Belle Isle - Detroit, MI Area Guide

Belle Isle was named in 1843 by Governor Cass to honor his daughter. Since then, the island has been home to a Grand Prix track, riding club, rowing club, yachting club, and just about anything else you could think of. During the early years of development, famous park designer Frederick Law Omstead was called in to work on the layout of the park. During its heyday, the park was a true playground for people and a variety of rare wildlife that had been transplanted onto the island.

As Detroit declined, so did the island, and up until 2012, almost every attraction had been shut down. As of 2014, volunteers keep the zoo running, and city officials try to bring concerts to the island on a regular basis. A 2014 performance by Metallica marked the rebirth of the island and signaled better times to come.

Detroit residents frequent the popular National Coney Island restaurants that sit on practically every street corner. Stop by for a Coney dog dripping in onions and chili, or go for something a little lighter, such as a Greek salad and gyro topped with creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce.

To visit another true Detroit institution, stop by the Cadieux Cafe. This small restaurant specializes in Belgian food and is a gathering place for the local Belgian population over the years. Take your time with a plate of steamed mussels, and wash it down with a hardy Belgian beer.

One of the best places to head for a few drinks and a night of entertainment is the Motor City Casino. Visitors can catch a show or try their luck at the blackjack tables any night of the week. To experience the local pub scene and sit with the after-work crowd for a locally brewed beer, head over to Motor City Brewing Works. This bar serves up a long list of beers, and the industrial feel of the building reminds you that you are in Detroit.

Visitors to the island can travel by car or cross the access bridge on a bike or by foot. Once off the island and in the city of Detroit proper, residents can hail a cab from almost any street corner. The concentration of available cabs gets thicker the closer you are to the major downtown stadiums. Take advantage of Uber service if you're looking for an economical ride. Finding parking on the street can be relatively easy during the right time of day, although most street have meters that charge about $1.00 an hour.

For free parking, check out the large decks located near the casinos. While they may not be as centrally located as you might like, they are free and have 24-hour security. Residents also enjoy a reliable bus system that offers affordable rides and frequent-rider passes.

Pedestrians can feel safe walking and biking the streets of Detroit and Belle Isle. Ample sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and crossways help drivers and pedestrians co-exist in this busy city.

Detroit sits at the intersection of some the state's biggest expressways, so gaining access to the city and Belle Isle couldn't be easier. Interstate 75 runs north and south directly through the downtown corridor, so drivers never have to travel more than a few blocks to find an on-ramp. In addition, I-696 cuts east and west through Detroit, quickly putting drivers on the road to other major cities, such as Lansing.

Belle Isle is the city's premiere park. Visitors can enjoy absolutely any activity they can dream up. Fly a kite on the shores of the river, set up a picnic and enjoy a day outdoors, or take a jog with the family dog around the pedestrian path that circles the border of the park. Bring the kids and head to the recently reopened Belle Isle Zoo, or launch your kayak into the river for a day of exploration.

In July, you can participate in the Escape to Belle Island Run or set up camp for the city's annual fireworks display. The island provides prime viewing.

Apartments along the Detroit River cost around $750 per month. Residents can easily walk to restaurants, bars, and businesses or pay $2 for a bus ride to practically anywhere in the city. If you do drive in and out of Detroit, gas prices run a solid eight percent below the national average. Head out for a night on the town, and expect to pay about $5 for a pint of beer.

Visitors don't head to Belle Isle for the shopping but find plenty of options right inside the city. John K. King Used & Rare Books should be on your must-visit list. This specialty store is stacked to the brim with used and rare books. There is no telling what kind of treasure are sitting on the shelves.

For high-end shopping, head over to the GM Renaissance Center. This high-rise building and Detroit icon houses a variety of unique stores. Pick up some souvenirs for friends and family at the Pure Detroit shop, or experience the best in hand-tailored suiting and customer service at Sam's Tailor Shop. Choose from a selection of the highest quality shirts, ties and pocket squares at this classic haberdashery.

Residents do all their grocery shopping at the local Meijer and Whole Foods, although there are plenty of small corner markets throughout the city where you can pick up milk and a loaf of bread.

On Saturdays, the Eastern Market comes alive with shoppers. This farmers market covers six city blocks and has over 250 local vendors selling a wide variety of produce, baked goods and wares. The cultural diversity of Detroit comes into focus during a visit to this landmark market.