Belle Isle Park
99 Pleasure Dr, Detroit, MI, 48207
On the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a 985-acre (399-hectare) island with amazing views of Michigan and Canada. This state park has a network of walking trails snaking across the island, leading to beaches, historic sites, attractions, museums, and more. Though most attractions are open seasonally, Belle Isle Park is a year-round space for enjoying the riverside scenery.
The basics
Belle Isle Park has so much to see and do that you’ll want to plan a full day exploring it from end to end. Arrive early and walk the trails in search of historical monuments. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle Aquarium, and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory are must-sees for nature lovers, while the Giant Slide and Kids Row Playground are some of the best places for kids to have fun on the island.
Things to know before you go
You need a fishing license to fish from the piers on the island.
Watch the sunset at Sunset Point, where you’ll see the James Scott Memorial Fountain light up at nightfall.
Some areas of the park are closed for renovations until 2026.
How to get there
Most visitors will arrive at Belle Isle Park via the MacArthur Bridge. The No. 12 Canal Route bus stops at Belle Isle daily once an hour. You’ll find two parking lots near the James Scott Memorial Fountain. You can also walk across the bridge, which is 2,193 feet (668 meters) long and has a wide pedestrian sidewalk.
When to get there
The best time to visit Belle Isle Park is between Memorial Day and Labor Day when most of the park’s attractions operate. Many attractions are open from morning until at least mid-afternoon, but check each attraction’s schedule for its days of operation. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will have the most attractions open and crowds.
See Belle Isle Park from the Canadian side
Look across the Detroit River from the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, and you’ll spy Peche Island. On the Canadian side of the river, this historic island is accessible by boat and is virtually untouched beyond hiking trails and an old concrete bridge. It’s great for hiking, kayaking, or viewing the riverside cities.
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