Nature & natural history museums in Detroit

The Belle Isle Aquarium, located in Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan, is a public aquarium with a rich history. It was designed by renowned architects George D. Mason and Albert Kahn and first opened its doors to the public on August 18, 1904. This makes it one of the oldest aquariums in North America.

The Detroit Zoological Park, situated in Royal Oak, a suburb north of Detroit, Michigan, is a notable destination for animal lovers. Managed by the Detroit Zoological Society, a non-profit organization, the park is home to a diverse range of animals. The same organization also oversees the Belle Isle Nature Zoo located in Belle Isle, providing visitors with two distinct zoological experiences in the region.

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is a historical maritime museum situated on The Strand on Belle Isle Park along the Detroit River. This location offers a unique perspective on Detroit's role in national and regional maritime history. The museum is easily accessible and provides a fascinating insight into the maritime history of the region.

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, also known as the Belle Isle Conservatory, is a greenhouse and botanical garden located on Belle Isle. This 982-acre island park is situated on the Detroit River within Detroit, Michigan. The conservatory is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the United States, having opened in 1904. It is named after Anna Scripps Whitcomb, who donated her collection of 600 orchids to Detroit in 1955.