See Belle Isle in the 1970s with these vintage photos

By Jenna Jones on Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 11:29 am

While Belle Isle's conservatory is under renovation, we figured a walk down memory lane would be justified. And what better decade to revisit than the 1970s?

We dug through Detroit Historical Society's digital archives and grabbed a few of the photos that best captured Belle Isle in the 1970s, along with captions provided by the historical society. From picnics to pony cart rides to elderly Detroiters getting a dance lesson, they charmingly illustrate what the state park was like five decades ago.

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Dave Jordano via Detroit Historical Society

"Black and white photographic print matted on board depicting the Belle Isle bicycle pavilion. An early 1970s Ford Mustang and a Chrysler Newport convertible are in the foreground, and several other vehicles are parked closer to the building, including two Volkswagon Beetles and a Buick coupe. Signs in the background read: 'Return Bikes In Here,' 'Watch Your Bike,' 'Rent a Bike' and 'Pepsi Refreshments'."

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Robert Seiden via Detroit Historical Society

"Black and white photographic print depicting Stanley Dolega's Untitled sculpture on the westernmost point of Belle Isle. Detroit skyline visible in the background including Budweiser plant."

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Stephen J. Sandt via Detroit Historical Society

"Black and white photographic print depicting the Remick Bandshell on Belle Isle, with one person on the stage and benches and trash cans in the foregruond. Lake Takoma visible in the background. Dated October 1973."

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Dave Jordano via Detroit Historical Society

"Black and white photographic print matted on board depicting the southeast corner of Belle Isle Casino, with a sign reading "Casino Cafeteria." A panel truck is backed up to the building."

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Larry Abgarian via Detroit Historical Society

"Black and white photographic print on board depicting a picnic shelter on Belle Isle, with picnic tables and trash cans in front."

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Mark A. Kreft via Detroit Historical Society

"Black and white photographic print mounted on board depicting the MacArthur Bridge and the Detroit River, taken from Belle Isle looking northeast. The River Towers Apartments are visible in the background.

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