If You Live In Michigan, You Must Visit This Amazing State Park
×
Serena Maria Daniels
Author
Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park is technically owned by the city of Detroit, but is managed as a state park. This unusual deal came about as a means of preserving this urban jewel when the city was suffering monumental economic troubles.
Whatever your thoughts are on that matter, the fact remains that there’s great interest in ensuring that this special place is around for generations to come.
Take a look around Belle Isle and you’ll see why.
The island connects with Detroit's mainland via the MacArthur Bridge, constructed in 1923. The island's original bridge was made mostly out of wood, but was destroyed by a fire in 1915.
Advertisement
Among the many sites on this wondrous island is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. It opened in 1904, and includes a greenhouse, botanical garden, and a lily pond garden. The conservatory was designed by famed architect Albert Kahn.
Advertisement
Related Stories
You Haven't Lived Until You've Experienced This One Incredible Park In Michigan
This State Park In Michigan Has One Of The Best Sunsets In The State
The One Place In Michigan That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth
Pictured here is the James Scott Memorial Fountain, designed by Cass Gilbert and Herbert Adams and completed in 1925. Fun fact: this monument was made in honor of James Scott, who gave the city of Detroit $200,000 to build a fountain in honor of...himself.
Another Kahn-designed gem, the Belle Isle Aquarium, opened its doors in 1904. The place was closed for a time because of budget issues, but reopened in 2012, thanks to the help of volunteers.
On a small island just off Belle Isle sits the Belle Isle Yacht Club, pictured here. Designed in a Mediterranean villa style, it's the largest yacht club in the country.
What a magical place, huh? And right in the back yard of Michigan’s largest city. Tell us, what are some of your favorite memories of visiting Belle Isle?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.