Private Belle Isle Island Tour with Hotel Pickup & Drop-Off

Following hotel pickup, your driver-guide will take you to the James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle.

One of Belle Isle’s most striking landmarks, the James Scott Memorial Fountain was completed in 1925 and designed in the grand Beaux-Arts style by architect Cass Gilbert and sculptor Herbert Adams. The fountain was named after James Scott, a controversial Detroit businessman whose bequest helped fund its construction.

Featuring elegant marble details, bronze sculptures, and a sweeping central basin, the fountain makes a memorable stop on Belle Isle. From here, enjoy scenic views across the Detroit River toward the Detroit skyline and Windsor, Canada.

Following your visit to the James Scott Memorial Fountain, your driver-guide will continue to the historic Belle Isle Casino.

Built in 1908, the Belle Isle Casino is one of the island’s most distinctive historic landmarks. Despite its name, the building was never used for gambling. Designed by renowned Detroit architect Albert Kahn, it originally served as a gathering place for social events, celebrations, and community activities.

Today, the Belle Isle Casino is admired for its elegant architecture, historic character, and picturesque setting on the island. It offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate another important piece of Belle Isle’s rich history while exploring one of Detroit’s most scenic destinations.

If your tour takes place between Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, you’ll have the opportunity to enter the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is one of Detroit’s most notable maritime attractions. Located on Belle Isle along the Detroit River, the museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the Great Lakes and Detroit’s important role in shipping, transportation, and maritime commerce.

Inside, visitors can explore historic ship models, maritime artifacts, and engaging exhibits that bring the region’s nautical history to life. One of the museum’s most memorable displays is the massive bow anchor from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the legendary Great Lakes freighter that sank in Lake Superior in 1975.

If your tour takes place between Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, you’ll have the opportunity to enter the Belle Isle Aquarium. Otherwise, we’ll explore the surrounding exterior of the aquarium and learn about its history while still enjoying the beautiful setting of Belle Isle.The Belle Isle Aquarium is a historic attraction on Detroit’s Belle Isle, notable for its 1904 opening, Albert Kahn design, and distinctive green-glass-tile interior. It focuses on freshwater aquatic life, including species associated with the Great Lakes.

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle is one of the oldest continuously operating conservatories in the United States. Opened in 1904, it features beautiful glasshouse architecture and a diverse collection of tropical, desert, and flowering plants from around the world. The conservatory is especially known for its stunning orchid displays, seasonal floral exhibits, and the adjacent lily pond, making it a peaceful destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to enjoy a unique botanical experience in Detroit.

Completed in 1930, the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse stands at the eastern end of Belle Isle, overlooking the waters of Lake St. Clair. The lighthouse was built as a memorial to William Livingstone, a prominent Detroit businessman and president of the Lakes Carriers’ Association, in recognition of his contributions to the Great Lakes maritime community.

Constructed entirely of Georgia marble, the lighthouse is admired for its distinctive architecture and elegant design. It is widely recognized as the only marble lighthouse in the United States, making it a unique and memorable landmark to discover during your Belle Isle visit.

Belle Isle Beach is a peaceful waterfront destination along the Detroit River, offering beautiful views of the water, the Detroit skyline, and Canada across the river. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the sandy shoreline, take a leisurely walk along the water, or simply relax and soak in the scenery.

With its tranquil setting and picturesque views, Belle Isle Beach is a wonderful place to experience the island’s natural beauty, unwind during your tour, and capture memorable photos along the Detroit River.