Belle Isle
Belle Isle, officially Belle Isle State Park, is a 982 acre island park in the Detroit River, between the United States mainland and Canada, managed by the State of Michigan. It is connected to the rest of Detroit, Michigan by the MacArthur Bridge. It is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Detroit Yacht Club on an adjacent island, the Detroit Boat Club, and other amenities. The city had maintained a Nature Center where visitors were able to traverse wooded trails and view wildlife natural habitats. The island includes a half-mile swimming beach. Roads and paths criss-cross the western end of the island connecting the James Scott Memorial Fountain with the aquarium and the boat club.
The eastern half of the island has been left in its natural state, with only a few winding streets traversing its length. A herd of European fallow deer roam the park, though their numbers are drastically reduced. Driving onto the island requires a permit or day pass, though joggers and boaters are not required to purchase them. Alcohol is prohibited except by permit and the island is patrolled by the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division conservation officers in conjunction with Michigan State Police troopers.
- Bridge
- Detroit River
