Belle Isle Casino Detroit Mi

One of the first structures built on Belle Isle after it became a park was the first Belle Isle Casino, opening in June 1887.

Casinos in Detroit, MI. Rich with history and natural beauty, Belle Isle Park is a Detroit gem and a Michigan state park. The 987-acre island park features the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, giant slide, athletic fields, picnic areas, tennis courts, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and more attractions popular with all ages and interests. 51st Annual Belle Isle New Year's Eve Run The longest continuously-held running event in Michigan! Join Freedom Over Fear, the Downtown Runners & Walkers, and Hanson's Running Shop at the Belle Isle Casino on beautiful Belle Isle Park in Detroit, as we celebrate 51 years of New Year's Eve tradition.

There was no gambling in this type of casino, which relies more on the traditional definition of the word, meaning a building used for meetings, entertainment, dancing and the like. The city’s first stab at a casino was designed by the firm Donaldson & Meier, and offered Detroiters a place to rest, grab a bite to eat or seek shelter from nasty weather. However, it was made entirely of wood, and after only two decades, was already showing its age. With the city’s fortunes and population both swelling, a decision was made to build a new, larger casino nearby.

Belle Isle Casino Detroit Michigan

When the current structure opened in May 1908, the old one was demolished.

Belle Isle Casino Detroit Mi

The current Casino, designed by Van Leyen & Schilling — not Albert Kahn, as often misattributed — continues the tradition of serving as a meeting place and event spot, hosting everything from fairs to weddings. The casino was one of the most popular attractions on the island. Its centerpiece was a beautiful marble soda counter, which was tragically pounded to pieces in 1972 during a misguided attempt at modernizing the historic structure.