Belle Isle in Detroit is Worth a Visit

I recently tweeted that Detroit is the fastest growing bicycle city in the country Why-bike-commuting-is-taking-off-in-the-nations-car-capital. Reading this article got me thinking that I never finished writing a post about a day trip we took to Belle Isle in Detroit during our vacation this summer. Even if you don't living anywhere near Michigan, you have probably heard about the troubles of Detroit, which filed for bankruptcy in 2013. When I mentioned to my sister that we were going to visit Belle Isle, she asked why because she thought that all the exhibits were closed. That may have been true a couple years ago, but Belle Isle Park, is having a revival since 2014 when the 984 acre island park became Michigan's 102nd State Park. With the assistance of the Belle Isle Conservancy, it is once again becoming a popular destination in its own right for locals and tourists alike. 

The Park's origins go back to 1880 when it was created under the City's 1879 Park Act. In 1881, the City commissioned famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to develop a plan for the park. His plan was produced in 1883, however, due to disagreements with the City Council and Park Board, it never came to fruition. Olmsted instead devoted his attention to Chicago and finalizing the design of Chicago's Jackson Park where the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition was held. Olmsted's design for Belle Isle would have kept most of the island in it's natural state; and, even though it became more developed than Olmsted's proposal, it still became a great location for the city's residents to experience outdoor recreation, with over a million people visiting in 1911.Today, one can enjoy bike-riding, golf, a water-slide, learn about wildlife and Michigan history.

The day we visited was picture perfect. After paying a nominal park entrance fee, we made our first stop at the food cart to grab a Coney Dog for lunch. We then found a comfortable place to sit and eat by the water.

Benches provide a restful spot to gaze across the river into Canada

Easy to spot as you enter the park, is the James Scott Memorial Fountain. The fountain was opened in 1925 and was designed by Cass Gilbert who also designed the United States Supreme Court Building. It is a sight to behold and and while we were there a wedding party was taking advantage of the location for their photo album.

The Belle Isle Aquarium opened in 1904 and is the oldest aquarium in the country. It was closed between 2005 to 2012, when it was re-opened through the Belle Isle Conservancy.

It is a very cool building, and although there were many empty tanks waiting to be filled, the exhibits were interesting, like these freshwater stingrays.

By placing some tanks in the center of the room, the fish look like they are swimming in air.
Next to the Aquarium, is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Also, opened in 1905, it is the country's oldest, continually operating conservatory. In 1955 it was renamed in honor of Anna Scripps Whitcomb who donated a collection of 600 orchids. The acre-sized is surrounded by 14 beautifully landscaped acres.

Both inside and out one can get their fix of greenery and color.

Bottle-Brush, Australia

Hibiscus

Our next stop was the Great Lakes Museum, which features 300 years of maritime history of the Great Lakes. With archives and interactive displays it is a must-see for the nautical fan.

These mile-markers show the connectivity to the major ports of the great lakes

The Bob-Lo Amusement Park Closed in 1993 after operating for 95 years

As we exited the island, we drove past the Detroit Yacht Club and the Detroit Boat Club, and then made a brief stop at the beach.

Bathers cool off in the Detroit River with the city's skyline in the background

It was great to see that the investments in this valuable urban natural resource are paying off. If you visit Michigan, and enjoy the outdoors, don't discount the opportunities that exist within the city limits of Detroit.