Belle Isle, the largest city-owned island park, is one of Detroit’s jewels. The 983-acre island was bought in 1879 for $200,000. In 1883, the designer of New York City’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmstead, created the master plan for Belle Isle’s transformation.

By 1889, visitors could enjoy the park via the island’s first wooden bridge.

Olmstead also helped select Cass Gilbert’s design for the Scott Fountain, chosen over 93 other entries in a nationwide competition. Among Gilbert’s other achievements was the design of the U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C.

Between 1903 and 1930, the Belle Isle Casino, the Whitcomb
Conservatory and the Livingstone Lighthouse were designed by Albert Kahn, who was also selected for the General Motors and Fisher buildings.

The nearly half mile-long bridge that takes visitors to Belle Isle today was originally constructed in 1923 and a meticulous renovation was completed in 1986. In 1942, the bridge was renamed after General Douglas MacArthur. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The island has a casino, which is not open for gambling, but is available for rental.

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum, also located on the island, is the world’s largest collection of scale-model Great Lakes ships, maritime memorabilia and special hands-on exhibits.

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which is patterned after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, features permanent displays of cacti, ferns, palms and one of the largest collections of orchids in the country.

Two of the other staples on the island are the Belle Isle beach and the giant water slide. The slide is available the second week of June through Labor Day with all- day rides for $3.

The Kids Kingdom Playscape has been renovated to assure the safety standards and accessible play equipment for the physically challenged.

Other attractions include the 200-acre woodlands, fishing piers and bulkheads, bicycle and nature trails, handball/racquetball/basketball, the Chip-n-Putt family golf center, driving range/putting greens, nine baseball diamonds, 10 lighted tennis courts and a cinder running track.

Belle Isle has long been a favorite picnic site. The island offers pavilions and shelters to accommodate events of all kinds.

During the winter months, activities include sledding and a 30-foot ice sculpture.

For more information, or to rent a shelter, call (313) 628-2081.