Meet me at
99 Pleasure Drive
Detroit
Directions & Access
Belle Isle is easily accessible by car, bike, foot, or public transportation. Visitors can arrive via the MacArthur Bridge from Jefferson Avenue and East Grand Boulevard. Below are all the ways to reach and enjoy the island safely and easily.
Recreation Passport
All vehicles entering Belle Isle State Park are required by law to have a Michigan Recreation Passport. Passes can be purchased through the DNR website.
The island is filled with beloved landmarks, beautiful attractions, and rich history. Start your exploration here.
Let your little ones spring back into action at Belle Isle's playgrounds and play structures. Playgrounds located at Kid's Row and the Belle Isle Nature Center are fantastic year-round destinations for kids of all ages, with swings, tunnels, slides, and accessible play equipment surrounded by fresh air and river views. The playground near the Nature Center is designed for ADA accessibility.
Belle Isle has long been a beloved gathering place for family reunions, graduations, and celebrations of all kinds. Sheds and pavilions located throughout the island offer the perfect setting for your event and can be reserved up to one year in advance. To book your space, contact the MDNR.
With a 5.4-mile scenic loop trail featuring waterfront views of Detroit and Windsor, the island is an excellent place to bike. For those who prefer feet to wheels, Belle Isle’s wide paths and wooded trails make for peaceful walks or runs. Explore trails on the park map.
The island has plenty of sports-specific space, whether you’re looking to play baseball/softball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, racquetball/handball, or golf. For info regarding the Belle Isle Athletic Complex, contact HYPE Athletics. For golfing, visit Belle Isle Golf.
Belle Isle is one of the few places in Detroit where you can catch the sunrise and sunset on the same day. Watch the sun come up over the river near Fisherman’s Pier on the north shore, then return to Sunset Point to see the sky glow and city sparkle.
The Belle Isle Conservancy inspires curiosity, connection, and care for the island’s unique species and environments, as well as those found around the world. From casual visitors to school groups, we offer meaningful experiences designed to engage learners of all ages. Browse park tours for your group.
Let your little ones spring back into action at Belle Isle's playgrounds and play structures. Playgrounds located at Kid's Row and the Belle Isle Nature Center are fantastic year-round destinations for kids of all ages, with swings, tunnels, slides, and accessible play equipment surrounded by fresh air and river views. The playground near the Nature Center is designed for ADA accessibility.
Belle Isle has long been a beloved gathering place for family reunions, graduations, and celebrations of all kinds. Sheds and pavilions located throughout the island offer the perfect setting for your event and can be reserved up to one year in advance. To book your space, contact the MDNR.
With a 5.4-mile scenic loop trail featuring waterfront views of Detroit and Windsor, the island is an excellent place to bike. For those who prefer feet to wheels, Belle Isle’s wide paths and wooded trails make for peaceful walks or runs. Explore trails on the park map.
The island has plenty of sports-specific space, whether you’re looking to play baseball/softball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, racquetball/handball, or golf. For info regarding the Belle Isle Athletic Complex, contact HYPE Athletics. For golfing, visit Belle Isle Golf.
Belle Isle is one of the few places in Detroit where you can catch the sunrise and sunset on the same day. Watch the sun come up over the river near Fisherman’s Pier on the north shore, then return to Sunset Point to see the sky glow and city sparkle.
The Belle Isle Conservancy inspires curiosity, connection, and care for the island’s unique species and environments, as well as those found around the world. From casual visitors to school groups, we offer meaningful experiences designed to engage learners of all ages. Browse park tours for your group.
When the snow falls, the island transforms into a winter wonderland, and we’ve curated perfect day-long itineraries for you to experience its magic from sunrise to sunset.
This is where Motown goes to slow down. Unwind, unplug, and enjoy the island's most peaceful spots. This itinerary is designed for slower days filled with calm, beauty, and simple pleasures.
Start your day on the lighthouse path along the Driker Trail, exploring the serene east end of the island. Hike beside calm waters and through the willow trees toward the eastern shore for a calm welcome into the morning.
Stop by the nature megaphone and let the sounds of the nature soothe you. The nature megaphone is nestled in the trail outside the Belle Isle Nature center where you can experience the sounds of the world around you.
Atom Gazelle is a stainless steel structure by Detroit-born artist Richard Bennett, installed in 1991. The abstract sculpture is to represent a gazelle's horns, head, neck, and back. While you're there, take a moment to take in the views near the north fishing pier.
Enjoy a quiet morning exploring one of the oldest aquariums in the country. The green-tiled ceiling and gentle sway of the fish are mesmerizing.
Start your day among lush palms and exotic blooms from all over the globe. The historic greenhouse is a warm, peaceful escape in any weather. Then take a walk about the Conservatory's formal gardens.
Take a walk through the peaceful Oudolf Garden, an ever-changing delight in any season. Stop along the boardwalk to take in the view of the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon against river's shore.
Bring your best friend for an island adventure. Belle Isle is a paradise for pups, with plenty of room to roam (on leash!). This itinerary highlights Belle Isle’s best pet-friendly spots for you and your four-legged friend.
Start your morning with a refreshing walk through shaded woodland paths just outside of the Belle Isle Nature Center. The trails are full of new smells and perfect for an energetic start.
Let your pup take in the sights and sounds along the shoreline of the Detroit River (on a 6ft leash, of course) on the Iron Belle/Ralph C. Wilson. It’s a 5.8 mile, flat paved loop with a guaranteed cool breeze.
Take in views of downtown Detroit while your dog enjoys the breeze. It's a great spot for a 'paws' and a photo-op.
Watch the sunset with your pup as the sky turns golden over the river. It's a calm spot to wind down your day together.
Want to see the icons? Belle Isle is a living landmark, packed with history and stunning architecture. This route is for explorers, history lovers, and anyone who wants to see the island’s most iconic landmarks.
Begin your day by learning about Detroit’s maritime history. You'll get a real sense of the river's importance to the city.
Take a quick detour through the country’s oldest original aquarium. Don't miss the stunning green-tiled ceiling designed by Albert Kahn.
Admire historic architecture and rare tropical plants. This Albert Kahn-designed building is the sister to the Aquarium, opened on the same day in 1904.
Explore the stunning 3-acre perennial garden designed by Piet Oudolf, the world-renowned Dutch designer behind New York's High Line. Just steps away, see the iconic Nancy Brown Peace Carillon tower, built in 1940 as a monument to peace with funds donated by 60,000 readers of Detroit News columnist Nancy Brown.
End your tour at the only lighthouse in the United States constructed entirely of Georgian marble. It was built in 1930 not just for navigation, but as a memorial to William Livingstone, the president of the Lake Carriers' Association, making it a rare and beautiful American landmark.
All attractions, landmarks, and gardens can be accessibly visited. Our environments are meant to provide stress-free experiences for all, including our ADA-compliant play structure next to the Belle Isle Nature Center. For specific information regarding accessibility concerns, please Contact Us.
The Michigan DNR manages all facility rentals and applications, from shelters and pavilions to special event and photography permits. Please visit the DNR's website for all official forms and guidelines.
For the health and safety of all park guests, please keep these guidelines in mind as you prepare for your visit:
Be aware that during peak times the MacArthur Bridge may be closed at the discretion of the MDNR when the park reaches vehicular capacity and traffic levels cause safety concerns. Closures typically last for 2 hours, not allowing any vehicles to enter the park during this period. Text GEM to 80888 to receive park updates from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
With so much to see and do, it’s helpful to know that there are many great resources available for you to get to know the island, all year long.
