Making a splash: Belle Isle Aquarium and Conservatory reopening
Erica Hobbs
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After more than a year of closures due to COVID-19, Detroit’s Belle Isle Aquarium and the island’s Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory are reopening to the public, showcasing renovations, as well as new plants and exhibits.
“It was very clear that we needed to utilize this time and leverage it to enhance the experience, so when it was time to reopen, we could do so with a splash,” said Michelle Hodges, president and CEO of Belle Isle Conservancy.
Those enhancements include $1.2 million in improvements to the aquarium, including upgrading exhibits, stabilizing critical life support systems and modernizing infrastructure. While most of the changes are behind-the-scenes – like electrical system upgrades and a new water testing system – visitors will notice marked improvements when they enter the building.
Bedrock Detroit’s Monroe Street Midway opened to the public last month. Michigan s long, brutal winter is finally over and not only that, but this dreary fucking pandemic finally seems to be subsiding, too. So far, about 60% of Michigan residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state will lift all pandemic restrictions by July 1. (Tip: If you haven t already done so, get your ass vaccinated!) With life returning to some semblance of normal around here, we ve come up with a list of things that we missed doing in and around Detroit last summer. So get your normal ass out there and start crossing some normal-ass shit off this normal-ass list!
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Michigan State Police closed Detroit s Belle Isle at about 8 p.m. Monday due to overcrowding, the agency announced on Twitter.
Anyone trying to access the park after the closure would not be allowed entry.
MSP also reminded visitors already on the island that the park closes at 10 p.m.
The park will reopen at 5 a.m. Tuesday.
Belle Isle is 987 acres, according to Michigan.org. Its attractions include the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Aquarium, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, giant slide, athletic fields, picnic areas, tennis courts, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and more.
These 7 Michigan state parks are perfect for kids
Posted May 11, 2021
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Ready to plan your next family adventure but unsure where to go? Try these seven state parks on for size. Each site was recommended to us by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for being especially kid-friendly: On this short but smart list, you’ll find giant slides, splash pads, nature centers, baby-friendly beaches, and even a waterfall you can swim in. Just pack some snacks, make sure you have a Recreation Passport, and hit the road.
Want more options? You can always use the Michigan DNR’s Recreation Search site, which allows users to narrow search results by using filters for amenities like playgrounds, beaches and bike rentals.