Historical Marker Although the island was essentially deserted on the last day of Winter 2006, this extraordinary location figures powerfully in the history of Detroit.	Bridge View The bridge connects the island to the city at the foot of Grand Boulevard as it intersects with Jefferson Avenue.	Casino View Detroit has three gambling casinos; this is not one of them. Belle Isle's Casino is a well-maintained building used for various purposes over the years.
Casino View The Renaissance Center may be seen through the columns of the Casino's stoa.	Conservatory The Conservatory is still in operation and houses a wonderful variety of plants in various sections.	Conservatory Not far from the glass dome of the Conservatory, the catastrophic economic troubles of Detroit have left several landmark structures near ruin: the riding stables, the Belle Isle Zoo, the old aquarium, once thriving and full of life, now shuttered.
Scott Fountain detail This huge and ornate fountain is in fine condition after a restoration in the 1990s. Though the water has been turned off for the winter, the fountain is quite a sight during warmer months.	Detroit view from Belle Isle I try to imagine what the city must have looked like a hundred years ago, when throngs of citizens crowded the island, paddling in canoes, riding bicycles and horses, and swimming in the lagoons.