One of the most unique urban parks in the world. The 2.5-mile-long, 985-acre park was designed before the turn of the last century by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

The island sits in the middle of the Detroit River on the U.S.- Canada border and is crisscrossed by a series of canals and roads. Belle Isle features a large, natural wooded area that is the home of a wide variety of small animals, birds and nearly 100 European fallow deer.

The Friends of Belle Isle formed in 1973. It is a nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining the unique island park. With more than a thousand members, the Friends of Belle Isle has been a longtime defender and advocate for the island park. While sometimes at odds with the city, the Friends often have worked with city officials on programs and projects benefiting the island.

The Friends have planted several thousand trees on the island and helped develop a master plan for the park with the Junior Leagues of Detroit and Birmingham. More than a $100,000 has been raised to help restore the island's White House and several statues.

Each spring, dozens of volunteers gather on the island for an annual cleanup project. More importantly, the Friends have fought off attempts to place gambling casinos, an equestrian center, Olympic swimming pool, a train and numerous other unwarranted structures and facilities on the island. In addition, the Friends have played a key role in getting city officials to better maintain the island and fix those facilities in need of repair. As the primary advocate for Belle Isle, the Friends often review proposals the group feels may alter the island's natural and historic character.

To keep the public conscious of Belle Isle's significant value, the Friends have sponsored island strolls, architecture tours, picnics, parties and other events. The Friends have worked with other organizations on marathons, bike-a-thons, model boat races, concerts, camp outs and other activities. The speakers bureau presents films, slide shows and exhibits describing the island's history and the current attractions Belle Isle has to offer. These services are available without charge. Brochures, maps and other informal materials are available for display upon request.

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