Belle Isle Aquarium — Attraction in Detroit

For out of towners it is very difficult to get the information you need to visit. But this is a must see! The tile and architecture is absolutely amazing.

The aquarium is located in Belle Isle State Park. Entry by car to the state park, if you are from out of state and do not have a recreation pass, is $11. The aquarium itself once you have entered the park is free. They suggest a $5 donation. This is completely optional. There is a sign with a tap to pay card option or a donation box for cash, but nobody approaches you or attempts to solicit this donation. The parking lot for the aquarium is right outside the building so it is very accessible for small children and those who cannot walk far.

The aquarium itself is not very big. It is one large room with tanks lining the walls and at the center. I went on a holiday weekend. There was no wait but it was a bit packed so we did stand around waiting to move through the exhibit. I would allot about an hour to see it and spend the rest of your day enjoying the other attractions on Belle Isle.

The attached conservatory is currently closed. You can view a large Koi pond from outside the gate, but that is about it. When that reopens you will need more time. The grounds looked expansive and very fun. I was very disappointed we came at the wrong time.

Bathrooms are located at a nearby bus station pavilion. They are not the best. Certainly safe to use but a bit smelly and you may have to clean the seat first.

When I went there were two food trucks in the parking lot for the aquarium and several food trucks in nearby parking lots...

It’s a beautiful display, but more recently, I couldn’t help but notice how miserable nearly all of the animals look, and the highly limited space that many of them have.

An electric eel is nearly as long as its tank. Many of the larger fish seem to be right on top of each other all of the time as they either float in a suspended position, or shuffle endlessly back and forth.

Even a shrimp we saw seemed to be caught in a trance-like motion, doing the same thing over and over again without reason. I cannot imagine that animals would behave the same in their natural environments.

I simply suspect that, despite the treat to be able to be this close to creatures, they do not belong so far removed from their natural environments and habitats.

These are not domesticated animals, after all… they are highly evolved creatures completely outside of areas in and for which they have adapted.

This is not an attempt to shame anyone; I’m not an animal activist or anything.

I just feel that we should be thinking a bit more about these things and how we are ethically treating other living organisms.

I suppose one note of irony is that, next door, the Conservatory is being majorly expanded to accommodate the growing plants, while next door, the Aquarium’s residents which, from what we understand, sustain significantly more evolved consciousness, remain in tiny little boxes without daylight and endless people passing by… I leave these comments here for your consideration.

Thank you...

This is the most beautiful aquarium I’ve ever been into. The green tile ceiling and great aquariums immerse you as you travel through each exhibit. I love the conservation theme and how well kept the exhibits were. HOWEVER.. I cannot give this aquarium 5 stars. After traveling seamlessly through 90% of the aquarium and having great conversations with multiple employees, ONE employee completely ruined the remainder of the experience. The mega-Karen standing by the electric eel tank at first seemed quite kind like the other employees. How wrong was I. As she tries to draw a crowd around the eel exhibit, many people try to crowd in. She continues to force people together, singling me out and asking me to “actually move your feet.” As I’m already standing in front of children at this point, I mention I do not want to block others’ view. She then replies, “there’s a crowd, look to your right hon,” in the most sarcastic Karen voice you can imagine. Other aquarium goers are then sympathizing with me at this point due to this lady’s rudeness. Whoever this employee is, has no right to treat guests this way. Every single other employee was beyond kind except for her. She does not deserve to enjoy this aquarium every day. Beware, she may ruin your...