Belle Isle Travel Guide

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.