Belle Isle Casino is currently closed for renovations which are expected to be completed
​by early 2026, in time for Daffodil Day.

There is no gambling in this type of casino!
The word "casino" originated in 18th century Italy. It referred to a little house or cottage.
It came to mean a gathering place, in a garden or park like setting, for leisure activities.

The Belle Isle Casino, opening in 1908, has long offered scenic views of the city of Detroit, Belle Isle Park, the Detroit River and Canada.  It was a place to catch cool river breezes as you watch boats on the water.  It was also a place to warm up after ice skating or playing in the snow  It remains a popular location for weddings, meetings, art fairs, and entertainment events of many types. It was the center of hospitality when the Grand Prix race was on Belle Isle. 

The renovations are supported by $4.75 million in federal relief funding. Once reopened, the casino will again function as an event space, not a gambling establishment. 
​Some hope to see an informal year-round restaurant  serving the many families and individuals who come to enjoy Michigan's most popular state park. 

A wooden casino was built in 1878, shortly after Belle Isle became a park. It soon became the social center of the island. As Detroit's population expanded, an upgrade was needed. 

The present casino was built in 1908. It was a much larger and more elegant building made of brick and marble. It was best known as home for ice cream soda parlor with beautiful marble furnishings. The new Casino provided space for dancing, flower shows, concerts and many other events.  Its Renaissance Revival design was by architects Edward C. Van Leyen and Edward A. Schilling.  They also designed Fordson High School, in Dearborn, and many churches and homes in the Detroit area.   

The Belle Isle Casino is beautiful in all seasons.

Click photo below to see John Carter's YouTube Tour of Belle Isle

Click to see John Carter's YouTube Tour of Belle Isle, starting with Casino.