Watch your ass: Belle Isle’s giant slide reopens this Friday

The nostalgic Detroit attraction is offering free rides for visitors

Jul 17, 2024 at 2:23 pm

The iconic Belle Isle slide is back. Drew Tarvin, Flickr Creative Commons

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The dangerously fun giant metal slide on Detroit’s Belle Isle is reopening on Friday.

To celebrate the occasion, visitors will have the opportunity to ride the six-lane slide for free from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The event will also feature bounce houses for kids sponsored by Purple Heart Party Kids and Bouncing All Around Party Rentals.

To ride the slide, the height requirement is 48 inches.

Following the opening, riders will be charged $1 per ride and the slide will return to regular hours, open on Fridays from 12:30-5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The slide will remain open every weekend through Labor Day.

The nostalgic attraction returned in the summer of 2022 after several years being closed down, quickly making national headlines after videos of riders flying down it and landing hard went viral. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which manages Belle Isle, blamed people for riding down the slide incorrectly — allegedly, the key is to hold onto the sack and lean forward the whole time — though the DNR also treated the surface of the slide to try to slow riders down.

This summer, the notorious slide should have a softer landing, and the wild ride is a Detroit rite of passage. Your ass may burn, but the fun experience will not disappoint.

Slideshow

Detroit summer commandments you must obey

Thou shalt ride the Belle Isle slide (it’s coming back). Belle Isle’s nostalgic giant slide returned in the summer of 2022 after several years being closed down. The slide made national headlines after videos of riders flying down it and landing hard went viral. Well, this summer, the notorious slide will be reopening with a softer landing, and this wild ride is a must. Your ass may burn, but the fun experience will not disappoint.

Thou shalt host or attend a cookout.In Detroit, cookouts are a part of culture. Whether it’s a barbecue on the side of the road or a backyard family party, hosting or attending at least once food-filled event is a must during the summer.

Thou shalt take a stroll on the Riverwalk.Detroit’s revitalized riverfront has been named the best in the nation by USA Today for three consecutive years, but visiting it has been a tradition for Detroiters for much longer. Whether you just want a walk with a view or to splash in the fountains, strolling the Riverwalk makes for a great summer activity. In recent years, the riverfront has gotten many new parks that host regular events and free activities for all. And now, you can bike it all the way to Belle Isle.

Thou shalt swim at Belle Isle.As soon as the weather heats up, Belle Isle’s beaches are packed, whether people are actually swimming, having a barbecue on the beach, or just soaking up the sun. Many people do swim in the Detroit River at Belle Isle, but many others think it’s gross and never do. Either way, Belle Isle is a big part of summer in Detroit.

Thou shalt attend a summer concert or festival.A summer is not a good one without art and music, and Detroit isn’t Detroit without its creative energy either. And there are tons of options for summer concerts and festivals, whether big or small. We’ve got Pride festivals and small art fairs happening all over metro Detroit throughout the summer, plus the global Black music festival Afro Nation happening in August, and the Detroit Jazz Festival to cap it all off during Labor Day weekend. Do not miss out on experiencing at least some of these magical events.

Thou shalt visit Eastern Market.Summer means it’s farmers market season, and Detroit’s top farmers Market is Eastern Market, filled with produce, flowers, and various vendors weekly. On Saturdays, vendors sell everything from tacos to produce to flowers. On Sundays, the space is packed with local jewelers and artists. Surrounding walls and warehouses are adorned with murals and live music is played at nearby venues. This is one great place to take visitors who want to be immersed in Detroit’s culture.

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Metro Detroit Things to Do LOL giant slide Belle Isle slide Detroit things to do Belle Isle Detroit events free things to do in Detroit

About The Author

Layla McMurtrie

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between the Lines, and Metromode, among other Michigan publications.