Detroit Tree Lighting: Campus Martius

The last event to kick off the Christmas season is the annual Detroit Tree Lighting. This past weekend the 60 foot Christmas tree covered in 19,000 lights lite up on Friday night at 7:45p.m.  This exciting event brings thousands of people into the city and puts a smile on my face to get me in the mood for Christmas. The event also has entertainment and other activities as well. One in particular I like is where kids can go and shop in Santa workshop for Christmas gifts. This brings back memories for me when I was a child, shopping at school for Christmas gifts for my parents and siblings. In addition Campus Martius has carriage rides starting on Sundays from Noon till 6 p.m. for $10 or $40 for a private ride. If you have not done this already it is exciting to take a ride around town and see all that Detroit has to offer.

If you missed this event over the weekend there is another opportunity to take part in the city with dropping of the “D”. Instead of the ball dropping a letter D is dropped on top of a building on New Year’s Eve. I think this is a fantastic way to represent the city and look forward to it again this year. If you have not already been, I strongly encourage one to come out this year.  

Detroit State Park: Belle Isle

Belle Isle is truly a gem in the city of Detroit.  Over the years the park has languished in disrepair.  The State of Michigan leased the property from the City of Detroit and now operates it as a state park.  Since that time, many wonderful things have been done to the park to restore its condition.  Before becoming a state park, a lot of the buildings were run down and the grounds needed a lot of attention.  They even have the James Scott Memorial Fountain running again and it is beautiful.  Belle Isle offers so many different things to see.  For instance the aquarium has been partially restored and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.   A small zoo operates from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  A conservatory is open Wednesday to Sundays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The best part about having all these different attractions is the price; free!  Vehicles can still access Belle Isle for free until February 2015.  Vehicles will have to obtain am $11.00 recreation passport which is available at the Secretary of State office.

One thing I enjoy the most about Belle Isle is the scenery.  I like riding my bike around the island and seeing Canada across the river and the sky scrapers of Detroit in the distance.  The Department of Natural Resources has certainly left a mark in the short time since taking over as stewards.  This community gem is well on its way to being restored for Detroiters to enjoy.   The landscaping and debris has been cleaned and the lawns have been mowed.   One summer event in particular that I look forward to every year is the Detroit Grand Prix which is hosted at Belle Isle.  I like that it brings in business to the Detroit community as well as attracting a crowd of people that may just be discovering Belle Isle for the first time.  If you haven’t ever visited, or maybe it’s been a while, I hope you will check out this gem of a park on your next visit to Detroit.