Visitors to Belle Isle this summer won’t have to leave the island park to find a bite to eat or shade from the hot sun. Numerous vendors, offering everything from food services to beach umbrella rentals to kayak and canoe rentals will be on the island through at least Labor Day.
“The public requested we have concessionaires on Belle Isle this summer and so we delivered,” said Joe Hall, Department of Natural Resources Belle Isle Park supervisor. “Instead of leaving the island to have lunch or dinner, visitors can now stay and enjoy the island while also enjoying a variety of food choices and rental opportunities.”
The vendors — reviewed and selected on a first-come, first-served application process based on a maximum island space capacity — are located in four designated vendor areas, including:
- Parking lot to the west of the Belle Isle Conservatory, near the intersection of Loiter Way and Conservatory Drive.
- Near Scott Fountain, located just off the paddock area near the intersection of Fountain Drive and Sunset Drive.
- Near the swimming beach on Riverbank Road.
- Near the athletic fields by Loiter Way.
A variety of food concessionaires offer refreshments and meals, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, catfish, French fries, meatball, panini and ham and cheese sandwiches, pasta, garlic bread, nachos, chips, cookies, candy, cupcakes, soda, juice, bottled water and more. For a complete list of Belle Isle Concessionaires and their offerings, visit www.BelleIslePark.org and click on “Concessionaires.”
While visiting Belle Isle Park, stop by the mobile information booth, located along the circle drive just after crossing the McArthur Bridge. The mobile booth, wrapped in iconic Belle Isle imagery, is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day and staffed by a park ranger. Belle Isle maps and information, including directions to the designated concessionaire locations, are available at the booth. The $11 Recreation Passport, required for access to Belle Isle Park, is also available for purchase at the mobile information booth.
The Recreation Passport requirement is being phased in gradually at Belle Isle Park. Vehicles will not need the Passport during the first year of state management until their next license plate registration renewal date. For example, if the vehicle license plate registration renewal date is in October 2014, then the passport is not needed on that vehicle to enter Belle Isle until October. Once a full year has cycled (February 2015), all vehicles entering the park must have a Recreation Passport. The passport applies only to vehicles, not individuals. Pedestrians, bicyclists and those using public transportation can enter the park free of charge and will not need the passport.
Learn more about the Recreation Passport at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport and www.BelleIslePark.org.
