Belle Isle is a 982-acre island park in the middle of the Detroit River, larger than Central Park and reached by a single MacArthur Bridge from East Jefferson Avenue. The island holds the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a small zoo, a public beach, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, and miles of cycling and running paths. The view back across the river to the downtown skyline is one of the best in the city.
The Grand Prix is held here in some years. The aquarium, opened in 1904, is the oldest in the United States and worth a visit alone. Admission to the island is free; the state park requires a Michigan Recreation Passport for parking.