Belle Isle - A Great Place to Explore

Belle Isle is a small island in the Detroit River. The MacArthur Bridge connects it to the mainland. A mere three miles from the heart of downtown Detroit, it's an interesting place to visit. Although I've visited several times, I have yet to discover all it has to offer.

Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer

One of the attractions is the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. This is a nature center housing native Michigan animals (live) and fallow deer in a pen. Some of the deer are pure white while others are dark brown. Visitors have the opportunity to feed them under supervision.  Within 15 minutes, you'll probably have seen everything you want to see inside. A small trail leads from the back door of the nature center, and that's a good place to start exploring. However, there are many other trails on the island.  So....

Explore! There are wildflowers, beautiful views of Canada and Detroit, boats on the river, little lakes...
On the Southern end, one has a great view of the Renaissance Center and the Ambassador Bridge. For those who don't know, it's a big blue suspension bridge over the Detroit River leading to Canada.

View from Belle Isle

Many people gather to barbeque and party in the park/picnic areas. We even saw people having their wedding photos taken.

Yacht Club

Belle Isle also features a yacht club, a museum, and more! Check out the official Detroit website for a list of Belle Isle sights and activities.

Additionally, the aquarium re-opened last fall! I remember visiting this aquarium when I was young and it made a big impression on me, as it did to one of my friends. We were both sad when we heard it was closed.

The Belle Isle Conservancy website has information on the aquarium and upcoming events: http://www.belleisleconservancy.org/

Tips: Do obtain a map of the island.
The main drive is one way around the island, however, if you go to far, there are roads by which you can cut back across the island and loop around again. Plus, the island is rather small, so even if you have to go all the way around again...
There are plenty of parking and picnicking locations.

Belle Isle in the fall