Belle Isle
Once known as Hog Island, the now more aptly named Belle Isle is a picturesque island in the Detroit River connected to the city by a small bridge. It is 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 Whitcomb Conservatory (website: www.bibsociety.org), which contains regional flora from all over the country. Year-round features include a nature centre, beaches, waterslide, tennis courts and playgrounds. The island hosts the Detroit Grand Prix every June.

Jefferson Avenue and Grand Boulevard
Tel: (313) 852 4075.
Website: www.ci.detroit.mi.us/recreation/centers/M/belle_isle/belleM.htm
Free admission.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum
The brainchild of Walter 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 the elegant turn-of-the-century river luxury liner City of Detroit III.

100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle
Tel: (313) 852 4051.
Website: www.detroithistorical.org/html/information/dossin.html
Admission charge.