Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit

Spread across five acres of land in the east corner of the beautiful Belle Isle State Park, this educational center is aimed at connecting people to urban nature. The Belle Isle Nature Center succeeds the zoo that was once in the area, years ago, and is now back in business after a major renovation which lasted over two years, from March 2020 until September 2022, and cost $2.5 million.

The location of the center is ideal for those seeking to enhance their knowledge of Michigan wildlife and enjoy new environmental and natural experiences. Visitors of all ages are welcome!

Here, you can get an up-close view of a beehive, watch birds, both native and migratory, through a bird observation window, as they feed from natural and supplemental food sources, and acquaint yourself more closely with various species inhabiting the Detroit area. Among new exhibits are a mudpuppy habitat, a pollinator area, and a replica Detroit sewer tunnel.

The Belle Isle Nature Center is a home to native reptiles and amphibians, such as frogs, toads, snakes, turtles, etc., as well as honeybees, who live in an observation hive. There is also a variety of scheduled educational programming, with most programs running approximately 45 to 90 minutes. Both, entry to the nature center for the public and its programs are free.

The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The only times it is closed are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day.