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Belle Isle Park

4.3 (244 reviews)
Closed 5:00 am - 10:00 pm

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John S.

Located right in the middle of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a natural island that French colonists named Hog Island, because they used to allow their mostly porcine livestock to graze its land. Thankfully, Detroit came to its senses and renamed it. I've only been here at night, but my brother is an adventurous driver, so we drove about 70 percent of the park's roads, which aren't terribly well marked or lit at night. Watch out for one-way streets and people going way to fast in their souped-up, lowered cars. There's so much to do here during the day that my four-star rating seems premature, but I don't know when I'll return to Detroit, so I felt like I had to review it with my partial nocturnal experience. As most everyone knows, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, is due south of Detroit, Michigan, USA; so if you want to go (or escape) to Canada and don't have a passport, go buy a winter diver's wetsuit and get yourself across the bridge to Belle Isle. Once there, head for the southern shore. Jump in the water and start swimming south. If you're a decent swimmer, you'll reach free Canadian soil quickly, but no matter what kind of a swimmer you are, you'll reach Canada almost immediately, because the international border is about 300 feet from Belle Isle's southern shore. Why? Because technically, the border should run right through the middle of Belle Isle, which is right in the middle of the river, but treaties, and the US was given the entire island, so the boundary line was drawn as close to the middle of the river as possible while still giving the US full use of the island's southern shore. So swim south to O Canada, where there's still free soil, before it becomes our 51st state--or maybe 52nd, depending on what that lunatic decides to do with Venezuela. Windsor looks absolutely gorgeous at night.

Carolina C.

Belle Isle deserved all of its flowers! In the last 5 years this park has transformed into a haven for Detroiters. In the summer there is a Belle Isle Beach club where we join in the early morning, share some coffee, and meet new people. The aquarium is amazing and the conservancy is great! There are areas for picnics and trails and kayaking! truly a small ecosystem for all things nature to do! Just BEWARE of the GEESE!

Billy L.

Who doesn't love Belle Isle!! I actually haven't been here for a few years and we were in the Detroit area and decided to take a drive along Belle Isle. It's really beautiful here and the views are wonderful although I was here during the cold weather. I imagine there's much more to see during the summer when there's probably boats to look at but what a fun place and all you need is a recreation pass on your license plate and you get in for free.

Josie D.

My boys and I had a good time at Belle Isle Beach with friends! The weather was sunny and warm and the water was surprisingly decent. I always remind my kiddos to keep their heads above water just to be safe, but overall it was a nice experience. I've heard people mention a fishy smell here before, but I've noticed it really depends on the day and which part of the beach you're at. Luckily, there was no odor the day we went. I do wish we had brought some floats because this beach is definitely better for relaxing and floating rather than actual swimming. We grilled a bit, and the vibe was so friendly. We forgot a lighter and charcoal, and the family next to us generously helped us out. Someone else even gave us sunscreen when we ran out! If you want a good parking spot, I'd suggest going early. It was packed when we arrived around 5 PM, but we got lucky. We stayed until about 8 PM and had a great few hours. What I love most is how close it is to home only a 15 minute drive. Honestly, I don't see the point of driving 45 minutes to an hour for the same experience. This spot is perfect if you just want to lay out, float in the water, or have a quick, relaxing beach day.

Garden Paths
Dolleen W.

This Park has so much...it's ashame so many have missed the Beautiful Nature's Gift There's a new Walking Trail that at some point I call the: "Trail Between 2 Cities" it's as if You are standing between Windsor and Detroit. There are geese be careful. Yet deer and other species Welcome You to there home. Want a Conservatory view? Next visit The Aquarium Its the vibe that impresses me. There were many different cultures there this past Saturday afternoon. People didn't just acknowledge each other They stopped and had light conversation...You should go... Midweek isn't crowded

Michael T.

Enjoyed the park on a nice sunny but not too hot weekend afternoon. It was free admission and we explored the nature center, garden, zoo, had a picnic, went to play ground bought the kid some ice cream, drove around. It was several areas that was really nice. However majority of the park is open with grass. If you like to run one lap around will for sure be very scenic and all you need for exercise for the day. We were hoping to see the cat but it did not appear in our trip. A nice scenic spot for picnic and sightseeing in Detroit.

View of Canada
Amanda M.

This is a great place to spend the day. Even on a cold spring day we spent hours exploring. Some of the highlights: Aquarium Conservatory Nature center For an out of state vehicle it was $11 for a day pass. They give you a map and the island is easy to navigate.

Lighthouse
Dave C.

Good sized island in the Detroit River that is about 5 miles around. Has a beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, walking trails, an aquarium, a maritime museum, a greenhouse, some gardens, a lighthouse, and a nature center for kids.

Christina D.

What a great place to spend an afternoon! Beautiful scenic views of Downtown Detroit, lovely historic buildings and all sorts of activities. It's also a great place to picnic or have parties.

Ash P.

Love belle isle , recently came to go to the Art Fair and just sit by the water. Honestly so peaceful and relaxing. One of my favorite places to go in the city of Detroit. The Art fair was beautiful with more than 100 local artist . If you haven't experienced belle isle you must make a trip. Come over the bridge onto the island look at Canada or look at Down Detroit or enjoy the aquarium or just the atmosphere and ambiance. It's parks with swings and places to grill . It does cost very minimal price to get on island but worth every penny.

Angela C.

Only thing this place is missing is maybe a cafeteria cuz there's no where to get any food. All the food trucks I saw parked randomly weren't open. However the park is huge and you can easily spend an entire day there. Lots of sun and beautiful views and there's even a beach although it was closed when I went. There's so many scenic locations here to take wedding photos or event photos. Im surprised I didn't see more people. If We were in California there would be tons of people taking photos!

Ratika N.

I found this gem on Yelp and when I visited family in Michigan, I decided to explore the area near Detroit on my own (I'm a big fan of solo traveling). You have to buy a pass to enter (per car, one day pass was $11 or you can buy a longer one too). I drove for a bit and then parked and walked around. It's gorgeous! You get a beautiful view across the water of Detroit and best part was meeting the friendly people of Michigan! There were lot of families here as it's so kid friendly but I also saw plenty of people kayaking, hiking and sun bathing too. If you are in this area, absolutely come here. As I was driving along the loop, I saw a baby deer and the mom crossing the road. Loved it! I'm coming back here ever time I visit Detroit.

The original horse stables in desperate need of repairs
Sonny D.

7/3/2025 we visited Belle Isle. I will say the park employees were super friendly and knowledgeable. We walked thru the Atrium and they allowed our small dog inside as long as she stayed in her harness. The atrium was a bit on the smaller side but very nice with the typical tropical garden section, cactus garden section and another section but the lily pond was closed off and not in operation. Now for the rest of the park. The large fountain at one end of the island was fenced off with chain link fencing and the fountain turned off. The park employees said it was due for rehab. The original horse stables were closed off, boarded up and in disrepair and the park employees said it was due to lead paint and no funds for repairs but on the repair list. The 2-3 historic homes on the island, with one of them being the first home built on the island, were also closed and again, in need of repair and lack of funding. The original marina was fenced off in disrepair and looked to be used as a storage lot for who knows what. The newer marina aka Detroit Yacht Club was fully occupied and looked to be taken care of. The outdoor garden was nice to walk thru, plenty of picnic tables throughout the park, 3 food trucks, fishing allowed here and there and free entry into the park if you have a park pass. Personally, I don't care to revisit this park. For the Detroit inner city residents i'd say it's nice to have a park nearby for fishing but I wouldn't call Belle Isle a "tourist attraction". Hopefully state funding comes thru and they can bring everything up to par and save the historic buildings. As far as the green space there is plenty of room to roam around (900+- acres), jog or ride your bike around the outer loop, lay out on a blanket and view Canada and the USA while you picnic, read a book or just enjoy the weather on a nice day. Dogs are allowed but must remain on a 6' leash. The Coast Guard has a facility at one end of the island and there is a nice public sand beach area as well. This place could truly be a wonderful "tourist attraction" but it's going to take a lot of funding to bring it back to its original glory.

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It was a great view and we had tons of fun with my family for Thanksgiving weekend. ..

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Ask the Community - Belle Isle Park

Are dogs allowed to swim in the water?

Not to sure about that, I've seen dogs but I can't say I remember seeing them in the water. Also I am not sure if the are allowed to get in water. Check the website for the answer to your question!

Are dogs allowed?

Yes I think they just have to be in a leash and you have to clean up after number 2

How Much does it cost an out of state person to enter the Island?

$31 for non resident

How/where is best to park? And what if I don't have a recreational pass?

It is possible to purchase a day pass for a nominal fee, but I really recommend (if it is at all fiscally possible for your situation) paying the $12 for the recreation passport. It is good for a year and gives you access to all the state parks in… Read more

Would this park be good for rollerblading?

Definitely - There's a small dedicated inner lane all around the park for runners, bikers, roller bladers, etc. The loop is around 6 miles total and is popular, so no worries about feeling isolated.… Read more

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Review Highlights - Belle Isle Park

We knew this aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums in the world, and we saw a rare fish not found in Japan.

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Windmill Pointe Park - Amazing memories

Windmill Pointe Park

4.8(8 reviews)
3.9 mi

Everything about the Grosse Pointe Park parks is first rate with one exception. The tennis courts…read moreat Windmill Pointe Park are just pitiful. They were resurfaced about 3 years ago and still look brand new. But, that is because they are completely unplayable. Whoever resurfaced those courts left air pockets that substantially effect play on all four courts. If you are a 3.0 player or above I would recommend finding another place to play. The problem for us GP Park residents is that they converted the Patterson Park courts to Pickleball courts leaving us without a playable tennis court in all of GPP. It is crying shame that those managing a park system like ours cannot find a solution to this problem.

Of all of the parks in the 5 pointes, this is by far my favorite. They have the best and biggest…read morepool. They have the best park for the much loved summer picnics with friends and family. I still remember as a kid swimming around the adult pool when it wasn't adult time and watching this bigger guy we all lovingly called Boblo boat swim around the perimeter of the pool by using his hands as wheel to pedal around the pool and do his laps. It was also the first time I saw the fool horror of the red Speedo from the slicked backer tall guy that would walk around proudly by the pool, only taking a dip to cool off some. This is where I took my tennis lessons as a kid. This is where I learned to fish over by the harbor piers. They have improved the community center and it's now a nice Tompkin's center and a great communal spot to watch movies. It's great for renting for parties and gatherings. I don't live in GPP any more but I have many friends that still do and thus I still am able to visit this wonderful park that holds so many fond childhood memories for me.

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Windmill Pointe Park
Windmill Pointe Park
Windmill Pointe Park

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Belle Isle Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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