Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

bif

(23,980 posts)
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 08:59 AM Jul 2023

I now have a job giving tours of Belle Isle!

I just started doing the tours a couple months ago. We do the tours in old Model A Fords and operate out of the Piquette Plant. If you're interested, check out the website: antiquetouring.com

Our company also does an Automotive history tour and a Corktown tour.

18 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I now have a job giving tours of Belle Isle! (Original Post) bif Jul 2023 OP
Nice! A very scenic area, I'm sure! Diamond_Dog Jul 2023 #1
It's an island park in the Detroit River bif Jul 2023 #2
that's really interesting. sounds like a cool job. congrats! nt orleans Jul 2023 #8
Originally named "Pig Island" Wednesdays Jul 2023 #10
I thought it was called Snake Island. multigraincracker Jul 2023 #11
Okay, I'll chime in here bif Jul 2023 #13
Just ask the tour guide. multigraincracker Jul 2023 #15
Egg-zackly! bif Jul 2023 #16
Wow that sounds fun! LisaM Jul 2023 #3
Very cool! Dyedinthewoolliberal Jul 2023 #4
Always loved Belle Isle if..fish..had..wings Jul 2023 #5
I use to spend a lot of time there multigraincracker Jul 2023 #6
Sounds perfect !!! Karadeniz Jul 2023 #7
Love the Piquette Plant MichMan Jul 2023 #9
Wow! I wish I wasn't so far away. I'd love those tours. Thanks for sharing this, bif.❤️ littlemissmartypants Jul 2023 #12
I love doing this. bif Jul 2023 #14
I loved going to Belle Isle when I was a kid, then later with my girlfriend Hassler Jul 2023 #17
Belle Island is beautiful...(Zug Island, not so much.) Jack-o-Lantern Jul 2023 #18

bif

(23,980 posts)
2. It's an island park in the Detroit River
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 09:26 AM
Jul 2023

Between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit. Much of it was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead who designed Central Park in NYC.

Wednesdays

(20,313 posts)
10. Originally named "Pig Island"
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 11:33 AM
Jul 2023

Until the early 1800's, I think, because it was mostly pig farms then.

bif

(23,980 posts)
13. Okay, I'll chime in here
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 02:08 PM
Jul 2023

It was originally called "Wanabeze" which is Ojibwa for Swan Island. It was also called Snake Island. When the French came and settled the area in the early 1700s, they renamed it Ille Aux Cochons, or Hog Island. Then it was renamed in 1845 by a group of folks while picnicking on the island Belle Isle after Isabelle Cass, the daughter of the popular "Boy" Governor Lewis Cass.

5. Always loved Belle Isle
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 09:37 AM
Jul 2023

I remember back in the 50's going there with my Grandmother. Canoeing, listening to concerts at the shell.
In the 60's watching the hydroplane races from the Detroit Boat Club.

Many decades, many memories...

multigraincracker

(34,071 posts)
6. I use to spend a lot of time there
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 09:37 AM
Jul 2023

in the 80s. Lots of great finds with my metal detector. Have take my wife there sometime.

MichMan

(13,165 posts)
9. Love the Piquette Plant
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 11:31 AM
Jul 2023

Visited a few years ago and really enjoyed it immensely. Did not expect the number and quality of vehicles on display.


Took Model T driving lessons at Gilmore several years ago as well.

bif

(23,980 posts)
14. I love doing this.
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 02:10 PM
Jul 2023

I'm pretty much retired, except for the weekly movie reviews I do for the local paper. I'm a huge Detroit booster, so it's perfect for me. Love meeting folks from out of town.

Hassler

(3,679 posts)
17. I loved going to Belle Isle when I was a kid, then later with my girlfriend
Sun Jul 30, 2023, 03:30 PM
Jul 2023

Parking on Woodside Drive. 😉

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Michigan»I now have a job giving t...