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Detroit Area Attraction Guide
Belle Isle Park
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In 1879 the city of Detroit purchased Belle Isle from its then current owner, it wasn't until 1889 when the first bridge to the island was constructed from wood, in 1915 the wooden bridge caught fire and burned down, a temporary bridge was built until the current bridge was finished in 1923, the current bridge is 2,193 feet long. in 1953 the bridge was named The Douglas MacArthur Bridge after the great general.Belle Isle Park is located in SE Detroit and is a beautiful park for people to relax, picnic, play, fish, etc..., below is a list of some of the many attractions you'll find on the island,
Athletic Complex - an athletic complex was built with facilities for Baseball, Softball, Soccer, football, track, rugby, handball and raquetball.
Aquarium - Closed April 2005 - The aquarium had 60 displays of fresh and salt water fish, click on the link for more info.
Beach - The only public beach on the Detroit River and in Detroit itself, the beach is 1/2 mile long and is for the public, also there is a waterslide nearby.
Nancy Brown Peace Carillon Tower - Nancy Brown was an advice columnist for the Detroit News, she start her "Experience" column in April, 1919. Shortly a couple years before her retirement some of her readers raised most of the money to build a monument dedicated to her, It was dedicated on June 17th 1940, the tower is 85 feet high and it's bronze bells are now simply for show as a computer now plays to music the bells used to play.
Belle Isle Casino - Originally built in 1887, the Belle Isle Casino was one of the finest casinos in the US at that time, the casino was redesigned in 1907 by Albert Kahn, the two story spanish style building now serves as a meeting place, and an activity center for senior citizens. See a pic of the casino here
U.S. Coast Guard Station - Located on the southeastern tip of the island is a U.S. Coastguard Station, this station is responsible for Rescue operations and Patrolling the area between the western edge of Lake St. Clair to Point Mouilee in Lake Erie.
Anna Scripp's Whitcomb Conservatory - The Conservatory originally opened in 1904, in 1953 the conservatory was dedicated to Anna Scripps Whitcomb who left the city her 600 orchid plant collection, click on the link for more information.
Detroit Boat Club - Built in 1902 is the Detroit Boat Club building, located just east of the bridge to Belle Isle, The Detroit Boat club abandoned the building in 1996, which explains its current condition today, the building is in need of some serious work.
Detroit Yacht Club - Located on the north side of the island is the Detroit Yacht Club, the current clubhouse was built in 1923 and is open to only members and guests.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum - Exhibits focus on Great Lakes shipping and maritime history, click on the link for more information on Dossin Museum
Fishing Piers - There are 4 fishing piers on the island including a 750 foot pier just west of the Coast Guard station.
Flynn Pavilion - Was once used as a concession for icescaters who used to ice scate on the lagoon in the wintertime when it was frozen over.
Belle Isle Golf Course and Driving Range - Built in 1922, the golf course features an executive 9 hole course and a practice driving range.
Harbor Masters Office - Just to the right of the bridge as you enter the island is the Harbor Masters Office, also right next to it are the old canoe shelters.
Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse - Opened in 1930, this 80 foot lighthouse, with a shaft of 58 feet made of marble
and a bronze lantern room can be seen for 15miles with its 11,500 candle power light. The light is dedicated to Mr. Livingstone who was a popular Detroit resident and the president of Lake Carriers Association from 1902-1925.
The light cost $100,000 which was paid for both by the Lake Carriers Association and the residents of Detroit.
Nature Center - Has a great nature exhibit and a nature trail, click on the link for more information.
Rock Sculptures - East of the Coast Guard station along the southern coast is a large collection of mini rock sculptures, these are made from natural materials such as rocks, driftwood. It is unknown at this time as to who is doing it but it surely is interesting to see. See a pic of some of the rock sculptures here
Playscape - an acre-wide playground for children with swings, slides and more, also has a fitness jogging trial.
Remick Music Shell - The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Concert Band and many other musical groups used to perform here in the past on summer evenings.
James Scott Memorial Fountain - Upon his death in 1910, James Scott who was known as a eccentric gambler and controversial socialite, left the city of Detroit $500,000 to build a fountain and a life size statue of him on Belle Isle. Click on the link for more information.
The View - Driving around the island offers a spectacular view of both nature and the Detroit skyline as well as Canada, you may even catch a freighter going up or down the river on the Canadian side of the island, or even see the herd of deer living on the island and many other forms of wild life as well.
About the deer on Belle Isle - I just ran accross some sad news about the deer population on Belle Isle - Click here for more information.
Information was obtained from Friends of Belle Isle web site - to read more about the history or other information about Belle Isle, visit their website.
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Many more to follow - stay tuned Note: If there is a attraction we missed or you feel should be listed here, contact us here with the information.
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