Crown Jewel of Detroit

Did you know that Detroit has its very own island?  This island is known as Belle Isle.  This historic island is located close to the hub of downtown. The views on this island are spectacular, as you can see views of Detroit, Canada and the Ambassador Bridge.  At this public park, the admission is free, as well as most of the park’s attractions.  There is something fun for everyone here, whether you’re interested in nature, physical fitness, athletics, history or architecture, you will have a fantastic time making memories on Belle Isle.

You can enjoy visiting the island alone, for some “me” time, as I like to call it, or bring your friends and family for the day.  There is so much you can explore at Belle Isle, so hurry and make the visit!

Once you are on the island, you can tour by taking a car or having a relaxing walk along the several miles of trails, paths, and roadways that connect all of Belle Isle’s points of interest.

                               

One of my favorite things to do while at Belle Isle, is to go to the Belle Isle Beach and Water Slide.  During the hot summer days in Detroit, this is the place to be.  You can enjoy the slide all day for only $3, so it is definitely worth the visit.  When my friends and I come here, we don’t even feel like we are in Michigan anymore because of the beautiful scenery and fun attractions.  If you prefer to stay out of the water, you can still enjoy the sand beneath your feet and the Jazz music on the beach on Sunday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  

                             

Now, if you plan to come to Belle Isle with kids, there is a Kids Kingdom Playscape, which is a one-half acre playground.  This playground includes swings, tunnels, slides, and much more.  There is also a giant slide, which charges $1 per ride and I must say this slide is tons of fun! 

 

Other attractions include the Nancy Brown Peace Tower, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and Scott Memorial Fountain.  The Nancy Brown Peace Tower includes computer-automated performances and is dedicated to the newspaper columnist who raised most of the building fund from her readers.

                                                     

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum includes the world’s largest collection of scale-model Great Lakes ships, maritime memorabilia, and special hands-on exhibits.  My uncles love to visit this museum because of all of the different ships.  The museum is open year round on Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
      
                           

                             

For history lovers, I highly suggest visiting Perry’s Victory Civil War Cannons.  The cannons are located in front of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which were cannons captured by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry from the British at the Battle of Lake Erie.  

                          

Another attraction is the Belle Isle Casino.  Now many of you might be thinking gambling, but this is two-story Spanish-style Casino is a meeting place of individuals and groups on the island.  The Casino is also available for rent, if you wish to hold an event here.

                       

An additional attraction is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.  The Conservatory is divided into five sections: The Palm House, Tropical House, Showroom, Cactus House, and the Fernery.  My favorite sections are the Palm House and Tropical House, as I love to feel like I am in a tropical paradise.  The Conservatory is dedicated to Mrs. Scripps, as she left her 600-plant orchid collection to The Conservatory of Detroit.  The Conservatory is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

                             

Now for my athletes, you must visit the Athletic Field & Field House.  You can enjoy a bike ride, playing softball, baseball, football, soccer, rugby or running along the track.  Across of the field house are handball and racquetball courts.  There is also a golf driving range nearby, which my brother and dad enjoy spending the majority of their day at. You surely could spend an entire day at the athletic field.

                         

Lastly, there is also a Nature Zoo at Belle Isle, which offers a variety of educational programs, and the Deer Encounter.  There are 15 deer that used roam the island and are now in a one-acre range where they are free to roam.  You can feed the deer through the fence and enjoy taking pictures.  The zoo is definitely one of my favorite places to visit.  The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

                            

Even when the sun goes down, there is still something to do at night.  The Scott Memorial Fountain is amazing at night.  This is where my friends and I usually end our night.  The colored light and water shows are from dusk until 11:00 PM and the fountain is operated daily from Memorial Day until late September.  I highly suggest you spend an entire day at Belle Isle, just to see the wonderful fountain show. 

                        

During the winter at Belle Isle, my friends and I enjoy going sledding and taking in the beautiful winter scenery of the island.  

                              

I could go on and on about how fascinating Belle Isle is, but you won’t truly know how amazing it is until you visit it yourself! :)

Images provided by: google search.