Things to Do at Belle Isle Park
Complete Guide to Belle Isle Park in Detroit
About Belle Isle Park
What to See & Do
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
This 1904 glass conservatory houses one of the oldest collections of orchids and cacti in the country. The tropical dome is particularly impressive - it's like stepping into a rainforest in the middle of Michigan.
Belle Isle Aquarium
America's oldest continually operating public aquarium, built in 1904. It's smaller than modern aquariums but has incredible character, with beautiful tile work and historic architecture that makes it feel like a underwater cathedral.
James Scott Memorial Fountain
This massive marble fountain from 1925 is Belle Isle's most photographed landmark. The carved figures and water displays are impressive, and it's positioned perfectly for skyline views.
Belle Isle Beach
A half-mile of sandy beach with swimming areas and picnic spots. The water can be chilly, but the beach offers some of the best views of downtown Detroit and passing freighters.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Focuses on Detroit's maritime history with ship models, artifacts, and exhibits about the Great Lakes shipping industry. The restored pilot house from a Great Lakes freighter is particularly cool.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Park is open daily 5 AM to 10 PM. Individual attractions have varying hours - the Aquarium is typically open Wednesday-Sunday 10 AM-4 PM, Conservatory daily 10 AM-5 PM
Tickets & Pricing
Park entry requires a Recreation Passport ($12 annually for Michigan residents, $34 for non-residents). Individual attractions may have small additional fees ($2-5)
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall for full access to all attractions. Summer weekends can get crowded, so weekday visits tend to be more peaceful
Suggested Duration
Plan for 3-6 hours if you want to see multiple attractions, or a full day if you're planning to beach, picnic, and explore thoroughly
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
A revitalized waterfront area with walking and biking paths, parks, and great views. The RiverWalk connects several miles of riverfront and is one of Detroit's success stories.
An outdoor art installation that transformed abandoned houses into colorful art pieces. It's controversial but undeniably unique - worth seeing as an example of Detroit's creative resilience.
One of the largest historic public markets in the US, bustling on Saturday mornings with fresh produce, flowers, and local vendors. The murals throughout the district are impressive too.
Top-tier art museum with an incredible collection including Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry murals. The museum itself is beautiful and the collection rivals much larger cities.