials, forts, animals, reptiles, fish, and bird-watching excursions.
- Hours: Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM
4 – Dossin Great Lakes Museum
100 Strand Dr, Detroit, MI 48207 (J on map)
This maritime museum is 16,000 square feet and includes one of the world’s largest collections of model ships.
Hours: Wed – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM, Sun: 1 PM – 5 PM
5 – William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse
Located on Northeast corner of island (R on map)
At 58 feet tall, this special stop is the only lighthouse in the nation made of marble.
It was constructed in memory of William Livingstone, following his many contributions to Great Lakes shipping. It has been in operation since 1930.
6 – Belle Isle Beach
Riverbank Rd, Detroit, MI 48207 (N on map)
Swimming on Belle Isle almost makes you forget it’s a river.
There are bathrooms and a changing area at the main beach.
If you’re visiting with kids, you may enjoy swimming in the north beach section by the boat launch and docks. The water is bright blue with fewer waves, making it a nicer place for little kids to swim.
7 – James Scott Memorial Fountain
Fountain Dr, Detroit, MI 48207 (B on map)
A fixture in Belle Isle history, the James Scott Memorial fountain was built in 1923, with a massive circumference of over 500 feet.
8 – The Giant Slide
Inselruhe Dr and Loiter Way, Detroit, MI 48207 (H on map)
This slide is cool or terrifying, depending on who you ask. If you’re not afraid of heights, this massive slide is for you!
The slide is open in the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Riders 48″ minimum.
- Cost: $1 per ride
- Hours: Fri: 12:30 – 5:30 PM, Sat – Sun: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
9 – Sunset Point
Sunset Dr, Detroit MI, 48207 (A on map)
Watching the sunset over the Detroit River and bridge to Canada is spectacular.
Take a few blankets, look up the sunset timing on the weather app and sit in the grass close to the water on Sunset Point. You might even witness a proposal!
10 – Belle Isle Art Fair
Fountain Dr, Detroit, MI 48207 (B on map)
Make plans to visit during the first weekend of August to catch the one-of-a-kind Belle Isle Art Fair and meet mermaids!
The Belle Isle Art Fair is both an interactive demonstration and a market. You can make your masterpiece or purchase unique artwork to remember your visit.
Mermaid-loving kiddos can meet the Motorcity Mermaids. We can neither confirm nor deny, but rumor has it that if you discuss the importance of clean waterways with them, you’ll score some extra credit before the school year even begins!
2025 Schedule:
- Saturday, August 2: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Sunday, August 3: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Updates on their Facebook page
Free Admission with a Recreation Passport
Visiting Belle Isle is FREE with the state park pass on your license plate. If you didn’t buy one with your plate renewal, the pass can be purchased for $14.
Where is Belle Isle?
Belle Isle is a 982-acre island park in Detroit MI, located in the Detroit River between the United States and Canada.
Access the island using the McArthur Bridge at the intersection of Jefferson Ave and East Grand Blvd.
Belle Isle’s History
Belle Isle has a fascinating history. Knowing some of its past makes this little oasis even more interesting.
6 Fun Facts About the Belle Isle’s Past
1 – It has seven miles of shoreline, three lakes, and a lagoon.
2 – One family owned the Island/Park until 1879, when the City of Detroit purchased it for $200,000.
3 – The Conservatory and Aquarium were completed in 1904, making these structures over 100 years old.
4 – Due to structural needs and economic struggle, the aquarium was closed in 2005 – making its re-opening in 2012 a momentous occasion. Visiting it now comes with a whole new appreciation of the FREE admission.
5 – Belle Isle became a state park in 2014.
6 – Belle Isle Park was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, often referred to as the “father of landscape architecture.”
Belle Isle Visitor Tips
1 – Verify facility hours. Operating hours vary between buildings and many are not open everyday.
2 – Visiting the island is FREE. The Conservatory, Aquarium, Nature Center and Museum do not charge for admission.
3 – Entering Belle Isle from the bridge requires the State Recreation Passport.
4 – Bring food. There are some great places close by, but nothing to eat on the island itself.
5 – There is good coffee nearby. We recommend these shops to grab a cup on your way to the island or before your drive home:
- Anthology Coffee, 1948 Division St, Ste102, Detroit, MI 48207
- The Commons, 7900 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
6 – Bring towels and sandals for swimming. The sand is rocky, making it a little harder to walk barefoot.
7 – Plan your day trip with bikes and equipment. When visiting in warmer months, you’re welcome to set up mosquito tents and tables to create a little “camp” of sorts. Bring your bikes to explore the island.
Exploring Michigan Gems Like Belle Isle Park and Beyond
If you haven’t planned to include Belle Isle in your adventure itinerary this year, try it out and let us know how your trip goes!
The isle awaits – have fun out there, Michigan!
