Discover Detroit - Parks and Zoos

Belle Isle

Website
East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI
313.852-4078 or 313.222.0024

Belle Isle, a Detroit city park and open to the public free of charge, accessed from the MacArthur Bridge, which connects Belle Isle to East Grand Boulevard. Known as Wah-na-be-zee (Swan Island) to the Chippewa and Ottawa Native American tribes, the island is located in the Detroit River east of downtown.

Detroit Zoo

Website
Woodward Avenue and Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI
248.398.0900

Since 1928 the zoo has entertained and amazed all who have attended. Current exhibits include the Arctic Ring of Life. This state-of-the-art $13.6 million interactive facility encompasses over four acres of outdoor and indoor exhibits. In addition to a variety of fauna and flora, the exhibit explores the relationship between Arctic people (Inuit) and wildlife. The National Amphibian Conservation Center currently houses around 65 species of amphibians and includes the Entry Corridor and its 24-foot long flowing wall of water, the Orientation Theater, the Ecosystem Gallery, the Conservation Gallery, the Kids' Cave, the Diversity Gallery and the Michigan Gallery.

Kensington Metropark

Website
2240 West Buno Road, Milford, MI
248.688.1561 or 1.800.477.3178

Kensington Metropark is a scenic 4,357-acre recreational facility that provides year-round fun for all ages. Its wooded hilly terrain surrounds beautiful Kent Lake. Enjoyments at the park include an 18-hole public golf course that is both challenging and enjoyable for every level of play, a 20-station exercise trail designed to deliver a well-balanced routine of physical activity and fun for all ages, and a 40-passenger pontoon boat making hourly trips.

Lake Erie Metropark

Website
32481 West Jefferson, Brownstown, MI
734.379.5020 or 1.800.477.3189

Three miles of shoreline along Lake Erie provide a panoramic view. An abundance of wildlife and waterfowl inhabit the meadows, marsh and lagoons. Features of the park include the wave pool, court games, fishing, picnic areas, golfing, and a 12-foot boat launch. One of the main attractions is the marshlands museum and nature center which featuring the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Downriver and Lake Erie shore region. This facility features exhibits on waterfowl hunting tradition, folkways, and marsh ecology. A 1,300-gallon aquarium showcases regional fish species.

Metro Beach Metropark

Website
31300 Metro Parkway, Mt Clemens, MI
810.463.4581 or 1.800.477.3172

Metro Beach Metropark has over one mile of shoreline and a 1,600-foot boardwalk that offers a wonderful view of Lake St. Clair. This 770-acre recreational facility is a haven for boaters, swimmers and fishermen. Metro Beach offers 3,000 feet of sand beach on Lake St. Clair and an Olympic sized swimming pool with water slide. Three marinas along Black Creek provide accommodations for 320 boats. Also there is the Nature Center Building where you can view exhibits relating to the wildlife of the park. There are several areas designated for picnicking and a shuttle takes you from picnic areas to shorelines.

Palmer Park

Woodward Avenue and Seven Mile Road, Detroit MI

In 1893, Thomas Palmer, Jr., who served as Ambassador to Spain, U.S. Senator, and President of the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, donated 100 acres of farmland to the city as a public park. The park offers swimming, variety of picnic areas, basketball, and more.