The Belle Isle Nature Center is home to native reptiles and amphibians, and honeybees who live in an observation hive.
Is there an entrance and program fee?
The Belle Isle Nature Center and its programs are free. A Recreation Passport is required to drive your vehicle onto Belle Isle; the cost is $14.
Where can I purchase a Recreation Passport?
Recreation Passports can be purchased online through the Department of Natural Resources or at the entrance booths on Belle Isle, the White House Administration Building (between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.) or at a DNR customer service center. The closest DNR customer service center is located at the Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater Street, Detroit, MI 48207.
A Recreation Passport is not required for visitors accessing the park by foot, bike or public transit, or for vehicles with a valid Ex-Prisoner of War license plate, a Disabled Veteran plate, a Medal of Honor plate or Congressional Medal of Honor plate.
Can I bring my service animal inside the nature center?
Domestic animals present a risk of disease transmission to other animals and are not allowed indoors at the Belle Isle Nature Center unless providing assistance as a service animal to a guest. Domestic animals can also be distracting to the animals living at the nature center and could pose a problem for guests who might not welcome their interaction.
Applicable service animals are limited to dogs and in some cases, miniature horses. Bona fide service animals are allowed to enter the Belle Isle Nature Center to provide assistance to guests in accordance with applicable federal, state and local regulations. Service animals must meet the following conditions:
Service animals must be at least 12 months of age as specified by Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 750.502c. Animals under 12 months of age are more likely to carry parasites or other pathogens that pose a direct threat to our patrons and animal residents.
Service animals must be under the “effective control” of the individual with the disability, in accordance with the American Disabilities Act. “Effective control” means “service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.”
Service animals must be “on duty” and accompanying a person who is in need of the animal’s assistance.
Service animals must not threaten the health or safety of guests or animals, or disrupt the operation of the Belle Isle Nature Center.
Lost and Found?
If you have lost an item at the Belle Isle Nature Center, please submit the following form. You will receive an email confirmation that your submission has been received. Once we receive your form, we will do our best to help you locate your lost item and return it to you.
Can I schedule a field trip to the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory or Dossin Great Lakes Museum?
The Belle Isle Nature Center is operated by the Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in humane education, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability – which also operates the Detroit Zoo.
What should I do if I find injured or orphaned wildlife?
Although we wish we could provide sanctuary for all animals in need, we are unable to do so in nearly all cases. The following links contain contact information for reputable organizations and rehabilitators that are able to provide support.
Animal Help Now App– Find contact information for nearby emergency wildlife assistance across the U.S., including wildlife rehabilitators, rescues and veterinarians.
