Belle Isle Beach..A Weekday Escape

 I am a picky beach-goer. My favorite beaches are sugar sand and crystal clear water, with no muck making me feel like the swamp monster is going to pull me under at any moment. That means Lake Michigan and Gulf Coast Florida, usually. I can barely bring myself to swim at Stoney Creek or Kensington...crowded, muddy-looking water, feels like ooze on the bottom. I know this makes me a giant wuss. It is what it is. 

Belle Isle Beach on a hot summer day is literally a breath of fresh air. It feels 5-10 degrees cooler here than inland. Yes, it gets crowded on weekend days. On weekdays, the beach is busier once school is out. Even so, the sand is decent, the water is nice and clear, and I don't feel compelled by underwater ick to wear those water shoe things. Model D just had an event where a bunch of people who should know talked about the cleanliness of the water of the Detroit River, for those of you are worried about pollution. Apparently because of the current in the river, contamination problems that regularly close Metropolitan Beach are rare here.

Sunset picnic and swim, anyone? You can end an afternoon of fun watching the sun fade gently away.

In the days before air conditioning, when the city was crowded and only the wealthy could leave town for summer vacations, Belle Isle was a combination of camp and cottage for everyone. People even slept on the island in the open night air to cool off. (Images from the Library of Congress)

Some logistics... dogs are not allowed directly on the swimming beach, although they are allowed on the grassy area that edges the beach. Sometimes I see people with dogs hanging out towards the north end of the beach, and no one seems to mind. There are plenty of trees for shady seating...come early on a weekend if you want a primo spot. 

Amenities for kids:

- There is a roped-off safe swim area with lifeguards from the second week in June through Labor Day. It is nice and shallow.

- The water slide opens the second week of June as well. A $3 ticket is good for all day.

- On June 12 there will be a kids triathalon with the swimming portion taking place on the beach here! 

Please be aware that swimming is prohibited in other areas of the island. It is often not safe due to currents that run very close to shore, slippery rocks, and unexpected drop-offs. If you want to swim, stick to the beach, or get your personal flotation device on.