To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together important details on shelter reservations and event permits at Belle Isle Park. The remaining rules and regulations for state parks still apply.
Shelter reservations
- Reserve a shelter online through the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations system at MiDNRReservations.com (click the “Day Use” tab and follow the prompts), or call 800-44PARKS (800-447-2757).
- When booking a shelter, please ensure it's large enough to accommodate the size of your event.
- Without an event permit, the number of guests cannot exceed the shelter’s capacity.
Events/activities requiring a permit
Certain events and activities at Belle Isle Park require an event permit. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Special events (e.g., bike rides, walks, runs).
- Memorial services.
- Weddings and receptions.
- Shelter activities with vendors or food trucks.
- Fundraisers.
- Ticketed events.
- Class reunions.
- Business activities.
- Graduation ceremonies.
- Church services and baptisms.
- Organized, advertised activities with 20 or more participants.
If you have any questions about event permits, please contact Darlisa Terrell at TerrellD5@Michigan.gov or 313-618-2870.
Tents
- The permit fee is $25 per tent.
- Guests/groups are allowed to bring a maximum of two tents, each measuring 10’ x 10’ or smaller, per event.
- Guests with approved reservations may rent tents larger than 10’ x 10’:
- Tents must be reserved through an approved vendor.
- The permittee is responsible for providing the tent vendor with the necessary paperwork (e.g., tent permit and site map) authorizing the service.
- Tents can only be set up during the approved reservation/set-up time and must be taken down immediately after the event.
- Tents require a permit request at least 14 days prior to your scheduled reservation.
Alcohol permit
- An alcohol permit is required to consume alcoholic beverages in the park.
- The non-refundable permit fee is $100.
- The park user must have a shelter or approved event area reserved.
- The applicant must be the same person who reserved the shelter or event space.
- A copy of the applicant's ID must be submitted with the application.
Inflatable permit
- An inflatable permit is required to have a bounce house or inflatable (e.g., games or movie screens) on the park.
- The non-refundable permit fee is $25 per inflatable.
- A maximum of two (2) inflatables are allowed per event.
- The park user must have a shelter or approved event space reserved.
- The applicant must be the same person who reserved the shelter or event space.
- All inflatables must be rented through an approved vendor. An updated list of approved vendors is available by contacting the event office.
- The permit must be requested at least 14 days prior to your scheduled reservation.
Vendors
Any business or individual selling products or providing services (usually for a fee) is considered a vendor. Examples of vendors include, but are not limited to, those offering tents, tables, chairs, food trucks, catering, game trucks, and lighting/staging equipment.
- All vendors must be approved to operate at Belle Isle Park.
- Vendors may only provide services for authorized events.
- An updated list of approved vendors is available by contacting the event office.
- We offer both one-day vendor permits and annual operating agreements for eligible vendors. Please contact our office for further details.
- Parkway Services is our exclusive vendor for porta-johns and handwashing stations. All service requests must be made directly with Parkway Services – NO PERMIT IS REQUIRED. You can reach them by phone at 734-482-7633 or 734-484-3504, or by email at parkwayservicesinc@yahoo.com.
Recreation Passports
- All vehicles entering the park must display a valid Recreation Passport. Find a list of fees.
- Recreation Passports can be purchased at the park booth on the day of your visit.
- Prices are subject to change without notice.
Parking
- All vehicles must display a valid Recreation Passport.
- Cars should be parked only in designated parking areas along the road and in parking lots.
- Parking on the grass is prohibited unless you have a permit.
- Citations may be issued for violations of parking policies or procedures.
Closures
Closures and detours may occur due to improvement projects, repairs, or weather conditions. Additionally:
- During peak times (e.g., large events, holidays, weekends and warm days—especially between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.), the park may reach full vehicle capacity. This may result in occasional bridge closures for inbound traffic.
- Bridge closures typically last around two hours. The bridge will reopen once traffic issues are resolved.
- If you leave the park during a closure (e.g., for food, ice, etc.), re-entry will not be allowed until the closure is lifted.
- To avoid delays, we recommend arriving early and planning ahead.
- Stay informed by following us on Facebook at Belle Isle Park – Michigan for real-time traffic and park updates.
- You can also receive park updates by subscribing to our text messaging system. Simply text the word "GEM" to 80888.
Grilling
- Grills are available at shelters and event areas.
- Guests are welcome to bring their own grills and fryers to the park.
- If you are renting a grill or hiring a vendor to grill on-site, a vendor permit is required.
- Coals must be disposed of in the designated “Coal bins.” Never dump coals in trash cans, on tree roots, or on the grass.
Cleaning up
- The event permittee/shelter occupant is responsible for ensuring the area is returned to its original condition.
- Trash cans and garbage bags (upon request) will be provided to collect waste from your event.
- A littering citation or cleaning fee may be assessed to permittees or shelter occupants who fail to follow cleaning policies.
Prohibited activities
The following activities are not permitted at Belle Isle Park:
- Balloon or lantern releases.
- Fireworks.
- Selling products or services without the proper permits.
- Petting zoos.
- Dunk tanks.
- Mechanical bull rentals.
- Waterslide inflatables.
- Party trains.
