Belle Isle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Belle Isle
Belle Isle
Belle Isle
Belle Isle
Belle Isle

This huge leafy park is an oasis in the city; nestled in the Detroit River, it's the perfect place to relax while admiring Detroit's dramatic skyline.

Designed by the legendary landscape architect Frederick Olmsted (also responsible for Boston's famous Emerald Necklace), Belle Isle sits right next to the border with Canada. This island park is aptly named its natural beauty is enhanced by magnificent landscaping and period architecture. There's something for everyone on this 397-hectare island gem, whether you want to laze on the beach, get up-close to nature or make use of the public sports facilities.

Start with a stroll to get your bearings. Admire the park's 18th-century design, its three lakes and attractive lagoon. Visit historical landmarks such as the James Scott Memorial Fountain and a pair of British cannons captured in 1812. History buffs will love the interactive Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which features the largest collection of scale models anywhere in the world.

If flora and fauna is more your thing, head over to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. This century-old domed greenhouse and botanic gardens boasts impressive collections of orchids, roses and ferns. Visit the Belle Isle Nature Zoo to see turtles, fallow deer and a variety of amphibians. Or search out some creatures in the wild at the Blue Herron Lagoon, as you explore the nature trail and butterfly garden. The Gothic architecture of the Belle Isle Aquarium makes for a dramatic backdrop to the exhibits displaying fish native to the Great Lakes.

The playing fields over by the old Field House cater to sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Organise a game of baseball, volleyball, soccer or rugby, or hone your golfing skills on the putting and chipping greens and full-length driving range.

Belle Isle is the perfect place for a family day out, with a fantastic playground and an enormous slide. Relax for a few hours at Belle Isle beach (the only one along the Detroit river) while the kids entertain themselves on the waterslide. Then head to one of the many picnic or barbecue areas for an al fresco lunch.

There's no public transport to the island, but it's just a 15-minute drive from downtown. Belle Isle is open every day but opening hours change with the seasons, so check online or ring ahead to confirm.

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

4 out of 5
1200 Saint Antoine St, Detroit, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹14,682 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹14,682
₹19,414 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,201 reviews)
"Room was very clean and in good condition; great views out window. Bed very comfort able. Although it was not a problem, wish they had informed us that they only do maid service every 3 days. Roads are all torn up around property which made finding the entrance very challenging by car because street ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel

Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI
The price is ₹14,687 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹14,687
₹17,036 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,150 reviews)
"Nice staff"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel
Atheneum Suite Hotel

Atheneum Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 Brush Avenue, Detroit, MI
Stay at this boutique hotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,832 reviews)
"Amazing property!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Atheneum Suite Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown

3.5 out of 5
305 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy a fitness centre, concierge services and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,353 reviews)
"I liked the location of the property but the immediate outside area is a little run down and could be perceived as a little sketchy. You are walking distance to almost everything. The room was a nice size. The lobby area needs a little TLC. But no issues and no drama. Would stay there again."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Gabriel Richard Apartments Downtown
Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren

Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren

3 out of 5
30180 North Civic Center Dr, Warren, MI
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Warren. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,330 reviews)
"Guest service check in lady was very nice and made the process easy. Overall made the stay. The stove didn’t work properly didn’t find out until way after check in. Pool wasn’t open but the area is nicely set up"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Affordable Suites of America Detroit-Warren
Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit

4 out of 5
139 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Detroit. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room washers/dryers and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (549 reviews)
"Amazing stay and amazing place! 5/5 stars."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Kasa Cadillac Square Detroit
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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