Explore: Belle Isle Park in Detroit
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 27, 2025)
Detroit, MI – While it seems like Belle Isle is most famous for it’s giant slide, there is a lot to love on this beautiful Detroit River Island, especially for nature-lovers like me. I spent a few days (before the heat wave and the bad air quality days) exploring some of the island’s magical spaces.
An obvious feature of Belle Isle is the giant glass dome of the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which houses an amazing collection of plants from across the globe. According to the Belle Isle Conservancy, it’s the oldest continuously-running conservatory in the United states. Designed by Albert Kahn, it opened in 1904 along with the neighboring aquarium which was attached at the time. The building has different rooms for different types of plants, including a room dedicated to cactus and succulents, and another specifically for palms. Throughout the space one can enjoy the amazing colors, shapes, and fragrances that nature has to offer.
The aquarium is another magnificent piece of architecture by Khan. The interior is lined with green tile to add to the sea life feel, and the tanks are designed to look like pictures in a gallery for visitors. There are fish from around the world on display.
The Belle Isle Nature Center is another delightful and educational space. It’s operated by the Detroit Zoological Society and there is an empahsis on sharing the joy of Michigan’s native species. Frogs, toads, turtles and snakes are among the center’s stars, plus a resident mudpuppy. There’s also a working beehinve on display (safely behind glass) and an outdoor feeding area that attracts birds and other creatures of the island.
I did not get a chance to visit the Dossing Great Lakes Museum, but this to is a noteworthy place to visit and learn. It showcases the maritime history of the Great Lakes, with exhibits and activities that explore shipping, nautical culture, and historic boats and vessels.
Belle Isle’s place in the Detroit River makes for some great views for those who like watching the water, along with the jumping fish, large freighters, and other boats that go by. The Detroit Princess also makes appearances as it gives tours along the river. Visitors fish in the river, as well as in the three lakes and one lagoon contained on the island.
Those looking for nature trails can find different types of habitat all within the 982-acre park, including deciduous woodland, swampy woodland, open park land, prarie restoration areas, grassy areas, and even a sandy beach for swimming. There are paved trails, bike lanes, and rustic trails. Personally I enjoy spotting snakes on my hikes, and Belle Isle did not disappoint as I saw over a dozen common garter and water snakes, plus my first-ever fox snake. There are also turtles, birds, deer, and other small mammals.
Other features include the Detroit Yacht Club, the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, sports fields and courts, food trucks, and a covered pedestrian bridge adorned with graffiti that is a beloved backdrop for local photographers. There is also a golf course, and paddle boat rentals. The park is also a popular place for families, with playgrounds and picnic areas available to rent for parties and gatherings.
Visitors can rent a bike or scooter, or even hop on the DDOT Conant bus that makes a loop on the island and travels through Detroit to the State Fair Grounds.
Belle Isle is a Michigan State Park. A Recreation Passport is required for entry at a cost of $13 for Michigan vehicles or $7 for motorcycles. Nonresidents pay $39 for an annual pass or $11 for a day pass. Learn more about Belle Isle Park at https://www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/belleisle
