Community Groups and School Groups are encouraged to schedule weekday field trips to the Belle Isle Nature Zoo by contacting our staff at (313) 852-4056, ext. 3023 or BINZ@detroitzoo.org.
Visit the Deer Encounter
Fifteen fallow deer that once roamed the island now enjoy a one-acre enclosure and barn at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. The exhibit is part of a multi-phase project to convert the former nature center on Belle Isle into a Nature Zoo focusing on Michigan wildlife, flora and fauna.
"Bringing the wilds of Michigan to the heart of Detroit"
As we reflect on our many experiences since the BINZ opened, we are very appreciative to the many guests who have visited and the many partners who assisted us in developing this new facility.
The Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan provided funding through its Great Outdoors program to launch initiatives aimed at connecting families to their natural environment while enjoying other benefits including exercise and healthier lifestyles. The Junior League of Detroit has been providing wonderful family programming with a variety of activities including special guest speakers and creative craft activities.
A variety of programs are offered to the general public during our regular hours and on weekends. We invite school and community groups to contact our staff to discover special programs available by reservation.
Thanks to The Junior League of Detroit, BINZ visitors are able to get an insider’s view of an actual beehive and nose-to-nose with Michigan’s favorite reptile—the turtle—at two of our newest exhibits.
For more information contact BINZ staff by calling (313) 852-4056 ext. 3023 or by email: BINZ@detroitzoo.org.
| Belle Isle Nature Zoo,1928 East Lakeside Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48207, 248.541.5717 | ||
| Google Maps Link | ||
If you are:
Traveling East on I-94
Coming from: Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Westland, Metro Airport, Ypsilanti, Jackson, Belleville, Ann Arbor, Romulus
Directions: Follow I-94 E to I-96 E via exit 213B toward Canada. Merge onto I-75 N towards Flint. Merge onto I-375 S towards Downtown. Take the exit towards Jefferson Ave. E. Stay straight to go onto Chrysler Drive. Turn slight left on to E Jefferson Ave.
Traveling West on I-94
Coming from: Port Huron, New Baltimore, Mt. Clemens
Directions: Follow I-94 W to I-696 W. Follow I-94 W to Gratiot Ave/MI-3, exit 219. Turn right on Gratiot Ave. Take a sharp right onto E Grand Boulevard. Turn right onto E Jefferson Ave.
Traveling East on I-96
Coming from: Plymouth, Brighton, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
Directions: Follow I-96 E to I-696 E towards Port Huron. Take I-75 S towards Detroit to I-375 S, exit 51C towards Civic Center. Take the exit towards Jefferson Ave. E. Stay straight to go onto Chrysler Drive. Turn slight left on to E Jefferson Ave.
Traveling North on I-75
Coming from: Down River, Trenton, Wyandotte, Taylor, Lincoln Park, Toledo (Ohio), Monroe, Canada
Directions: Follow I-75 N to I-375 S towards Downtown. Take the exit towards Jefferson Ave. E. Stay straight to go onto Chrysler Drive. Turn slight left on to E Jefferson Ave.
Traveling South on I-75
Coming from: Sterling Htgs., Midland, Troy, Bay City, Flint, Saginaw
Directions: Follow I-75 S to I-375 S, exit 51C towards Civic Center. Take the exit towards Jefferson Ave. E. Stay straight to go onto Chrysler Drive. Turn slight left on to E Jefferson Ave.
Traveling North on Southfield Freeway or Southfield Road
Coming from: Freeway or Road
Directions: Follow Southfield North to I-696 E towards Port Huron. Merge onto I-75 S towards Detroit to I-375 S via exit 51C towards Civic Center. Take the exit towards Jefferson Ave. E. Stay straight to go onto Chrysler Drive. Turn slight left on to E Jefferson Ave.
Highway Key:
I-75: Fisher/Chrysler
I-94: Ford
I-96: Jeffries
I-696: Reuther
Michigan Department of Transportation Hotline: (800) 641-6368
Finding the Nature Zoo Once on Belle Isle:
Belle Isle Nature Zoo is located at the far end of Belle Isle just northwest of Blue Heron Lagoon. After crossing the bridge to Belle Isle, bear left at the "Welcome to Belle Isle" message board onto Central Avenue. Follow Central past the playscape. After proceeding through the woods, turn left onto Lakeside Drive (a one-way street). The Nature Zoo is on the left, across the street from the golf driving range.