Click above images to enlarge Belle Isle Detroit River, Detroit - Wayne County Other Names Wahnabezee (Swan Island), Isle Au Cochon (Hog Island) Property Type park Historic Use RECREATION AND CULTURE Current Use RECREATION AND CULTURE Style Other Architect/Builder Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. Narrative Description Belle Isle is a low, flat island rising only two-feet above the surrounding Detroit River. Covering 982 acres it measures two-and-one-half miles long by one-half mile wide, The park features a system of canals designed for canoeing and several scenic inland lakes. Buildings and sculptures dot the island ranging from the massive glass-domed Horticultural-Conservatory to simple open frame shelters. The Art Deco concrete and steel MacArthur Bridge links the park with Grand Boulevard and the heart of downtown Detroit. Statement of Significance Belle Isle is one of the most unique urban parks in the nation and is the largest midwestern example of the work of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, famous for his design of New York City's Central Park. Belle Isle is the repository of many of Detroit's historically significant turn-of-the-century buildings, most constructed between 1890 and 1915. The Detroit Boat Club, one of the oldest structures in the park, is one of the oldest boat clubs in the nation. First purchased as a public park by the State of Michigan in 1879, Belle Isle enjoyed its greatest popularity from the 1920s to the 1940s. During the late 1980s various restoration projects revived many of the structures at the park including the historic Scott Fountain. The Detroit Grand Prix and various other events continue to attract visitors to the island. Marker Name Belle Isle Marker Text BELLE ISLE This island, a jewel in the hearts of Detroiters, has provided shining memories for visitors of all ages. About 1845, this site received its present name, Belle Isle, in honor of Governor Lewis Cass's daughter Isabella. On September 23, 1879, this island was purchased by the city of Detroit for $200,000. Early in the 1880s, the Board of Park Commissioners consulted with Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York City, to plan the development of Belle Isle as a public park. Belle Isle is now a unique island park covering 981 acres and attracting millions of visitors annually. Its most popular features include a beach, the Casino restaurant, beautiful formal gardens, Scott Fountain, riding stables, an aquarium, a conservatory, a nature interpretive center and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Period of Significance 1826-1865 Significant Date(s) 1860 Registry Type(s) 09/11/1979 Marker erected 02/25/1974 National Register listed 09/10/1979 State Register listed Site ID# P25026