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GETTING ON THE ISLAND

 

What are the park hours?

The Belle Isle Park grounds are open year-round 5 am -10 pm.
Facility hours are as follows. Please check with the respective facilities for possible changes:

Belle Isle Aquarium, Friday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Belle Isle Nature Center, Open daily, 10am - 5pm
 

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Closed until further notice
 

Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Fri-Sat 10am - 5pm & Sun, 1pm - 5pm
 

What do I need to access the island now that Belle Isle is a State Park? How much does it cost? 

There is no cost to enter the park as a pedestrian or cyclist. However, a Recreation Passport is needed to DRIVE onto the island. Click HERE or call 313-821-9844 for more info. 

 

Is there public transportation to get onto the island?

Yes! The #12 Conant Bus line stops right in front of the Aquarium/Conservatory complex. Click HERE for more info. 

 

Is Belle Isle Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes! However, there are few accessible bathrooms and there are limited pathways through gardens, green spaces, and picnic areas. 

 

EXPLORING AND ENJOYING THE PARK

 

What are the hours and locations of the facilities open to the public on the island? 

Visit our Maps & Access page for details. 

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Can I arrange a tour of the facilities on the island? How do I do that? 

All information regarding Group Tours and School Field Trips can be found on our Tours page. The Belle Isle Conservancy manages the Education Program for the Belle Isle Aquarium and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. If you would like to visit the other facilities on the island, you must schedule your visit with the managing organization directly. 

 

Is there any place to purchase food or beverages on the island?

There are no public restaurant facilities on the island. During the peak season, visitors can buy concessions at food trucks throughout the island. 

 

Is alcohol allowed on the island? 

Alcohol is only allowed with a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

 

 

 

RENTALS, BOOKINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

 

How can I make arrangements or rentals of Shelters, buildings, or spaces on Belle Isle?

All questions, arrangements, and rentals regarding Shelters, buildings, spaces, and events on Belle Isle are handled entirely by the Belle Isle Administration Office. Please contact the Belle Isle Administration Office at 313-821-9844. 

 

I am interested in having a function, wedding, reunion, group picnic, sporting event, charity event, photoshoot, filming a movie, walk-a-thon, music event at the Remick Music Shell, rental of the handball courts, use of the Athletic Field or any type of gathering on Belle Isle?

Please contact the Belle Isle Administration Office at 313-821-9844. All private events taking place on Belle Isle are scheduled through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

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OTHER

 

What are the roles and responsibilities of the DNR, the BIC, and the City?

The City of Detroit owns the park and has leased it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The MDNR is responsible for the day-to-day responsibilities, while the Belle Isle Conservancy focuses on awareness, historical preservation, and fundraising for capital projects.