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Park · Detroit, Michigan
Belle Isle
Island‑park on the Detroit River with a conservatory, aquarium, the James Scott Fountain, a river beach and skyline views.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Belle Isle
Belle Isle is an island of about 400 hectares in the middle of the Detroit River, connected to the city by a bridge. The park was originally designed with input from Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect of New York’s Central Park, and is managed as a Michigan state park.
On the island are the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, with palms, cacti and orchids under a glass dome, the Belle Isle Aquarium, opened in 1904, and the marble James Scott Fountain, which usually operates in the warm months. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum tells the story of navigation on the Great Lakes, and a small river beach attracts swimmers in summer.
A drive or bike ride around the island road offers views of downtown Detroit on one side and Windsor on the other.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From two hours to half a day.
Best time
May to September, when the fountain is operating and the beach is open; the conservatory and aquarium are open much of the year on their own schedules.
How to get there
By the MacArthur Bridge on the city’s east side, about 6 km from downtown.
Tip
Car entry requires a Michigan state parks pass, which is paid; walking or cycling does not require an entrance fee. Check the opening days for the aquarium and the conservatory.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Belle Isle
How to get to Belle Isle?
By the MacArthur Bridge, by car, bicycle or on foot, about 6 km from downtown.
Do you have to pay to enter Belle Isle?
By car, a Michigan state parks pass is required; walking or cycling does not require an entrance fee.
What is on Belle Isle?
The conservatory, the aquarium, the James Scott Fountain, the Great Lakes Museum and a river beach.