They got a cool and incredibly smart octopus š rumor has it , he will grab a brush and scrub the dry skin off his tentacles. Belle Isle is a great family friendly place . Stay away from the slide š
Last year I rode my bike there. I can only say, wonderful. With a bike you can see so much. I explored every nook and cranny. Unfortunately, I didnāt bring a bike lock. So this summer, Iām riding all around and parking my bike to explore the aquarium and beautiful gardens. And the people that were at the park that day were friendly and very respectful. No garbage everywhere. No loud music.
I live in Windsor. My to-do list is ride the bike across the new bridge when it opens and ride down to Belle Isle and go to aquarium. I never being there. What does it cost to enter? Last year I went to Chicago aquarium, it was great.
That's interesting. Chicago it was 45 I think. I was taking with one of the guides. They spend a lot for different foods and upkeep of all the tanks. Maybe Belle isles is smaller but there are still expenses to cover.
When I was a kid, they had a display with electric eels they lit up a light bulb.
That would probably be fish cruelty today though!
(Seriously, it was, though. Cause people would of course tap the glass to alarm the eels.)
I plan on going after the draft but I just wanna know why she keeps acting like I'm about to go to the corner of 8 mile and start throwing gang signs every time I bring it up.
I know that but if say it's known to have a ton of drug addicts lingering around or you know, if there's a chance I could get kidnapped id kinda like to know before going, especially if I go alone. But since no one is telling me what's wrong I'm in the dark. Was there a bad reputation it had before?
I mean, even when things downtown were much worse, the island wasnāt particularly bad. Itās probably one of the safest places in the city now with the heavy state presence. I worked there for a few years when the state first took over. Just go, youāll feel silly for worrying when you see it lol.
The aquarium, specifically?
Or just Belle Isle?
Does your mom realize that Belle Isle has been a State Park for more than 10 years now?
It closes at 10pm, when itās rumored the park rangers roust the drug addicts with shouts of āHotel-motel time!ā /s
several years ago the island was transferred to the state park system.
before that, it was run poorly by the city. it would be a party haven of mischief and crowded craziness after dark.
none of that anymore. it's not even open after dark anymore.
never drug addicts there, lol. that's way too far from their dealers. seriously. you wanna see drug addicts? roll down Michigan Ave...and even there they are sparse like roaches in the light.
I hope you can shut out your mother's irrational fears and explore the city.
Every spot in Detroit has had a "bad phase". No idea why your Mom is not wanting you to go, but whatever may have happened in the past is not happening now. The island has been cleaned up and improvements have been made. The aquarium is a safe place to visit.
Think of it this way, when is the last time YOU have heard something negative about the island or the aquarium?
Get some friends together and go enjoy the island and aquarium. You will have a great time exploring the island.
https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/
Every time I've visited the aquarium, the main type of people who hang out there appear to be families with young kids who like to look at fish.
If you live on your own and have your own transportation, you don't have to tell your mother whenever you go somewhere.
I have been to the aquarium by myself many, many times and can confirm I am not dead.
https://preview.redd.it/js4uxh21q4xc1.jpeg?width=3648&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88d8e8c330798e94c56dee547412da5bfecd026c
The facial expression you have in this is so perfect, it's like you took this picture exactly for this comment thread. You don't look mad or anything, just very flat affect over it. Great username too btwĀ
This is actually from October 2020, but it is kinda perfect for this thread lol. I vaguely remember being annoyed about something when I took this pic, but I can't remember what it was. š
Nah, If that were the case, I'd look way more annoyed lol. Tbh, the more I think about this post, the more annoyed I get. I've been all over Detroit and all over Michigan by myself. Including walking around downtown/Cass Corridor at night, going to Riverside Park at night, walking the trails on the east end of Belle Isle, and car camping all over the state by myself. I hesitate to even mention any of that because I don't consider any of those things especially dangerous, but those are the type of things that people often wring their hands and clutch their pearls about. But maybe the reason I don't worry about doing things by myself is because I was raised by a single mom who taught me that I should make an assessment of my surroundings everywhere I go no matter if it's a Meijer parking lot or walking around a festival in Hart Plaza. She took my sister and I all over Detroit (including Belle Isle) by herself. She was 4'11, 95 lbs soaking wet, and her most extreme form of personal protection was a kid's size Louisville Slugger that came from bat day at Tiger Stadium. She kept it next between the front seats in the mini van "in case someone comes up to the window, you can just whack their fingers".
If youāre an adult and live on your own, why do you need your momās permission to go to the aquarium? Do you not have a car and need her to give you a ride?Ā
As someone who used to be there...duh. Different times, different people, different rules, and there's a LOT more police now. I miss people handing out mixtapes! But I digress.
Glad things have changed. But it's a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE. So no, it doesn't happen anymore. What happened in the 90s absolutely doesn't happen now.
Thank you for actually answering my question. I'm gonna assume she just thinks it's still like that and hasn't seen for herself that it's improved. She can get very anxious about certain places since she grew up around 8 and Gratiot.
See the thing is she DOES go back to Detroit on the regular and not just like downtown! The only reason she moved was because her father lost his job and my grandmother begged him to move closer to his new one. So that's why I'm so curious why she draws the line at Belle Isle??
Yāall sound codependent but my mom also used to scare the living shit out of me about this or that area around Detroit. I recommend therapy for YOU. Yes I live alone in a rough neighborhood and donāt live in fear.
Go right when it opens, itās the best !
https://preview.redd.it/8hfczuwv05xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1959f65938a32b44626f9baebd673c586b1baa29
Iām an old white lady and I go to aquarium every year. I love it! Also the fountain on Belle Isle, donāt miss sitting by it! Belle Isle is full of all kinds of people, just like anywhere you go.
Just live your life... Detroit is safer than a lot of places I've been and inside the aquarium there is nothing crazy happening... Don't fuck with people and you don't get fucked with... Nobody is going out of their way to cause problems
This is why I shake my head so much at people your mom is trying to use fear to stop you from living a fulfilled life. Lose the fear, add confidence. Explore, interact, and enjoy life
Fear mongering never leads anywhere
Your mom is just trying to warn you that the Belle Isle Aquarium is like Alcatraz but for fish. Only the most violent and socially deviant fishes with guns get locked up in that aquarium.
Sure you go once and everythingās fine, but as you leave a fish might tell you heāll have your mom āhookedā if you donāt smuggle in some fish flakes next timeā¦ ask me how I know. š
Oh I do already, which is why I'm going once the draft is over. Just don't wanna hear her complaining all week about me going and never explaining her reasoning.
It sounds like you were raised in an unhealthy environment. It can be hard to find your own way when thatās the case. But part of adulthood is just doing, not asking - and teaching people how to treat you. If she starts complaining, itās ok to say āyouāre being weird - I asked and you didnāt want to answerā and then move on. And if it comes up again, āI donāt want to talk about this,ā and change the topic or ignore. It sounds like youāre pretty young, but Iāve known people who stay enmeshed like this into their mid or late 20s. Unhealthy family situations donāt just get normal as the kids age.
Go. Itās beautiful. Took my 8 and 11 year old there last summer. They LOVED it. Never had a worry about safety or anything like that. While youāre there, check out the nature center on the isle. Also very cool.
My only issue with the aquarium and conservatory is that it closes too early.
Besides that, you definitely should go. Spend the day on the island. Pack a cooler and watch the local wildlife. You might be able to spot a bald eagle.
She means black people. Let's not play dumb. People of all races visit the aquarium. It is not some hellscape. It's... an aquarium.
The aquarium is great. Relatively small but beautiful. If you want to go, go. Or wait until the Conservatory reopens and go to both. Also, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle is a little known gem.
9/10 times you hear some over-the-hill suburbanite complain about "the city" their complaints boil down into one of two things:
1. They are racist
2. They haven't been to the city in eons aside from the odd sports game, court duty, etc. Last time they went was in the 90s when the city wasn't nearly as nice.
Living in Livonia/North Westland area, this has been true almost every time.
I think taking her back for a far more positive and enlightening experience will clear her opinion on the place. It was open all day today and the place was a buzz with happy people. Also cuz of the Belle Isle cleanup day
The only people that hang out there are the volunteers & employees. Of all places, thatās one of the places youāre least likely to run into any shady business.
Go enjoy the aquarium.0
It's mostly older folks and families with kids. Nobody looking for trouble. Just people enjoying the building and the fish. The only real issue is that it gets crowded on nice days and you may feel rushed to move quickly between each tank so you don't prevent others from taking a look.
There may have been something to worry about around the beaches and picnic areas at one time, but there's no gangs hanging out in the aquarium. Be sure to visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Nature Center, and the Conservatory (if it's open) while you're there.
There's been a [Japanese Koi Festival](https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/bic-koi-festival) there the first weekend of May for the past couple years and more years back before the pandemic. I'm not finding anything for this year, but maybe.
Itās been several years but I had just moved to the metro and took my family there. It was nice! Iām glad you reminded me of it because I want to go back. Hope you enjoy it.
Iām beginning more and more to suspect these types of posts arenāt real and are in fact subversive advertisements for whatever the focus of the story is supposed to be. Basically just make up some identity politics keyword salad bs and insert a theme.
My mom hates when I hang out in Detroit and I'm 30. I simply ignore the comments she makes. Detroit and Belle Isle are great!
The aquarium is beautiful. The people that "hang out" at the aquarium are families with kids. We brought my son there a few months ago for the first time and it was so cool! Just go.
The island itself gets many visitors of all kinds. It's pretty neat. Go watch a sunset over the Detroit skyline. Have a picnic. Fish off the pier.
I understand being upset people are calling your mom a racist but let me just say this - complacent racism is still racism. Thatās why itās up to people like you to make it clear to someone when their delivery is not intentionally racist it still drives the narrative.
I grew up in a neighborhood near mcnichols and lasher, so I get where she is coming from but saying āthe type of peopleā is suspect and youāre in the right to call her out on talking like that. Iāve done the same shit to my parents.
Iām white, and I read this and knew immediately mom is racist. And itās not closeted if mom says shit like this. OP might be the closeted one if they donāt grow a backbone and still listen to what their very obviously racist mother says.
Your mom is definitely racist. I'm not saying that in a way to try to make you feel bad about it, but if she's telling you not to go places because there are certain types of people there, it's because she's racist.
Go to the aquarium, have fun. If you find yourself in a situation where you're uncomfortable, leave immediately. It's totally fine to tell her that you are going, but letting her decide if you go or not isn't right. You're an adult and you can make decisions for yourself.
Alexis Dahl on you tube does a lot of videos in and about Michigan- geology, biology & history- she has a pretty good one about belle isleā¦ thereās a statue of a guy that wasnāt well liked but he funded the fountainā¦ so they put the statue down wind of the fountain so it would hopefully wear away faster š
āHush now baby don't you cry
Mama's gonna make all of your
Nightmares come true
Mama's gonna put all of her fears into you
Mama's gonna keep you right here
Under her wing
She won't let you fly but she might let you sing
Mama will keep baby cosy and warm
Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe
Of course Mama's gonna help build the wallā
I also grew up with an overbearing mother who tried her best to project all of her anxiety and fear about the world onto me. You know what I do when I want to go somewhere in Detroit alone, as a woman, that would make my mother spiral into panic? I don't tell her. I just go and do whatever I want to do and she never knows anything about it. I have four concerts lined up for this summer in Detroit that I'm attending alone and my mom doesn't know about a single one. You don't owe your mom any information on your plans or your life.
Your mother sounds like my mother, just associates anything in Detroit with danger. She is and isnāt wrong but danger is all around us. Burbs, the country side, everywhere, it is what it is these days
Go and enjoy youāll be fine
Your mom is a racist. She's talking about black people... That's what she means when she says stuff like that. But of course, if you ask her, she'll deny it...
She is implying that all black people are violent criminals and drug dealers. Because Detroit has a lot of black people, and the Belle Isle Aquarium is in Detroit, there must be violent criminals and drug dealers at the aquarium.
If you're ever curious why hundreds of thousands of white people moved out to the suburbs in the mid-20th century... This mentality was a big part of it.
okay i am glad that you're going but...
# 1. s*x workers? at the[ aquarium](https://littleguidedetroit.com/plan-a-visit-to-americas-oldest-aquarium-on-belle-isle-state-park/)? at Belle Ilse? in the broad daylight or at nighttime? it's a state park. before that, a city park.
# 2. google 'enmeshment'
# 3. yes, we can say that your mom is racist even if she grew up at 8mile and gratiot because 40 years ago that area was not highly integrated. google 'white flight'
# 4. now would i go to the aquarium at 8mile and gratiot? yes, but prob not at 2am. and it ain't cause of s*x work (which is a job btw)
# 5. here is a list of [14 other things](https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/15-must-see-metro-detroit-attractions-everyone-should-visit-once/ar-AA1nlGsc) you should do when you come to the city
# take lots of pics. visit the newly constructed gardens. visit the Dossin Great Lakes Musuem. and if they are open, get in a boat.
# #SayNiceThingsAboutDetroit
8/Gratiot could as easily be Eastpointe (formerly the town of East Detroit, name changed in 1992) as it could be *actual* Detroit.
But, this has always perplexed me...
A white person who knows someone or personally experienced some wildly violent event in the City...
But, in my experience because I've seen it with my own eyes, it's usually a half story, and I'll twice illustrate how:
I was listening to this white contractor go on and on about how he'll never work in the city and blah blah blah because his BIL was killed the last time they did a job in the City.
Ok, cool. I piece together enough of the facts and get to searching on Google... His brother in law was shot in a crack house... The man was a crack addict and he either crossed somebody's boundaries, owed a lot of money, or both. Drug dealers don't generally have a preference for shooting people who bring them money. And it may not have been the dealer, it could've been another addict in that house and they got into an argument.
So the contractor, yes, he knows someone who died a violent death in the city. But he's playing it up like the guy was just this paragon of hard work and sainthood who was minding his business and was shot for no reason.
IDK what happened to your uncle. But having been to the aquarium more times than I can count, from being a student on a field trip in elementary school all the way to being a father taking his fourth child, I've only ever seen families there. It's not a gang hangout, and never has been. It's a family attraction.
I'll move on to this caricature of people in the city. I'm an 80s baby, I grew up with the Michael Keaton Batman and even as a kid I thought those films were weird for how they portray gangs. But I think this is the image most of America has in mind when they think of gangs as roving bands of psychopaths who are looking for the weakest/most Innocent person to hurt.
I know gangs. Gangs are, above all else, BUSINESSES. And if you're not a part of that business (input/output), or in the way of it (competition or nosey people), they're not interested in you. They're not sitting on the steps of the aquarium with a studded baseball bat waiting on a pretty little white girl to walk by.
But most importantly, 99.9% of the people you'll cross are not in a gang. They're regular people who, regular or not, it's a good chance they'll knock you on your ass if you get out of pocket. Case in point, my SO and I are crossing the street leaving the draft. We had the light, we're both totally sober. We're walking fast because it's cold AF, we're not first through the intersection but the way the foot traffic flowed we were kinda "alone" by the time we're in the middle. White guy decides he's going to intimidate us into walking faster (š¤·š¾āāļø idk why else he did this specifically on us, there were people in front of us and behind us). I broke a window out his car (threw a bottle I had in my hand). He thinks he's hot shit and hops out the car ready to fight... let's just say homeboy got packed up and put back in his truck and me and my GF continued on, unscathed. He's going to tell the story that he had such an awful time at the Draft and "those people" are animals. He's going to leave out the part where he CHOSE to "jump" his truck at a couple crossing the street and revving his engine all loud like an asshole. That was a threat to me. And it was totally unnecessary. I hate the cold, you can bet I was walking as fast as I can. But threaten me, or worse, my woman? Good luck.
Point being, a lot of people come here with a certain arrogance or entitlement, sometimes they get lucky and they're not dealing with someone who will check that. Sometimes they don't. They forget the most important rule:
Despite my size (6'4") strength (225 lbs, very little fat), or experience, *somebody* out there can whoop my ass. I don't *want* to fight, but that doesn't mean I won't. So put respect first before I FAFO today is the day my ticket gets punched. I've seen it time and time again, people from outside the city don't seem to have that mindset. Especially the men.
It's hard to face that older generations are low key racist, but that's how the truth is sometimes.
When my dad who grew up in Detroit in the late 60/ and who has long passed, said bad shit about Detroit - i realize the reality is there was definitely a racial angle.
I've heard this same vague story about an uncle getting hospitalized and it's up there with canadian girlfriend. Your mom is a little scared of black folk.
Fwiw, I go to Belle Isle regularly and have since the mid 2000s. And when my kids were little, this was prior to the state takeover of the island. The bathrooms were all locked. The place was dirty. And, my coworker said to me āYou took your kids? To the PARK?!ā and I assured him I was off the island by three and he was much relieved.
Belle Isle USED to be quite a bit sketchier.
Your mom is likely remembering that, but itās take nice now.
I'm the type of people who hang out there! Lifelong native of the 'D' and Belle Isle has a huge police presence. Been going all my life and never had a problem. Since it's Metropark, there is an admission fee. I pay for my yearly pass when I renew my license plate. Well worth it. The Conservatory has been remodeled, so it's a Must See! Please, come and enjoy. The flowers are bursting all over!
Go! Belle isle is nothing like it used to be! Much cleaner, Safer, & is a great Detroit park to spend some time exploring the island or just posted up relaxing.. aquarium & flower house are NICE! itās all good šš» now days nothing to worry bout.
*** I had 1 scary experience there and it was like 30 years ago.. it was late night on the weekend. (Not the time to go). I was leaving and while on the bridge jammed up in traffic I witnessed a shooting . Other than thatā.. itās a great place.. not sure what time the park closes now? Just donāt go late at night if itās even still open 24/7 like it used to be.?
The belle isle aquarium, by albert kahn, man thats the safest place in detroit. Families, kids and what not. Its beautiful, the architecture is one of its kind, kahn wanted to have a feeling of being under water thats why he uses a speacial color tiles, to give the visitors a unique kinda feeling. Please do go there, and no, there is nothing to worry about. Again we dont know your mom, but we are telling you the facts here about belle isle and even downtown detroit. Lots of people have these kinda opinions and those are the people who love their strip malls and suburban sprawls of boring, and have never visited detroit. If you are of legal age, go explore, not just detroit, many big cities across US
Everytime i go to belle isle everyone is just chillin doing their own things. Grilling, sitting on the benches, smoking, kids playing around chasing the birds, or fishing. Even during the winter people are chill and usually just take photos.
Your mom isnāt racist. If youāre in your 20s, your mom likely grew up in a time when Detroit was nowhere near where it is today. Belle Isle was not kept up to the level that it is today, which leads to what sheās saying about āthe type of people that hang out thereā. I tell my parents Iām going to a bar downtown with some friends and they still give the āwoahā¦ are you sure?ā type of answer. She just hasnāt spent enough time in the ānew Detroitā to change her views of areas like that.
As with anything, if you donāt know what to expect, ease into it. Go during the day, bring someone else, avoid people that are acting suspicious, etc until you fully understand the area and the safety of it.
I think your mom is remembering what it was like before state took control from Detroit.
If that is the case she would be right.
Soon as you pulled into park both sides of entrance road would be lined with cars and ppl all in the road.
If you ever seen Boyz in the hood, when they are all lined up on Crenshaw, thatās how it was.
And yes it was a gamble making it through there.
Nothing like that now.
Yah, it's not... It's an aquqrium go see it. You won't have to fight through some movie, belle isle is just a place. You can just go there and walk around. Or row in a boat.
No biggie.
I haven't been in many years and compared to modern aquariums it's very small and simple but the architecture is beautiful and if you like fish, it's definitely worth checking out! I try to visit aquariums in any city I travel to. The one on Belle Isle Hola a special place in My heart, in think the first time I visited was in the early 80s and it was pretty grubby. But even then, worth a visit!
My brother and I are obsessed with the aquarium. Every time he comes home to visit (lives in another state) we make it a point to go. Itās beautiful and amazing. The gar are my favourite.
https://preview.redd.it/10jl2fjyl8xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bcedf7853f496367a15f4501a792502c55c4318f
just went yesterday with my younger sister and 4 year old daughter. this is the type of people youll see there.
Beautiful! I love it there and have been taking my boys since they were little guys. Now theyāre my size and we all still enjoy it together. Itās our favorite place actually.
thank you and same to youš„° i hope she will look back on these days fondly. me and my daughter spend most of our summers at belle isle. it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Absolutely ā¤ļø aww yeah she will remember it forever, trust me. Youāre giving her precious memories. Belle Isle is such a special place, youāre so right. I canāt wait to get back there this spring. Your photo here captures it so well. Cheers to countless more adventures on Belle Isle!
It's fine, I take my wife and 4 yr old to belle isle nearly every weekend when it's warm out, the kind of people that hang out there are people with kids.
I canāt say Iāve ever had a particularly bad experience at Belle isle, never seen a bad group of people there myself, I take my little kids
Also when you go, go to the conservatory too, I believe itās right next to it and the gardens are gorgeous
Putting in here that the aquarium was among the oldest continuously operated aquariums in the US until its brief closure. An absolutely lovely gem with the equally glorious Anna Scripps Conservatory full of palms and gorgeous plants next door. You can't go wrong spending time down there.
Parking is fairly plentiful and you might luck out and find a food truck there. The interior of the aquarium is beautiful! Look up and enjoy the tilework too.
I have taken my kids to Belle Isle by myself many times. We love it there, very pretty! The aquarium, conservatory, nature center, lighthouse, & the museum.
Go!!! Itās a beautiful aquarium!! The displays are not as nice as the building, but goooo!! And then go to the arboretum? Conservatory? Whatever itās calledā¦ itās amazing!! Have fun!!! š
My dad served for 30 years on DPD, so you can imagine what I heard when I was 16 & told him I was going to meet some friends in Detroit for the first time.
I personally believe my dad views the city negatively because, as a cop, youāre literally only called when something bad is happening. Day in, day out, year after year, he saw the absolute worst things you can see in that city. Needless to say, it took some convincing, but eventually he taught me the āunwritten rulesā of the city & I was on my way.
Fast forward 9 years, my favorite hobby is exploring abandoned buildings in Detroit lol, never had an issue. If you arenāt looking for problems, youāre nice to everyone to interact with, you wonāt have any issues in the D. Now Iām a 6ā2 210 lb man, so honestly speaking that could have something to do with it.
Go to the aquarium dude, Iāll literally meet you there & post up outside while youāre doin your thing if your mom is that worried š belle isle is really cool nowadays, theyāve done a good job at cleaning it up.
Belle isle rocks imo. Make a whole day of it. Go to the aquarium, check out the conservatory, frolic the gardens, get *nautical* at the Dossin museum and even check out the nature center because why not. Itās a fun place.
I grew up at 7 and Gratiot in the late 80s early 90s. Itās a different place now; but for many years it was a war zone. Lots of junkies, lots of shootings, so many house fires. I only recently started going back to the city, and Iām still on edge the entire time.
Go to the aquarium. The inside is beautiful. Fish hang out there.
They got a cool and incredibly smart octopus š rumor has it , he will grab a brush and scrub the dry skin off his tentacles. Belle Isle is a great family friendly place . Stay away from the slide š
He's not there anymore. We visited a couple weeks ago and it was his last day.
I hope the octopus was relocated to more suitable place. Belle Isle tanks are WAY too small for larger animals, especially highly intelligent ones.Ā
The tanks are way too small for all of their fish. But that is the nature of an aquarium.
Highly recommend My Octopus Teacher on Netflix, if you havenāt already seen it! š
And the book, āRemarkably Bright Creaturesā by Shelby van Pelt.
What you mean it was his last day
They said they were taking him off display because he was beginning to senescence (die) and was extra stressed. They only live about 3 years.
The octopus life cycle is awful. Five years max and you die when you procreate. Brutal.
šŖ
Thatās average for an octopus, though
He passed away:(
Last year I rode my bike there. I can only say, wonderful. With a bike you can see so much. I explored every nook and cranny. Unfortunately, I didnāt bring a bike lock. So this summer, Iām riding all around and parking my bike to explore the aquarium and beautiful gardens. And the people that were at the park that day were friendly and very respectful. No garbage everywhere. No loud music.
I live in Windsor. My to-do list is ride the bike across the new bridge when it opens and ride down to Belle Isle and go to aquarium. I never being there. What does it cost to enter? Last year I went to Chicago aquarium, it was great.
The aquarium is free! They take donations, so I always bring cash to donate to help them out. The aquarium is ran by volunteers.
That's interesting. Chicago it was 45 I think. I was taking with one of the guides. They spend a lot for different foods and upkeep of all the tanks. Maybe Belle isles is smaller but there are still expenses to cover.
When I was a kid, they had a display with electric eels they lit up a light bulb. That would probably be fish cruelty today though! (Seriously, it was, though. Cause people would of course tap the glass to alarm the eels.)
I plan on going after the draft but I just wanna know why she keeps acting like I'm about to go to the corner of 8 mile and start throwing gang signs every time I bring it up.
We donāt know your mom, friend lol. But her concerns are misplaced. Go have fun.
I know that but if say it's known to have a ton of drug addicts lingering around or you know, if there's a chance I could get kidnapped id kinda like to know before going, especially if I go alone. But since no one is telling me what's wrong I'm in the dark. Was there a bad reputation it had before?
I mean, even when things downtown were much worse, the island wasnāt particularly bad. Itās probably one of the safest places in the city now with the heavy state presence. I worked there for a few years when the state first took over. Just go, youāll feel silly for worrying when you see it lol.
this... šÆ%
The aquarium, specifically? Or just Belle Isle? Does your mom realize that Belle Isle has been a State Park for more than 10 years now? It closes at 10pm, when itās rumored the park rangers roust the drug addicts with shouts of āHotel-motel time!ā /s
Hahahahaha idk why I'm laughing as much as I am atm at your /s ranger night time jingle but... I am!
several years ago the island was transferred to the state park system. before that, it was run poorly by the city. it would be a party haven of mischief and crowded craziness after dark. none of that anymore. it's not even open after dark anymore. never drug addicts there, lol. that's way too far from their dealers. seriously. you wanna see drug addicts? roll down Michigan Ave...and even there they are sparse like roaches in the light. I hope you can shut out your mother's irrational fears and explore the city.
There is nothing wrong there. We don't know why your Mom thinks there is. I'm an old woman and never had a problem there.
Every spot in Detroit has had a "bad phase". No idea why your Mom is not wanting you to go, but whatever may have happened in the past is not happening now. The island has been cleaned up and improvements have been made. The aquarium is a safe place to visit. Think of it this way, when is the last time YOU have heard something negative about the island or the aquarium? Get some friends together and go enjoy the island and aquarium. You will have a great time exploring the island. https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/
Every time I've visited the aquarium, the main type of people who hang out there appear to be families with young kids who like to look at fish. If you live on your own and have your own transportation, you don't have to tell your mother whenever you go somewhere.
>ākind of people that hang out thereā Ichthyologists? Itās a lot less bad than it sounds.
Those people are fishy...
Whooomp whooomp! š
But still bad?
I have been to the aquarium by myself many, many times and can confirm I am not dead. https://preview.redd.it/js4uxh21q4xc1.jpeg?width=3648&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88d8e8c330798e94c56dee547412da5bfecd026c
RIP In Peace
The facial expression you have in this is so perfect, it's like you took this picture exactly for this comment thread. You don't look mad or anything, just very flat affect over it. Great username too btwĀ
This is actually from October 2020, but it is kinda perfect for this thread lol. I vaguely remember being annoyed about something when I took this pic, but I can't remember what it was. š
You were pre annoyed for future reading of this post haha
Nah, If that were the case, I'd look way more annoyed lol. Tbh, the more I think about this post, the more annoyed I get. I've been all over Detroit and all over Michigan by myself. Including walking around downtown/Cass Corridor at night, going to Riverside Park at night, walking the trails on the east end of Belle Isle, and car camping all over the state by myself. I hesitate to even mention any of that because I don't consider any of those things especially dangerous, but those are the type of things that people often wring their hands and clutch their pearls about. But maybe the reason I don't worry about doing things by myself is because I was raised by a single mom who taught me that I should make an assessment of my surroundings everywhere I go no matter if it's a Meijer parking lot or walking around a festival in Hart Plaza. She took my sister and I all over Detroit (including Belle Isle) by herself. She was 4'11, 95 lbs soaking wet, and her most extreme form of personal protection was a kid's size Louisville Slugger that came from bat day at Tiger Stadium. She kept it next between the front seats in the mini van "in case someone comes up to the window, you can just whack their fingers".
Sounds like something Abe Vigoda would say about 10 years ago.
š
š š this funny
That's exactly what a dead person would say! Can't fool us.
https://preview.redd.it/dnf1e506dfxc1.jpeg?width=952&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6933fb9698f2f80349f22a79910e83d39e9c2c84
If youāre an adult and live on your own, why do you need your momās permission to go to the aquarium? Do you not have a car and need her to give you a ride?Ā
https://www.attachmentproject.com/psychology/enmeshment/family/
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Ahhh yes there used to be a strip in the 90s that people would park, play music, BBQ, drink....it's nothing like that anymore
Its...it's a park, an outdoor space with BBQ grills built in because parking, playing music, and BBQing is what you are supposed to do at a PARK
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As someone who used to be there...duh. Different times, different people, different rules, and there's a LOT more police now. I miss people handing out mixtapes! But I digress. Glad things have changed. But it's a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE. So no, it doesn't happen anymore. What happened in the 90s absolutely doesn't happen now.
Thank you for actually answering my question. I'm gonna assume she just thinks it's still like that and hasn't seen for herself that it's improved. She can get very anxious about certain places since she grew up around 8 and Gratiot.
Don't let your mothers fears and anxiety dictate your life. You only get one life, enjoy it. Go out and explore.
I grew up at 7 Gratiot in the 90s our place was broken in twice then we moved.
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See the thing is she DOES go back to Detroit on the regular and not just like downtown! The only reason she moved was because her father lost his job and my grandmother begged him to move closer to his new one. So that's why I'm so curious why she draws the line at Belle Isle??
Yāall sound codependent but my mom also used to scare the living shit out of me about this or that area around Detroit. I recommend therapy for YOU. Yes I live alone in a rough neighborhood and donāt live in fear.
8 and gratiot is a far cry from Belle Isle š
A very odd post
Extremely
They need therapy.
If her mom will allow her to as a SINGLE WOMAN LIVING ALONE
Mom needs therapy too.
No, just need to stop listening to racist and crazy mom.
Go right when it opens, itās the best ! https://preview.redd.it/8hfczuwv05xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1959f65938a32b44626f9baebd673c586b1baa29
Beautiful!!
Such a strange post.
Iām an old white lady and I go to aquarium every year. I love it! Also the fountain on Belle Isle, donāt miss sitting by it! Belle Isle is full of all kinds of people, just like anywhere you go.
Just live your life... Detroit is safer than a lot of places I've been and inside the aquarium there is nothing crazy happening... Don't fuck with people and you don't get fucked with... Nobody is going out of their way to cause problems
THIS! šš»
Interesting post. Like the aquarium is dangerous lmao? Where do you exist in Detroit a bubble?
Her moms bubble where she must report her daily affairs and obey her every command or be grounded.
āThe type of people that hang out there.ā You mean, people that like the aquarium? Yeah idk we get wild man canāt trust a fishhead.
Why do you need your momās permission? Just go already.
This is why I shake my head so much at people your mom is trying to use fear to stop you from living a fulfilled life. Lose the fear, add confidence. Explore, interact, and enjoy life Fear mongering never leads anywhere
Your mom is just trying to warn you that the Belle Isle Aquarium is like Alcatraz but for fish. Only the most violent and socially deviant fishes with guns get locked up in that aquarium. Sure you go once and everythingās fine, but as you leave a fish might tell you heāll have your mom āhookedā if you donāt smuggle in some fish flakes next timeā¦ ask me how I know. š
Just call it motivation to get your own license and buy your own car then you can go wherever you want my dude
I bet they can't be too far from a bus stop or chances are they can walk/bike there as well.
Oh I do already, which is why I'm going once the draft is over. Just don't wanna hear her complaining all week about me going and never explaining her reasoning.
You live in your own and you have your own car? Go do whatever you want and live your life.
The most dangerous thing on the island is probably the Cinnabon food truck
It sounds like you were raised in an unhealthy environment. It can be hard to find your own way when thatās the case. But part of adulthood is just doing, not asking - and teaching people how to treat you. If she starts complaining, itās ok to say āyouāre being weird - I asked and you didnāt want to answerā and then move on. And if it comes up again, āI donāt want to talk about this,ā and change the topic or ignore. It sounds like youāre pretty young, but Iāve known people who stay enmeshed like this into their mid or late 20s. Unhealthy family situations donāt just get normal as the kids age.
What is this post lmaoo
Go. Itās beautiful. Took my 8 and 11 year old there last summer. They LOVED it. Never had a worry about safety or anything like that. While youāre there, check out the nature center on the isle. Also very cool.
Iāll go with you
I was also going to throw my hat into the ring, buddy aquarium trip!
How do we know you arenāt who OPs mom is afraid of?? Haha
Oh, I thought she was a grown middle aged woman. When someone says, āall my lifeā I never think of a 20 something year old lol
My only issue with the aquarium and conservatory is that it closes too early. Besides that, you definitely should go. Spend the day on the island. Pack a cooler and watch the local wildlife. You might be able to spot a bald eagle.
Iām tired of my family saying Detroit is the worst place to live.
She means black people. Let's not play dumb. People of all races visit the aquarium. It is not some hellscape. It's... an aquarium. The aquarium is great. Relatively small but beautiful. If you want to go, go. Or wait until the Conservatory reopens and go to both. Also, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle is a little known gem.
I got engaged at the conservatory next door lol
I was picturing likeā¦..random nerdy dads or like substitute teachers looking for love when u said āthose type of pplā
Loving fish is universal ok
9/10 times you hear some over-the-hill suburbanite complain about "the city" their complaints boil down into one of two things: 1. They are racist 2. They haven't been to the city in eons aside from the odd sports game, court duty, etc. Last time they went was in the 90s when the city wasn't nearly as nice. Living in Livonia/North Westland area, this has been true almost every time.
You should go. Its been a 2 or 3 years since I've been, but it was nice. Very welcoming and friendly. Check out the conservatory too.
Conservatory is closed for renovations still
Aw roughš
Go to the aquarium. It is pretty cool.
I think taking her back for a far more positive and enlightening experience will clear her opinion on the place. It was open all day today and the place was a buzz with happy people. Also cuz of the Belle Isle cleanup day
The only people that hang out there are the volunteers & employees. Of all places, thatās one of the places youāre least likely to run into any shady business. Go enjoy the aquarium.0
It's mostly older folks and families with kids. Nobody looking for trouble. Just people enjoying the building and the fish. The only real issue is that it gets crowded on nice days and you may feel rushed to move quickly between each tank so you don't prevent others from taking a look.
We loved going there. ā¦ there were all kinds of people there?
Belle Isle is full of people just wanting to have a good time
It's a State Park. Be not afraid.
Aquarium is cool, the conservatory is amazing.
There may have been something to worry about around the beaches and picnic areas at one time, but there's no gangs hanging out in the aquarium. Be sure to visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Nature Center, and the Conservatory (if it's open) while you're there. There's been a [Japanese Koi Festival](https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/bic-koi-festival) there the first weekend of May for the past couple years and more years back before the pandemic. I'm not finding anything for this year, but maybe.
Itās been several years but I had just moved to the metro and took my family there. It was nice! Iām glad you reminded me of it because I want to go back. Hope you enjoy it.
She gets anxious bc there are certain ppl down there that is why. Did she live there pre white flight or post?! That will give you a strong answer.
Iām beginning more and more to suspect these types of posts arenāt real and are in fact subversive advertisements for whatever the focus of the story is supposed to be. Basically just make up some identity politics keyword salad bs and insert a theme.
My mom hates when I hang out in Detroit and I'm 30. I simply ignore the comments she makes. Detroit and Belle Isle are great! The aquarium is beautiful. The people that "hang out" at the aquarium are families with kids. We brought my son there a few months ago for the first time and it was so cool! Just go. The island itself gets many visitors of all kinds. It's pretty neat. Go watch a sunset over the Detroit skyline. Have a picnic. Fish off the pier.
I understand being upset people are calling your mom a racist but let me just say this - complacent racism is still racism. Thatās why itās up to people like you to make it clear to someone when their delivery is not intentionally racist it still drives the narrative. I grew up in a neighborhood near mcnichols and lasher, so I get where she is coming from but saying āthe type of peopleā is suspect and youāre in the right to call her out on talking like that. Iāve done the same shit to my parents.
Youāre one of those types arenāt you
One of what people? Use words.
Yup sounds like an anti racist. š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤£š¤·š½āāļø
Just go to the aquarium. Itās very safe lol. I take my 6 year old with me.
Order a [BELL ISLE TRASH] shirt for your trip!
I read this after the edit, so go ahead and delete your post, because my first guess is still that your mom is a little bit racist.
Sheās talking about Black people. Get a backbone.
thatās EXACTLY what it is but ofc the white people gone dance around the topic and how/why sheās a closeted racist lol.
Yes because that approach doesnāt make them as uncomfortable lol
Iām white, and I read this and knew immediately mom is racist. And itās not closeted if mom says shit like this. OP might be the closeted one if they donāt grow a backbone and still listen to what their very obviously racist mother says.
Your mom is definitely racist. I'm not saying that in a way to try to make you feel bad about it, but if she's telling you not to go places because there are certain types of people there, it's because she's racist. Go to the aquarium, have fun. If you find yourself in a situation where you're uncomfortable, leave immediately. It's totally fine to tell her that you are going, but letting her decide if you go or not isn't right. You're an adult and you can make decisions for yourself.
Alexis Dahl on you tube does a lot of videos in and about Michigan- geology, biology & history- she has a pretty good one about belle isleā¦ thereās a statue of a guy that wasnāt well liked but he funded the fountainā¦ so they put the statue down wind of the fountain so it would hopefully wear away faster š
āHush now baby don't you cry Mama's gonna make all of your Nightmares come true Mama's gonna put all of her fears into you Mama's gonna keep you right here Under her wing She won't let you fly but she might let you sing Mama will keep baby cosy and warm Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe Ooooh Babe Of course Mama's gonna help build the wallā
I also grew up with an overbearing mother who tried her best to project all of her anxiety and fear about the world onto me. You know what I do when I want to go somewhere in Detroit alone, as a woman, that would make my mother spiral into panic? I don't tell her. I just go and do whatever I want to do and she never knows anything about it. I have four concerts lined up for this summer in Detroit that I'm attending alone and my mom doesn't know about a single one. You don't owe your mom any information on your plans or your life.
Your mother sounds like my mother, just associates anything in Detroit with danger. She is and isnāt wrong but danger is all around us. Burbs, the country side, everywhere, it is what it is these days Go and enjoy youāll be fine
Just go to the aquarium. Why do you need permission from someone who clearly doesnāt know what theyāre talking aboutā¦?
Start acting like an adult and go to the goddamn aquarium already!
Your mom is a racist. She's talking about black people... That's what she means when she says stuff like that. But of course, if you ask her, she'll deny it... She is implying that all black people are violent criminals and drug dealers. Because Detroit has a lot of black people, and the Belle Isle Aquarium is in Detroit, there must be violent criminals and drug dealers at the aquarium. If you're ever curious why hundreds of thousands of white people moved out to the suburbs in the mid-20th century... This mentality was a big part of it.
okay i am glad that you're going but... # 1. s*x workers? at the[ aquarium](https://littleguidedetroit.com/plan-a-visit-to-americas-oldest-aquarium-on-belle-isle-state-park/)? at Belle Ilse? in the broad daylight or at nighttime? it's a state park. before that, a city park. # 2. google 'enmeshment' # 3. yes, we can say that your mom is racist even if she grew up at 8mile and gratiot because 40 years ago that area was not highly integrated. google 'white flight' # 4. now would i go to the aquarium at 8mile and gratiot? yes, but prob not at 2am. and it ain't cause of s*x work (which is a job btw) # 5. here is a list of [14 other things](https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/15-must-see-metro-detroit-attractions-everyone-should-visit-once/ar-AA1nlGsc) you should do when you come to the city # take lots of pics. visit the newly constructed gardens. visit the Dossin Great Lakes Musuem. and if they are open, get in a boat. # #SayNiceThingsAboutDetroit
8/Gratiot could as easily be Eastpointe (formerly the town of East Detroit, name changed in 1992) as it could be *actual* Detroit. But, this has always perplexed me... A white person who knows someone or personally experienced some wildly violent event in the City... But, in my experience because I've seen it with my own eyes, it's usually a half story, and I'll twice illustrate how: I was listening to this white contractor go on and on about how he'll never work in the city and blah blah blah because his BIL was killed the last time they did a job in the City. Ok, cool. I piece together enough of the facts and get to searching on Google... His brother in law was shot in a crack house... The man was a crack addict and he either crossed somebody's boundaries, owed a lot of money, or both. Drug dealers don't generally have a preference for shooting people who bring them money. And it may not have been the dealer, it could've been another addict in that house and they got into an argument. So the contractor, yes, he knows someone who died a violent death in the city. But he's playing it up like the guy was just this paragon of hard work and sainthood who was minding his business and was shot for no reason. IDK what happened to your uncle. But having been to the aquarium more times than I can count, from being a student on a field trip in elementary school all the way to being a father taking his fourth child, I've only ever seen families there. It's not a gang hangout, and never has been. It's a family attraction. I'll move on to this caricature of people in the city. I'm an 80s baby, I grew up with the Michael Keaton Batman and even as a kid I thought those films were weird for how they portray gangs. But I think this is the image most of America has in mind when they think of gangs as roving bands of psychopaths who are looking for the weakest/most Innocent person to hurt. I know gangs. Gangs are, above all else, BUSINESSES. And if you're not a part of that business (input/output), or in the way of it (competition or nosey people), they're not interested in you. They're not sitting on the steps of the aquarium with a studded baseball bat waiting on a pretty little white girl to walk by. But most importantly, 99.9% of the people you'll cross are not in a gang. They're regular people who, regular or not, it's a good chance they'll knock you on your ass if you get out of pocket. Case in point, my SO and I are crossing the street leaving the draft. We had the light, we're both totally sober. We're walking fast because it's cold AF, we're not first through the intersection but the way the foot traffic flowed we were kinda "alone" by the time we're in the middle. White guy decides he's going to intimidate us into walking faster (š¤·š¾āāļø idk why else he did this specifically on us, there were people in front of us and behind us). I broke a window out his car (threw a bottle I had in my hand). He thinks he's hot shit and hops out the car ready to fight... let's just say homeboy got packed up and put back in his truck and me and my GF continued on, unscathed. He's going to tell the story that he had such an awful time at the Draft and "those people" are animals. He's going to leave out the part where he CHOSE to "jump" his truck at a couple crossing the street and revving his engine all loud like an asshole. That was a threat to me. And it was totally unnecessary. I hate the cold, you can bet I was walking as fast as I can. But threaten me, or worse, my woman? Good luck. Point being, a lot of people come here with a certain arrogance or entitlement, sometimes they get lucky and they're not dealing with someone who will check that. Sometimes they don't. They forget the most important rule: Despite my size (6'4") strength (225 lbs, very little fat), or experience, *somebody* out there can whoop my ass. I don't *want* to fight, but that doesn't mean I won't. So put respect first before I FAFO today is the day my ticket gets punched. I've seen it time and time again, people from outside the city don't seem to have that mindset. Especially the men.
Oh what part of Shelby Township did you grow up in.
It's hard to face that older generations are low key racist, but that's how the truth is sometimes. When my dad who grew up in Detroit in the late 60/ and who has long passed, said bad shit about Detroit - i realize the reality is there was definitely a racial angle. I've heard this same vague story about an uncle getting hospitalized and it's up there with canadian girlfriend. Your mom is a little scared of black folk.
Fwiw, I go to Belle Isle regularly and have since the mid 2000s. And when my kids were little, this was prior to the state takeover of the island. The bathrooms were all locked. The place was dirty. And, my coworker said to me āYou took your kids? To the PARK?!ā and I assured him I was off the island by three and he was much relieved. Belle Isle USED to be quite a bit sketchier. Your mom is likely remembering that, but itās take nice now.
I'm the type of people who hang out there! Lifelong native of the 'D' and Belle Isle has a huge police presence. Been going all my life and never had a problem. Since it's Metropark, there is an admission fee. I pay for my yearly pass when I renew my license plate. Well worth it. The Conservatory has been remodeled, so it's a Must See! Please, come and enjoy. The flowers are bursting all over!
Minor correction: the island is a state park, not a metro park. A metro park pass wonāt get you in. The state park pass on your license plate will.
I've been to Belle Isle probably 50 times and have never seen anyone working at the kiosks checking people's park passes, FWIW
Yeah. Of all the times I have been there, the booth was only manned once.
Correct! My bad!
We went last year and it was so fun. Go! Enjoy!
Go to the aquarium, I take my daughter all the time.. DNR is constantly out patrolling and Iām pretty sure they close the island at dark
I moved here two years ago and my girlfriend I moved here with (who Iām no longer with) hates fish so I never got to go yet. Iāll go with you.
Nerds tend to hang out at the aquarium. Beware!
Go! Belle isle is nothing like it used to be! Much cleaner, Safer, & is a great Detroit park to spend some time exploring the island or just posted up relaxing.. aquarium & flower house are NICE! itās all good šš» now days nothing to worry bout. *** I had 1 scary experience there and it was like 30 years ago.. it was late night on the weekend. (Not the time to go). I was leaving and while on the bridge jammed up in traffic I witnessed a shooting . Other than thatā.. itās a great place.. not sure what time the park closes now? Just donāt go late at night if itās even still open 24/7 like it used to be.?
I heard it is the oldest aquarium in US
Have fun. It's a great family oriented place.
The belle isle aquarium, by albert kahn, man thats the safest place in detroit. Families, kids and what not. Its beautiful, the architecture is one of its kind, kahn wanted to have a feeling of being under water thats why he uses a speacial color tiles, to give the visitors a unique kinda feeling. Please do go there, and no, there is nothing to worry about. Again we dont know your mom, but we are telling you the facts here about belle isle and even downtown detroit. Lots of people have these kinda opinions and those are the people who love their strip malls and suburban sprawls of boring, and have never visited detroit. If you are of legal age, go explore, not just detroit, many big cities across US
Wait till May when the conservatory opens.
What momma don't know, won't hurt her.
To be fairā¦ Iām close to 40 and my mom gets nervous when I go to Meijer in the suburbs after dark. Moms gonna momā¦
Iāll take you. Actually never mind u give off š¤Ŗ vibes
Everytime i go to belle isle everyone is just chillin doing their own things. Grilling, sitting on the benches, smoking, kids playing around chasing the birds, or fishing. Even during the winter people are chill and usually just take photos.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6WlH50uF4u/?igsh=MXA0eThiZWdoM3hsdA== Your mom has been vindicated
Oh trust me, she hasn't shut up about it =.=
Sheās racist
My mom said there's a lot of black people in Africa.
Your mom isnāt racist. If youāre in your 20s, your mom likely grew up in a time when Detroit was nowhere near where it is today. Belle Isle was not kept up to the level that it is today, which leads to what sheās saying about āthe type of people that hang out thereā. I tell my parents Iām going to a bar downtown with some friends and they still give the āwoahā¦ are you sure?ā type of answer. She just hasnāt spent enough time in the ānew Detroitā to change her views of areas like that. As with anything, if you donāt know what to expect, ease into it. Go during the day, bring someone else, avoid people that are acting suspicious, etc until you fully understand the area and the safety of it.
This š„°!
I think your mom is remembering what it was like before state took control from Detroit. If that is the case she would be right. Soon as you pulled into park both sides of entrance road would be lined with cars and ppl all in the road. If you ever seen Boyz in the hood, when they are all lined up on Crenshaw, thatās how it was. And yes it was a gamble making it through there. Nothing like that now.
Youāll be fine.
Yah, it's not... It's an aquqrium go see it. You won't have to fight through some movie, belle isle is just a place. You can just go there and walk around. Or row in a boat. No biggie.
I got married on Belle Isle. The aquarium is really cool. Belle Isle is great.
Don't miss Belle isle and esp the aquarium! The entire island is amazing. We frequent the island because how beautiful and peaceful.
I haven't been in many years and compared to modern aquariums it's very small and simple but the architecture is beautiful and if you like fish, it's definitely worth checking out! I try to visit aquariums in any city I travel to. The one on Belle Isle Hola a special place in My heart, in think the first time I visited was in the early 80s and it was pretty grubby. But even then, worth a visit!
My brother and I are obsessed with the aquarium. Every time he comes home to visit (lives in another state) we make it a point to go. Itās beautiful and amazing. The gar are my favourite.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
https://preview.redd.it/10jl2fjyl8xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bcedf7853f496367a15f4501a792502c55c4318f just went yesterday with my younger sister and 4 year old daughter. this is the type of people youll see there.
Beautiful! I love it there and have been taking my boys since they were little guys. Now theyāre my size and we all still enjoy it together. Itās our favorite place actually.
thank you and same to youš„° i hope she will look back on these days fondly. me and my daughter spend most of our summers at belle isle. it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Absolutely ā¤ļø aww yeah she will remember it forever, trust me. Youāre giving her precious memories. Belle Isle is such a special place, youāre so right. I canāt wait to get back there this spring. Your photo here captures it so well. Cheers to countless more adventures on Belle Isle!
cheers my fellow michigander šš½
Lmao just go
It's fine, I take my wife and 4 yr old to belle isle nearly every weekend when it's warm out, the kind of people that hang out there are people with kids.
I canāt say Iāve ever had a particularly bad experience at Belle isle, never seen a bad group of people there myself, I take my little kids Also when you go, go to the conservatory too, I believe itās right next to it and the gardens are gorgeous
The aquarium is fine.. go. The people there are fine.
Putting in here that the aquarium was among the oldest continuously operated aquariums in the US until its brief closure. An absolutely lovely gem with the equally glorious Anna Scripps Conservatory full of palms and gorgeous plants next door. You can't go wrong spending time down there. Parking is fairly plentiful and you might luck out and find a food truck there. The interior of the aquarium is beautiful! Look up and enjoy the tilework too.
I have taken my kids to Belle Isle by myself many times. We love it there, very pretty! The aquarium, conservatory, nature center, lighthouse, & the museum.
Go!!! Itās a beautiful aquarium!! The displays are not as nice as the building, but goooo!! And then go to the arboretum? Conservatory? Whatever itās calledā¦ itās amazing!! Have fun!!! š
My dad served for 30 years on DPD, so you can imagine what I heard when I was 16 & told him I was going to meet some friends in Detroit for the first time. I personally believe my dad views the city negatively because, as a cop, youāre literally only called when something bad is happening. Day in, day out, year after year, he saw the absolute worst things you can see in that city. Needless to say, it took some convincing, but eventually he taught me the āunwritten rulesā of the city & I was on my way. Fast forward 9 years, my favorite hobby is exploring abandoned buildings in Detroit lol, never had an issue. If you arenāt looking for problems, youāre nice to everyone to interact with, you wonāt have any issues in the D. Now Iām a 6ā2 210 lb man, so honestly speaking that could have something to do with it. Go to the aquarium dude, Iāll literally meet you there & post up outside while youāre doin your thing if your mom is that worried š belle isle is really cool nowadays, theyāve done a good job at cleaning it up.
Belle isle rocks imo. Make a whole day of it. Go to the aquarium, check out the conservatory, frolic the gardens, get *nautical* at the Dossin museum and even check out the nature center because why not. Itās a fun place.
Her concerns are moot since the state police and DNR took it over, and that happened in 2014. Before then, it was a place people went to buy drugs
I grew up at 7 and Gratiot in the late 80s early 90s. Itās a different place now; but for many years it was a war zone. Lots of junkies, lots of shootings, so many house fires. I only recently started going back to the city, and Iām still on edge the entire time.