Day Trip to Belle Isle

For our next Made in Michigan piece, we’re traveling to the gem of the Detroit River, Belle Isle. Situated in northeast Detroit, Belle Isle is a short hour drive from Ann Arbor and can be easily made into a full day trip when coupled with outings around the island.

WHERE TO GO

Lovers of architecture and aquatic life will both be entranced by a trip to the Belle Isle Aquarium. Designed by Alfred Kahn, the architect behind Hill Auditorium, the Burton Memorial Tower, and Detroit’s Fisher Building, the aquarium is the oldest in the United States. You’ll ooh and aah over the vaulted ceiling of gleaming green tile as well as the interesting displays of fresh and saltwater creatures from around the world. Don’t miss their tiny but tempting gift shop full of items made in Detroit.

Go for a stroll in the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the oldest continually-running conservatory in the country; soak in the warmth and light as you make your way through the Palm House, Tropical House, Cactus House, Show House, and a sunken Fernery.

If you still have time, check out the Dossin Great LakesMuseum or the Belle Isle Nature Zoo where they have a fallow deer enclosure with animals that are descended from an original herd established on the island in the late 1800s. If you are on Belle Isle between June 8 and Labor Day, you must make a stop at the fantastically fun giant slide. Each ride will set you back a single dollar.

WHERE TO SHOP NEAR BELLE ISLE

Pop into Pewabic Pottery on East Jefferson and swoon over their iridescent glazed pottery. Swing by Eastern Market on Saturday for fresh produce and house plants, and window shop at the eclectic stores surrounding the market; my kids go crazy for the gummy Coca-Colas at Rocky’s. Embrace your cool parent persona and check out Third Man Records and other Cass Corridor shops like City Bird and Avalon Bakery.

WHERE TO EAT IN DETROIT

Detroit is a foodie’s paradise, so hit up your favorite Motown restaurant while you’re in town. We always trek across the city to Corktown and stop by Slows Bar B Q for a cold glass of their sweet peach tea, a heap of smoked brisket, and their creamy mac and cheese; if you’re in a hurry, there is a Slows To Go in the Cass Corridor, which has limited seating that I’ve used with the kids. While a bit trendier, Gold Cash Gold has a clever farm to table menu that’s simple enough to enjoy with littles, and the pickle fried chicken was a huge hit with bigs. Another fun spot that will please all palates is Green DotStables where their tasty and inventive sliders are the perfect size for little hands.

FINAL TIPS

Check to see what days and times attractions on Belle Isle are open before planning your trip. For instance, the conservatory is open Wednesday through Sunday, while the aquarium is open Friday though Sunday. Follow the Belle Isle Conservancy on Facebook to get the scoop on frequent events ranging from holiday lights in December to the annual spring koi release into the outdoor pond.

Entrance and parking is free at all attractions on Belle Isle, but a State of Michigan Recreation Passport is needed to physically drive onto the island. If you didn’t purchase your pass with your vehicle registration, you may buy the $11 pass at the entry booth or at the White House Administration Building. The passport is good for the duration of your vehicle’s registration

A portion of this appeared first in Ann Arbor Family, and you can find that article here. 

All photos by Aimee Grant Eldon.