Once upon a time, Belle Isle echoed with the screams and squeals of delighted children in much the same way that the Cirque Nocturne itself often does. It housed an amusement part, one that loomed over the waters of the Detroit River in particular splendor.
These days, Belle Isle is a little on the quieter side. It houses a newly remodeled aquarium and is adjacent to another island that hosts a yacht club. There is a swimming beach and a conservatory, as well. For the most part, however, the island has been turned into a beautiful state park. While most of Detroit languishes in poverty,
Belle Isle is something of a haven.
Of course, it is connected to the mainland by the MacArthur Bridge – and all of the haunts and haints of Detroit are just a short jaunt away.