CASINO

Belle Isle Casino

Program: Event Space

Designed: Van Leyen & Schilling (1887)

Style: Beaux Arts

Yearly Rentals: 75 events

Managed: Belle Isle Conservancy

Originally constructed out of wood, the original Casino had no gabling on its interior, but rather was a wooden cathedral to leisure and relaxation on the island. Detroiters could grab a bite to eat there, or seek some shade. Others relaxed with a good book or gathered to play

A Palace of Ceremony

In 1908 the wooden structure was torn down due to weathering and replaced with the current structure. It 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.

The new two -story building has beautiful tall towers framing the building’s four corners with encircling verandas and columns that allow guests to look out at Detroit and Canada over the pond. The building itself is not accessible to the public on a daily basis. Most Detroiters never see its interior since it is only used as a rental space today.