Belle Isle Aquarium

When renowned architect Albert Kahn was designing Detroit’s Belle Isle Aquarium, he wanted visitors to feel like they were underwater and looking out into the aquatic world surrounding them. One hundred and twenty years later, his stunning architectural achievement still meets that vision at America’s oldest aquarium located on Belle Isle, a picturesque 1.53-square-mile island in the blue waters of the Detroit River.

Visitors walk through the beautifully preserved historic building under a green domed glass ceiling as they observe fish and aquatic animals from around the world and learn about each species. The building is a huge draw itself, from the stately exterior, with its intricate entrance arch, to the iconic interior ceiling. It is a landmark for both Detroit and for Kahn, who is celebrated worldwide for his architectural prowess. But Belle Isle Aquarium’s collection of 182 aquatic species is just as notable and plays a significant role in education and conservation about the Great Lakes and worldwide aquatic life.

It has the only known collection of all seven species of gar on the planet, including those found in the Great Lakes (such as longnose gar) and across the world in Africa. Gar are air-breathing fish that can survive in low-oxygen water and even out of water for brief periods of time. A favorite at the aquarium is the axolotl, an adorable salamander species that is native to Mexico and has webbed feet and feathery gills around its face.

Like any aquarium on the Great Lakes, Belle Isle displays many Great Lakes fish to represent the local ecosystem. They range from perch to sturgeon, a prehistoric-looking fish that can grow to a length of more than 6 feet. After the aquarium, visitors can check out the other attractions on Belle Isle, including the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. 3 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48207, 313/331-7760, belleisleconservancy.org