# Belle Isle Park: Historic Aquarium & Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

> Place to go for families in the Detroit–Warren–Dearborn area (MI). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Conservatory: Wed–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Aquarium: Fri–Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Island park…
- Where: Belle Isle Park (Aquarium & Conservatory), 900 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
- Ages: All ages; fully accessible indoor tropical conservatory and historic aquarium; ideal warm indoor refuge on cold winter days
- Price: Free admission to Conservatory and Aquarium (donations welcome); Michigan Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry ($14 annual MI resident / $5 daily non-resident)
- Schedule: Conservatory: Wed–Sun 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Aquarium: Fri–Sun 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Island park open daily 5:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Organizer: Belle Isle Conservancy & Michigan DNR
- Official page: https://www.belleisleconservancy.org
- Last checked: Wed, Nov 4

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/detroit/activities/belle-isle-park-historic-aquarium-and-anna-scripps-whitcomb-conservato--listing-573652b0b2bb569a7f08cc07

## About

Positioned in the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, Belle Isle Park offers an enchanting winter island escape filled with historical treasures and sweeping views of frozen river currents and drift ice. The island's centerpiece is the historic Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, a palatial 1904 glass dome housing a warm 80-degree tropical paradise of soaring palm trees, fragrant orchids, and desert cacti.

Directly next door stands the historic Belle Isle Aquarium—America's oldest continuously operating public aquarium, opened in 1904. Designed by architect Albert Kahn, its vaulted green glass-tiled ceiling and glowing tanks showcase freshwater fish from the Great Lakes and tropical rivers worldwide. Both historic attractions feature free admission, making Belle Isle one of the most accessible and weather-proof family outings in Detroit.

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