Looking Ahead While Celebrating Our History
We believe Belle Isle is more than a park. It’s a shared treasure, a healing space, and a living piece of Detroit’s past and future. We believe that caring for this island strengthens our city, our communities, and our sense of belonging.
And we believe that when people feel connected to a place, they’re inspired to protect it. Forever.
Our Vision
Our vision is a promise. To protect, preserve, and enhance this island for generations to come. In partnership with the State of Michigan and City of Detroit, we are actively restoring its historic structures, improving accessibility for all, and ensuring Belle Isle remains a world-class park for the whole community.
A People-First Vision: The Belle Isle Commons
The focus of our future work is the Belle Isle Commons. This project creates a central, walkable 'people-first' space that ties together the island's most popular and historic destinations, from the Remick Bandshell to Kids Row to the Beach and all spaces in between. It's a plan to reorient the visitor experience and enhance the ability to move between these iconic spaces.
The Work in Progress: Restoring Our Icons
This vision is already becoming a reality. We are investing in the landmarks at the heart of the Commons, starting with one of the park's most cherished gems.
The Aquarium: A Renewed Treasure
Thanks to a $10 million investment, the Aquarium's historic integrity is being preserved while its infrastructure is modernized. This project includes vital life-support system upgrades, enhancing the visitor (and fish!) experience. It's a key step in ensuring this 1904 icon thrives for another century.
What's Next: The Fountain & Beyond
The work continues. The restoration of the James Scott Memorial Fountain is well underway and the water will be turned back on in the spring of 2027. The State and Conservancy continue to invest in improvements around the island, including implementing the goals of the mobility study and strategic plan.
History is our foundation.
This future is only possible because we stand on a foundation built by over a century of history. Belle Isle's story isn't just in the past; it's a living archive that we are constantly rediscovering.
Explore the pivotal moments, forgotten places, and community stories that define the island's unique character. This collection will grow as we unearth new stories to share.
Wah-na-bee-zee: The Island's First Name
Long before it was called Belle Isle, the Anishinaabe knew the island as Wah-nah-be-zee. Anishinaabe legend tells of an Ottawa spirit, Sleeping Bear, who protected his beautiful daughter by keeping her in a wooden box on Lake Michigan. North and West Winds fought for her – creating a huge storm that swept up the box.
The pieces eventually lodged in the mouth of the Detroit River and became Belle Isle. The daughter was rescued by the spirit known as the Keeper of the Gates of the Lakes. According to one legend, she still lives – immortal – in the form of a white doe. For centuries, swans used the island as a resting place in their migrations. Eventually, the Anishinaabe began calling the island Wah-nah-be-zee (White Swan or Swan Island).
This story reflects the deep Indigenous roots and spiritual connection to the land that still endure today.
The Encyclopedia of Detroit: Belle Isle Park
An in-depth look at the island's origins, from the Campau purchase to its transformation by the city.
A Final Walk Through the Historic Children's Zoo
Before its next chapter, we take one last look at a place that holds decades of Detroit memories.
Belle Isle Through the Years
Explore a visual history of the island, from its most iconic landmarks to candid community moments, in this extensive gallery from The Detroit News.
