Dean Sellers Ford

Originally a central point of early Detroit lost in the reconfiguration of roads and traffic, the famous Campus Martius Park was re-established as a Renaissance City focal point in 2003. Located in the heart of downtown, this urban park was designed to resemble New York City’s Rockefeller Center with its sculptures, monuments, fountains, bistros, patches of greenery and skating rink hemmed in by towering buildings and other downtown attractions.

Pay a visit to the Belle Isle Conservancy, the program responsible for the impeccable maintenance of the park ground from the closed Belle Isle Aquarium to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and other attractions. Thanks to BIBS staff and volunteers, the Conservatory, gardens and greenhouses in the sprawling Belle Isle Park are a delightful sight to behold.

Learn about the role the waterways played in shaping Detroit and vice versa at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum in Belle Isle Park. This special interest maritime museum outlines the history of ships and water travel along the Great Lakes and the Detroit River. You’ll be able to get up close to artifacts from the 1800s as you explore this ship-themed building.

Spend an evening at the “world’s oldest jazz club.” Baker’s Keyboard Lounge has acted as a nightlife hotspot ever since 1934. Hear local and major acts present the ever-so-smooth stylings of blues, bebop and, of course, jazz while you dine on the best traditional soul food available.