Belle Isle Aquarium Tours

Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium which includes street scenes


Housed within a grand historic building, this aquarium has been providing an exciting and educational experience to the local Detroit community for many years.

Explore exhibits of fish and marine life in the Belle Isle Aquarium, a family-friendly Detroit attraction. The aquarium is considered to be the oldest in the U.S. and its stately design, along with its historical significance, have ensured that the aquarium has grown and flourished over the years.

The aquarium was designed by famed local architect Albert Kahn in the early 1900s. At the time, it was the third-largest aquarium in the world and featured saltwater that was shipped directly from the ocean. Today, its exhibits lead visitors on a journey through some of the most fascinating underwater environments around the world.

Before entering, take a moment to marvel at the aquarium’s architectural design. The building’s Beaux Arts-style entranceway is ornate, featuring two carved spitting dolphins and the emblem of Detroit. Inside, the grandeur continues. Look up to see the vaulted ceilings, which are lined with rare green opalite glass tiles.

Discover one of the largest collections of air-breathing fish in the world. Belle Isle Aquarium is thought to house the only known collection of all seven species of gar fish in North America. Other exhibits include catfish, eel, starfish, turtles, seahorses and frogs. 

Learn more about fish and marine ecosystems at one of Belle Isle Aquarium’s monthly Science Saturday educational presentations. These fascinating themed lessons are held within the on-site classroom and are run by aquarium volunteers and local professors. The talks are usually held on the second Saturday of each month. 

Find the Belle Isle Aquarium within Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre (397-hectare) island park in the Detroit River. To get here, ride a public bus inside the park. If you are driving, access the park via the MacArthur Bridge and purchase a Recreation Passport to enter the Recreation Passport remains valid for 1 year. 

The Belle Isle Aquarium is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. After exploring the aquarium, consider visiting some of the park’s other attractions, such as the Belle Isle Conservatory and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Belle Isle Aquarium

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

4 out of 5
1200 Saint Antoine St, Detroit, MI
Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Frederick Stearns House Historic Inn

Frederick Stearns House Historic Inn

4.5 out of 5
8109 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI
Frederick Stearns House Historic Inn
Baymont by Wyndham Downtown Detroit

Baymont by Wyndham Downtown Detroit

2.5 out of 5
3250 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI
Baymont by Wyndham Downtown Detroit
Comfort Inn Detroit Downtown

Comfort Inn Detroit Downtown

2.5 out of 5
1999 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI
Comfort Inn Detroit Downtown
MotorCity Casino Hotel

MotorCity Casino Hotel

4.5 out of 5
2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI
MotorCity Casino Hotel
ALEO

ALEO

4 out of 5
1265 Parkview St, Detroit, MI
ALEO
Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel

Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI
Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel
Atheneum Suite Hotel

Atheneum Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 Brush Avenue, Detroit, MI
Atheneum Suite Hotel
The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel

The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel

4 out of 5
1509 Broadway St., Detroit, MI
The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Belle Isle Aquarium

While visiting Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit, you can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including theater performances, art exhibits, and live music events. Additionally, consider checking out the Beach Club Detroit for a fun day by the water, exploring rental options by neighborhood, and trying paddleboard rentals for a unique experience on the water. These activities offer a great way to enhance your visit to the aquarium and enjoy the vibrant surroundings.

Shopping

For a shopping experience near Belle Isle Aquarium, visit Capitol City, located 4.8km away, offering a mix of city, family, and business vibes. If you're up for a drive, Fairlane Town Center and The Rust Belt Market are about 19.3km away, featuring a variety of shops and local goods.

Recreation

Catch an exciting game at Comerica Park, just 4.8km from Belle Isle Aquarium, where the sports atmosphere invigorates your spirit. For a leisurely day outdoors, head to Chandler Park Golf Course, 6.4km away, to enjoy a round of golf amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

Red Oaks Waterpark, located 22.5km from Belle Isle Aquarium, offers thrilling water slides and a lazy river, perfect for family fun. Waterford Oaks Waterpark, 46.7km away, features wave pools and splash pads. For a different adventure, try the Grosse Ile Tennis Center, located 29.0km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Belle Isle Aquarium by visiting the Fox Theatre and the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, both offering captivating performances. Don't miss the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre for a romantic outdoor concert under the stars, surrounded by the rich culture of Detroit.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Belle Isle Aquarium

While visiting Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit, you can explore various attractions such as Belle Isle Park, Belle Isle Beach, and the surrounding island park. This vibrant area is perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the modern square and entertainment facilities nearby, making your trip both enriching and entertaining.

  • Huntington Place: This premier event and conference venue offers a dynamic atmosphere for business gatherings and conventions. With cutting-edge facilities and a professional vibe, it’s a hub for networking and innovation, attracting events from around the globe.
  • GM Renaissance Center: A towering landmark in Detroit’s skyline, the GM Renaissance Center features stunning views of the city and waterfront. It houses shops, restaurants, and the General Motors headquarters, making it a vibrant spot for both business and leisure.
  • Fillmore Detroit: A historic entertainment venue, Fillmore Detroit hosts a range of concerts and events, providing a lively atmosphere perfect for families and music lovers. Its beautiful architecture and rich history enhance any visit, making it a must-see spot.

Best time to go to Belle Isle Aquarium

The best time to visit Belle Isle Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Belle Isle Aquarium falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Belle Isle Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Belle Isle Aquarium

To save money on your visit to Belle Isle Aquarium, consider traveling between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering results from lowest to highest price and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and utilize public transportation for cost-effective travel around Detroit.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Belle Isle Aquarium are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Belle Isle Aquarium is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Belle Isle Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Belle Isle Aquarium with your flights and activities.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia