Belle Isle

13 Scenic Michigan State Parks for Stargazing, Hiking, and Boating on Turquoise Waters

"It’s the crown jewel of Detroit, and with good reason: The 982-acre island park on the Detroit River has many draws for families, including the oldest aquarium in the U.S., an exotic plant conservatory, a neoclassical fountain that shoots water 125 feet into the air, a nature center with live deer encounters, and a 30-bay golf range. The park wrapped up Phase I of its new Ralph Wilson Gateway and Trail, an off-road path suitable for hikers and bicyclists, last year. One World … Under Michigan Stars, a stunning glass-and-steel sculpture designed by Erik and Israel Nordin, the brothers and co-owners behind the Detroit Design Center, marks the entrance. Construction on Phase II is underway; once complete, the six-mile route will serve as the southern trailhead for the 2,000-mile Iron Belle Trail, the longest state-designated trail in the nation. The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is also closed to the public for a $10 million renovation project, although the outdoor gardens are expected to reopen later this summer. (The conservatory’s new indoor showrooms are slated to debut in summer 2024.)"

"Botany and Beauty on Belle Isle It's America's largest city-owned island park, and it's right in downtown Detroit. Belle Isle is home to an aquarium, a beach, a museum of Great Lakes maritime memorabilia, and the romantic Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which holds one of the largest collections of orchids in America. Pack a picnic and take in a view of downtown Detroit just across the river."

Metro Detroit’s Best Parks for Picnics - Eater Detroit

"With 982 acres, this diverse island park in the middle of the Detroit River is arguably the city’s most famous having been designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the man behind New York’s Central Park and the U.S. Capitol. There are plenty of picnic tables — and a beach — to choose from. The entry fees of  $12 a year for residents and $9 a day for out-of-state residents are currently waived during the pandemic. After a meal, take a bike ride around the island, or repetitive ups and downs on the giant slide. Unfortunately, the aquarium and the conservatory are temporarily closed due to COVID restrictions, but they make a lovely backdrop for a day in the sun. What to eat: Fill up on gas and food items at the same time. Detroit Chill and Grill, tucked inside the Sunoco gas station, has delicious burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and pitas. The rice bowls include a dizzying number of options that include lamb, fried or jerk chicken, and tabbouleh. The Belle Isle rice bowl comes with grilled onions, green peppers, tomatoes, pineapples, corn, spring mix, and sweet teriyaki sauce." - Monica Williams