Edition No. 94
Arts and Culture
The Belle Isle Nature Center reopens welcoming guests to see what new opportunities the $2.5 million makeover has in store for visitors.
Community and Family
Explore what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage.
Belle Isle Nature Center reopens following $2.5 million renovation
The beautiful colors of the season and warm donuts aren’t the only things to be excited about this fall! The Belle Isle Nature Center has reopened and ready to welcome guests to see what new opportunities the $2.5 million makeover has instore for its visitors.
Located on 5 acres at the northeastern tip of Belle Isle State Park, the Belle Isle Nature Center provides educational, environmental and natural experiences that help connect visitors with urban nature.
New and improved additions to the Belle Isle Nature Center include:
A major renovation of the entrance lobby, featuring reclaimed materials from the old Belle Isle Zoo
A replica Detroit sewer tunnel walk-through allowing visitors to learn about and explore the areas where city infrastructure and wildlife intersect
Expansive habitats for animals that call the Belle Isle Nature Center home, including turtles, mudpuppies, bullfrogs, snakes and urban woodland reptiles
A pollinator area that allows guests to see how bumblebees experience their world
An expanded and upgraded Nature Play Area to continue Belle Isle Nature Center’s Nature Tots programming
The Belle Isle Nature Center, 176 Lakeside Drive in Detroit, is free and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. However, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicles to enter Belle Isle State Park. Learn more at the button below.
Who is ready for fall fun?
With fall in full swing and the colors on the cusp of change in southeast Michigan, here’s a look at what area cider mills and orchards have to offer as Michigan comes alive with cooler temperatures and plenty of fall foliage. We’ve chosen one fall destination from each county in the tri-county area!
Wayne County
Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill
Operating since 1977, Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill has been the local cider mill for families to enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, fresh-made donuts, crispy caramel apples, icy apple cider slushies, fresh organic apples, baked pies and a fun farm experience. It also offers orchard wagon rides, a children's animal park, a new cider mill garden with fall mums and October pumpkin picking.
Address: 10685 Warren Road, Plymouth Phone: 734.455.2290
Macomb County
Stony Creek Orchard & Cider in Bruce Township
Stony Creek offers fresh apple cider pressed from its own mill, along with hot, homemade donuts made in the Donut House. Folks can eat their seasonal treats at the picnic area while kids play on the straw bales. On fall weekends, people can pick their own apples, pumpkins and raspberries or purchase them pre-picked in the salesroom. Additionally, it offers apples, hand-made pies and caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more.
Address: 2961 W. 32 Mile Road, Romeo Phone: 586.752.2453
Oakland County
Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills
The Franklin tent, apple shack and more are back at Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills. Cider and donuts, as well as our other goodies such as breads and pies will be available for purchase. The tent is filled with Michigan homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsa, meats, cheeses and more. The apple shack will continue to sell a fresh selection of seasonal apples by the ½ peck and bushel. Franklin’s cider making process is open for visitors to view.
Address: 7450 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills Phone: 248.626.8261
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