Belle Isle, Detroit

Few cities have anything this splendid: an island park of nearly 1000 acres. Accessible by a vehicle bridge only ten minutes' drive from downtown, Belle Isle has been a favorite place of refuge and recreation for 150 years or more. It's a great spot to watch the magnificent ore freighters gliding down the river. Around the island, there is a swimming beach, a conservatory, formal gardens, an old lighthouse, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, lagoons, and picnic areas and much more. The Scott Fountain with its grotesque gargoyles provides a great evening light show. A drive around the island any time of year is a great break for a busy day.