Belle Isle Aquarium
About
Belle Isle Aquarium - Oldest Public Aquarium in the United States
Oldest public aquarium in the United States, opened in 1904 and designed by Detroit architect Albert Kahn. Located on Belle Isle Park in the Detroit River, operated by the Belle Isle Conservancy with the Michigan DNR.
Programs for Kids
Education programming through the Belle Isle Conservancy. Programs include:
- School field trips
- Family programs and events
- Self-guided exploration
- Conservancy member events
What's Included
- Historic 1904 Albert Kahn building
- Live animal exhibits across freshwater and marine species
- Free admission
- Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. hours
Experience
Detroit families use the aquarium as a free recurring destination on Belle Isle. The Inselruhe Avenue location is on the island, accessible from the MacArthur Bridge from Detroit, and pairs with the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory next door.