Sunset over Detroit as seen from Belle Isle in the Detroit River.

©Aubrie Pick/Lonely Planet

Belle Isle Park

Detroit


Pretty Belle Isle floats in the Detroit River. The entire expanse is parkland where kayaking, walking trails and a glass-domed conservatory await. There's a beach, zoo, aquarium and maritime museum, too. Once you pay the entry fee, the individual sights are free. The cycling here is terrific.