Belle Isle Aquarium

One of Detroit’s truly historic icons, the Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest public aquarium in the U.S. Opened in 1904, this ornate building features a single large gallery under an arched, green tile ceiling, to evoke a spookily-accurate underwater ambience. The aquarium (which also served as a speakeasy during Prohibition) is now run by volunteers and opens every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm. If you’re heading over to Belle Isle—a 982-acre island park on the Detroit River—take time to check out the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory (7000 Inselruhe Ave, 313-331-7760) too, a beautiful 13-acre botanical garden and greenhouse a short walk from the aquarium.