June 22, 2017

Contact: Karis Floyd, 313-821-9844

Vehicle traffic opens on Belle Isle at 2 p.m. for Detroit's Ford Fireworks viewing, plus Ford Motor Company sponsors Recreation Passport giveaway

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that Belle Isle Park will open to vehicle traffic at 2 p.m. Monday, June 26, for the first 3,000 vehicles that want to catch spectacular views of the 2017 Ford Fireworks, produced by The Parade Company, in Detroit. The fireworks display is set to begin at 9:55 p.m.

In addition, the first 250 Michigan-registered vehicles that do not currently have the Recreation Passport will be given a complimentary passport courtesy of Ford Motor Company. 

Belle Isle Park is a popular viewing location for the annual fireworks display because of proximity of the fireworks and convenient parking. The DNR invites Detroit-area residents and visitors to take in the views along the Detroit River. Motor homes are permitted in the paddock parking lot only. 

Standard park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., but that day Belle Isle will not open to vehicle traffic until 2 p.m., and the park will remain open until the fireworks display is completed. Bicycles and walkers are welcome on the island throughout the day. Viewing from the MacArthur Bridge is not permitted.

"The fireworks show provides a great family evening on the island, where one can view the colorful display while having a cookout or picnic and enjoying the park," said Karis Floyd, park manager of Belle Isle Park and Milliken State Park and Harbor. "We also want to remind those planning to come to the island that there is 3,000-vehicle maximum for this event. Once the spots are filled, access to the park will be closed."

To ensure that each visitor has the opportunity to enjoy Detroit’s popular fireworks display, the public is reminded that:

• The park will open to the first 3,000 vehicles at 2 p.m. Access to the park will be closed to vehicle traffic once the maximum has been met.
• Alcohol consumption is prohibited on the island except by use permit, which can be obtained from the park supervisor with a shelter or event rental.
• Motor homes are permitted in the paddock parking lot only.
• Viewing from the MacArthur Bridge is not permitted.
• Tents and canopies should be 9 feet by 9 feet or smaller, with no more than two tents or canopies per group. Tents have to be open on all sides.
• Consumer fireworks are prohibited on the island, which is a standard rule for all Michigan state parks.

Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, is rich with natural beauty and historical and cultural resources. The park is home to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, a golf course, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and many more attractions popular with all ages and interests. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, bicycling, kayaking and picnicking. Learn more at www.belleislepark.org.

For more information, please contact Karis Floyd at floydk@michigan.gov or 313-821-9844.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.