Interesting. I was there many times in my youth. I would go on Sunday with my best friend Dave and his older brother Ray. Ray could drive and he would drive his father’s Oldsmobile to the Isle to wax the car, after we had it washed at Paul’s car wash on Fort St. near downtown. The were lots of shady trees that you could park under to wax. Many people on Belle Isle to enjoy a sunny Sunday in the summer. Great days, great memories.
Fortunately, the state leased in from Detroit in 2014 and turned it into a state park. They did a remarkable job in cleaning it up, refurbishing the casino and the park aquarium.
My grandfather was a sergeant with the Detroit Harbor Master located on the island during the 1950's and into the 60's. In the 50's, I would spend the summers with my dad and grandparents in Detroit.
My grandmother and I would take the bus down to the island and spend the entire day with my grandfather. It always included a drive around the island in his police car, then a trip to the stables where they kept the police horses and they would give me a ride on one. Then to the Harbor Master where they would take me out for a boat ride on the river. Then to the pony rides.....In between the adventures, my grandmother and I would play gin rummy in the small police station there.
Best days of my life.
The island is currently under a 30 year lease from Detroit by the state of Michigan. There is no way it's going to be turned into a rich person's Martha's Vineyard in the Detroit River, nor should it.
Didn’t this have a HUGE Dance Hall?? I think I was there many decades ago....like 6 of them!