The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that Belle Isle Park will open to vehicle traffic at 2 p.m. Monday, June 26, for the first 3,000 vehicles that want to catch spectacular views of the 2017 Ford Fireworks. The annual light show is set to begin at 9:55 p.m.
In addition, the first 250 Michigan-registered vehicles that do not currently have the Recreation Passport will be given a complimentary passport courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
Belle Isle Park is a popular viewing location for the annual fireworks display because of proximity of the fireworks and convenient parking. The DNR invites Detroit-area residents and visitors to take in the views along the Detroit River.
Standard park hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., but that day Belle Isle will not open to vehicle traffic until 2 p.m., and the park will remain open until the fireworks display is completed. Bicycles and walkers are welcome on the island throughout the day.
To ensure that each visitor has the opportunity to enjoy Detroit's popular fireworks display, the public is reminded that:
Alcohol consumption is prohibited on the island except by use permit, which can be obtained from the park supervisor with a shelter or event rental.
Motor homes are permitted in the paddock parking lot only.
Viewing from the MacArthur Bridge is not permitted.
Tents and canopies should be 9 feet by 9 feet or smaller, with no more than two tents or canopies per group. Tents have to be open on all sides.
Consumer fireworks are prohibited on the island, which is a standard rule for all Michigan state parks.
