Michigan Is Home to the Oldest Aquarium in America—And It’s Absolutely Beautiful

There's something indescribable about walking through old buildings. I'm left wondering how many other people have walked this same path without acknowledging the countless others who will follow. Detroit is a hotbed of old buildings, vacant and occupied, for people to explore.

The Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit, Michigan stands as the oldest aquarium in the country. Not only is it recognized for its longevity, but it's widely considered one of the most beautiful aquariums in the United States.

First opening in 1904, the Belle Isle Aquarium stands out with its impressive architecture. The building was designed by the famous architect Albert Kahn. People come from far and wide to not only experience the hundreds of species of aquatic life within its walls but also the building itself.

According to Historic Detroit, an estimated 5,000 people showed up to explore the aquarium the first day it opened. Guests were greeted with a walkway of seafoam green tiles as they entered this meticulously designed interior. The goal was to give patrons the sense they were in an underwater sea cavern among the species they observed.

Just like in 1904, this aquarium is home to a variety of species coming from both local Michigan waters and the furthest reaches of the world's oceans. The aquarium underwent its first renovation in 1954, replacing carp-filled floor pools (which also collected its fair share of rubbish) with new exhibit tanks to hold tropical fish. At the time, the aquarium curator considered it the largest collection of fish ever put on display.

Through the second half of the 20th century, attendance drastically declined. Attendance topped 1.8 million in 1931, slumping to one million in the 1960s. By 1995, it only attracted 113,000 annual visitors. Within 10 years, the aquarium's annual attendance wouldn't even reach 60,000.

The aquarium sadly closed its doors after years of economic issues and declining interest.

However, a new passion for the Belle Isle Aquarium emerged shortly after the longtime attraction was taken away from Detroiters. The Belle Isle Conservancy helped raise funds and restore the aquarium to operational standards, reopening the more than 100-year-old attraction in 2012.

Once only hosting 44 display tanks, the aquarium is now home to more than 200 different freshwater and saltwater aquatic species. The momentum hasn't stopped there—as of 2026, the aquarium is currently undergoing a $10 million renovation to update its HVAC system, drainage, and accessibility, ensuring this historic building is around for another century of visitors.

Its comeback is catching the eyes of aquatic experts across the country. Aquarium Store Depot named the Belle Isle Aquarium the Most Beautiful Aquarium in America for 2023. It took the top spot among 175 aquariums across the country.

The rankings categorized all these aquariums by the proportion of Tripadvisor reviews that used the words "beautiful", "breathtaking", and "picturesque". Approximately 30.7% of reviews referenced the beauty of the Belle Isle Aquarium, more than any other aquarium in the nation.

The aquarium is one of several attractions on Belle Isle, a 985-acre island park in the Detroit River. The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory sits just next door, and the island is also home to the Belle Isle Nature Center, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, beaches, and miles of trails.

Admission to the aquarium and the island's other attractions is free—though if you're driving, note that all vehicles entering Belle Isle Park require a Michigan Recreation Passport.

Tripadvisor isn't just a good source for polls like this, but it's also a great place to find a place to stay if you plan on visiting the aquarium. For a convenient and stylish stay, consider booking a room at ROOST Detroit, just minutes from Belle Isle and downtown attractions.

Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, there's no shortage of things to admire at the Belle Isle Aquarium. The aquarium is currently open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the official website of Belle Isle Aquarium for more info and upcoming events, and plan the rest of your Detroit stops using our Only In Your State itinerary planner.