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Further Distractions Belle Isle Once, long ago, known as Hog Island, the more aptly named Belle Isle is a picturesque island in the Detroit River connected to the city by a small bridge. It first became been public land in 1701 and was made into a public park in 1879 – designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who also designed New York’s Central Park. Albert Kahn, a well-known turn-of-the-century architect, designed the Belle Isle’s Whicomb Conservatory, which contains regional flora from all over the country, as well as the Belle Isle Aquarium. Today, the island is host to the Detroit Grand Prix every June. Features include a nature centre, beaches, waterslide, tennis courts and playgrounds. Jefferson Avenue and Grand Boulevard Tel: (313) 852 4078 or 222 0024. Transport: Belle Isle bus. Opening hours: Daily 0600-2200 (Belle Isle); May-Oct daily 1000-1700 (conservatory and aquarium). Admission: Free (Belle Isle); US$2 (conservatory and aquarium). Dossin Great Lakes Museum The brainchild of Dossin, a power-boat racing magnate, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum chronicles the flavourful history of Great Lakes boating and shipping through models, exhibits, paintings and memorabilia. One of its most enticing attractions is the Gothic Room, which features 7.5 tonnes of carved gothic oak removed from an elegant turn-of-the-century riverboat. The Ship Model Gallery features many different kinds of ship models (the oldest is one of the Mayflower, dating from 1884), while another model of a hydroplane won a prestigious remote-controlled boat race. Other attractions include the working pilothouse from an actual freighter, as well as the yachts owned by the barons of the auto industry. 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle Tel: (313) 852 4051. E-mail: info@detroithistorical.org Website: www.detroithistorical.org/html/information/dossin.html Transport: Belle Isle bus. Opening hours: Wed-Sun 1000-1700. Admission: US$2 (free on Wed); concessions available. |
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