Belle Isle

Belle Isle is a 982-acre island park in the Detroit River, accessible via the MacArthur Bridge from the Jefferson Avenue corridor. The island has been a public park since 1879 (Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park, also designed the original Belle Isle landscape). The state of Michigan took over operation in 2014 to relieve the city's maintenance budget; Belle Isle Park is now a state park, free for Michigan-plated vehicles year-round.

The island's attractions include the Belle Isle Aquarium (the oldest continuously operating aquarium in North America, free), the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory (free), the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Belle Isle Nature Center, multiple beaches and picnic areas, a 2.5-mile loop road for driving, walking, or cycling, and the Grand Prix race course that hosts the IndyCar race in early June. Summer event programming includes concerts, film screenings, fitness events, and the annual Belle Isle Run.

Practical notes: entry requires a Michigan Recreation Passport (free for Michigan-plated vehicles at registration, $11 for out-of-state). The MacArthur Bridge is the only road entry. Bike access from Detroit's Riverwalk system connects directly to the island. Parking is plentiful and free with the passport — the main lots are near the Aquarium, Conservatory, and beach. Restrooms and water fountains are throughout the island. Pack out trash; the island's waste collection is limited.