Please Ignore This Giant Bronze Statue (and other stories from Detroit’s Belle Isle)

[@nikkob1252]

As someone who has been to that fountain several times, I can say that I'm not sure I ever noticed that statue or if I did I promptly forgot about it. So they definitely did a good job at hiding it.

[@dadsfix7590]

I absolutely love you. You have such an infectious excitement about Michigan and history that has me more interested in my state. Thanks you for what you do and for being you.

[@AlexisDahl]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you saying that.

[@dadsfix7590]

@@AlexisDahl its my pleasure.

[@trapin68]

Not sure if you know this but the Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest public Aquarium in the United States.

[@robertwazniak9495]

You need to contact one of the shipping companies and get a ride from Marquette thru the Soo Locks and down the Detroit River. The stories that sailors tell are fascinating. Also, the next time you are in Detroit lookup the Wescot Mail Boat. They greet almost every ship going up or down the river and deliver “mail by the pail” … they have their own zip code.

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, man. That is an excellent idea. I'd love to do that someday. Also, thanks for the tip about the mail boat! :)

[@commandermudpie]

You must go to the aquarium when it is open. It has been fully restored and was designed by Kahn. Beautiful interior tile work and lots of local fish species. The botanical house is also wonderful, but it is getting a major restoration. I think it will be at least a year before it re-opens.

[@beenfrank]

Indeed

[@Pistolita221]

Has it re-opened?

[@georgekn3mp]

Belle Isle has a LONG history, along with Bois Blanc Island downriver from there which was an amusement park taking up the whole island back then. So many stories about "Boblo Island" and the two "Boblo Boats" (Columbia and Ste. Claire) that carried people there for almost 100 years. Columbia is being restored in New York. Ste. Claire burned a few years ago during restorations. The Great Lakes were covered with luxury passenger steam boats like the "Tashmoo" which actually crashed against the Belle Isle bridge (MacArthur Bridge) back in the 30's and sank there. You could take a week-long steamer trip from Detroit all the way up to Mackinac Island.... also, Belle Isle's southern tip gets great sunset views of the city glowing in the golden hour.

[@ClifBratcher]

I used to live a few blocks from Belle Isle and had no idea that statue existed 😅 BTW If you're looking for more interesting Detroit history, check out the Purple Gang. During prohibition, the Detroit border with Canada was one of the largest paths for alcohol into the US. The Purple Gang controlled it and we're ruthless enough that Al Capone didn't want to challenge them. They were even suspected of being involved in the Lindbergh baby kidnapping.

[@AlexisDahl]

Whoa. That... is wild. I will look forward to reading more! Thanks!

[@marceld6061]

You may also notice that the sign on the Canadian Club (Hiram Walker's) grain silos is facing Detroit and NOT Windsor. This was done to attract Americans over the border to Canada where Prohibition didn't exist. My grandfather and some other relatives used to buy cheap used Model T's to drive liquor across the river when it froze over in the winters. If the vehicle fell through the ice, it was more of a loss to have the liquor go down than the vehicle.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

@@marceld6061 What's more -- On a river boat tour about French history along the river, we were told the church there with the electric-lit cross was used to signal when it was safe for the rumrunners to come over! LOL. It was/is a Catholic church. (That might've been the only thing I really learned on that tour - not because it wasn't full of great info, but because I'd already read a fair amount of Detroit history.)

[@kevind3185]

I've got a picture of my Grandpa as a little kid in the 1930's taken with the fountain in the background.

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, my gosh, that's great! What a fun thing to have.

[@wmschooley1234]

Alexis: Where you were standing at 1:23 would have gotten you arrested in the 1950’s and 1960’s. During the cold war, where you filmed, there was a Nike missile station. As a child visiting Belle Isle in the 50’s and 60’s I clearly remember, at the far downriver end of Belle Isle, at least two Nike Ajax or Nike Hercules missiles standing pointed skyward within a barbed wire enclosure, an armed guard entry post and prominent KEEP OUT signs. There were some 16 tactical missiles stations within the greater Detroit and Michigan area. The Nike System was designed to protect Detroit, known as the WW 2 arsenal of democracy, from incoming Soviet attacking nuclear bombers, tactical missiles and later ICBM’s. In the early 1970s, the Nike missile program was obsolete and the base and missiles were removed. So enjoy those yellow daffodils you see there today and remember what was there before. Respectfully, W.S.

[@AlexisDahl]

Wow. Thank you so much for sharing about this. I'm very glad to have learned about this.

[@mygreatestdayever]

I love your positive energy! You make everything fascinating just with your enthusiasm. 😊

[@AlexisDahl]

Hey, thank you! I appreciate that.

[@r.g.edmonson6174]

If you ever get back to Detroit, Albert Kahn is a name worth exploring. More than a lighthouse on Belle Isle, Kahn was a prolific architect in the first half of the 20th Century. He designed the Fisher Building, Hill Auditorium on the U-M campus and other commercial and residential buildings. Most importantly, Albert and his brother Julius developed reinforced concrete as a building medium that became the standard for automobile factories of the era. Those included Ford's Highland Park factory, and the Packard Motor Co. plant on East Grand Boulevard. The Packard plant was the original "Motor City" before all Detroit adopted the name.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

Also Minoru Yamasaki - best known as the architect of the World Trade Center in NYC - built some of his favorite work on the Wayne State campus. His firm was headquartered here in Detroit.

[@Mike-126]

I love your style of storytelling. Looking forward to more.

[@ferrisulf]

As a fellow Michigander, I thoroughly enjoy all of the information you give us about our state. This is all fascinating! Have barely been up north and don't get to Detroit very often. I'm in Kalamazoo. I did get a quite in depth tour around Detroit several years ago by family who live and work there and have access to a lot of places. The ornate designs and structures from its heydays are quite breathtaking.

[@zunedog31]

Theres a Belle Isle in the middle of a river in Richmond VA, too!

[@Snarkyhippie]

The island used to have a zoo a couple decades ago. It was small and precious. Belle Isle is one of my most favorite places in the city. Thank you for this.

[@georgekn3mp]

She actually had a picture of the stablehouse included! Another abandoned spot...

[@williamwright1281]

​@@georgekn3mpDon't forget about the aquarium

[@georgekn3mp]

@@williamwright1281 with those green tiles!

[@williamwright1281]

The aquarium is still open

[@jamesmartin7282]

You mentioned that the City of Detroit purchased Belle Isle in 1879. But more recently, the city sold it to the State of Michigan because it had become run down and the city couldn't afford to fix it. Now it's a state park run by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

There's something sad about the city not owning it anymore - though not quite as sad, in my opinion, as the People of Detroit no longer owning the art in the DIA. When people were worried about Belle Isle being sold to the state, all I could think was, "They're not going to float it up the river to the suburbs or anything." And it's still public space. We'd be way worse off had it been put under private control.

[@bookofrevelation4924]

The systemic looting of Detroit by the State of Michigan began after 1968 World Series Victory as last supper. In time for 2020 US Census changes with new technologies held back until then to replace human labor with robots. I was born into it in 1963 and removed from Detroit in 1970 to watch it looted through the 2000s takeovers using Temporary Emergency Managers to seize control of city governments.

[@markp.5618]

The island has not been sold, it is stilled owned by the City of Detroit but is being managed by the State Department of Natural Resources.

[@vicbertfartingclack4559]

Wow. Another awesome video. Detroit has an amazing history. When you were talking about the geological origins of marble, it reminded me about something most people don’t think about too much - all the ancient salt deposits under Detroit and all the salt mining going on for decades under people’s feet. Anyway, thanks for this!

[@AlexisDahl]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Also, yes! I've wanted to make something about the Detroit salt mine for years (and keep hoping they'll get back to me about the couple of emails I've sent, ha ha). Hopefully someday!

[@kellyryanobrien1]

This!!!

[@timtom7097]

I wanted to visit that Island. Thats sooo cool. Thank you so much! Much love from KY

[@patrickkopytek5600]

Belle Isle is said to be the largest municipally owned island park in the United States. Also, aided by a good map, you will discover that the island runs East/West and the only part of the US where the United States is North of Canada! People for instance born in Hamtramck Michigan were born North of Canada.

[@elainebelzDetroit]

Is that really only true of Belle Isle, though? I remember in the 90s seeing a plaque over on the Canadian side that said it was the spot where the US was due north of Canada, and I believe it was much closer to the Ambassador Bridge.

[@edwarddherde9536]

The story behind the Scott statue is awesome

[@incoprea]

This is so great! Been all through Wisconsin, starting Michigan. Fayette Historic State Park was awesome!

[@AlexisDahl]

Ooh! That park is on my list!

[@davevanvugt]

I recently discovered your channel and have greatly enjoyed catching up on your videos! I'm Canadian, in the town of Bruce Mines, Ontario, about 1 hour from Sault Ste Marie. Not quite Michigan but not too far away. Bruce Mines has an long history of copper mining so I found your videos of mining very interesting. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@ryzechdev]

I love these videos so much! Even though i don’t live in Michigan your videos are always so entertaining!! Always look forward to them :)

[@AlexisDahl]

Aw! Thank you! That's a high compliment. :)

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

I used to live right on the St.Claire River in Port Huron. (I was in marching band there, too.) 😊. We had binoculars and a book listing freighters. We’d check them off as we observed them.

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, man, that sounds so fun! I might have to start doing that. 🙂

[@Al_G]

You could teach us about dishwasher warranties and I would enjoy them. But love the MI knowledge!

[@ronsamborski6230]

Alexis’ enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious! 😊

[@YourGirlMaze]

One of my highschool friend's dad worked on Belle Isle. So, before prom, my friends and I got to wander around the aquarium/conservatory, and even the track that was set up for the Grand Prix pretty much unsupervised before we took our photos.

[@djmartel91]

I had read that the citizen's of Detroit considered making his statue out of soap. He never stipulated what it was made of.

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, my gosh! Now there's an idea.

[@williamozier918]

I grew up in Detroit, and spent about half my life on Belle Isle. You can go there all the time, and still always notice or do something new.

[@jimsteele9261]

On the big things floating..... I always thought it was amazing that an ocean going freighter could sail inland as far as Minnesota. One of the funniest things I saw in the UP was at the Soo Locks, watching from the observation deck. A little two person sailboat cycled thru the lock. It looked like a rubber duck in a bathtub

[@elainebelzDetroit]

And they say we're "landlocked." I guess we technically are? Perhaps because the Erie Canal is human-made? Or rivers don't count?

[@killercurio]

Belle Isle is great this time a year i love going there and havent been there in a few years

[@astrorad2000]

Thank you for sharing. I really enjoy what you are doing and also enjoy your contagious enthusiasm !

[@AlexisDahl]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to say that. It's encouraging!

[@DjAlebo]

I have been to Belle Isle so many times. I've even passed that lighthouse at least a dozen times. I didn't know any of the stories you told. Thank you, it makes the memories more special.

[@LAWRENCESYSTEMS]

Excellent video! As someone who lives in the area I never knew about the history of Bell Isle. I also love all your videos about Michigan in general as you have really taught me a lot about the state I live in.

[@jayf8308]

Great job kiddo. I have been to the island just once on a cold rainy winter day while taking a break from a job site my brother and I was working on. Never really got out of the truck. I was feeding french fries to some birds who quickly told all their bird friends who came in such numbers that Alfred Hitchcock would have been shocked. lol

[@charlesvigneron565]

They could have had James Scott holding up bird feeders

[@AlexisDahl]

Ha ha! I had a good laugh at that. Thank you.

[@amayernican]

I didn't know I was going to be doing this tonight but I'm glad I did. You're great and I love local history. My adopted home of Oklahoma City also has a Belle Isle district that has a crazy history of being a theme park during the roaring 20s with all the good history of that in OK. Keep being awesome.

[@AlexisDahl]

Aw, thank you! Also, that's so fun about your local Belle Isle district. Love a good 1920s theme park!

[@amayernican]

@@AlexisDahl I like your work because it makes me feel like @99percentinvisiblepodcast with of lofty tone and more personal delivery. So good. Thank you.

[@andrwwgutowski3967]

Belle Isle the end of Vanessa terrig journey of the path of the left which starts at biggest Masonic Temple in the world. The Scott fountain is on the cardinal and those are basins. The area next to the fountain most prominent feature is the mikova. Staircase leading to thel basins of the fountain. There are 2 towers and a few other temples on the island along with the amazing Horticulturall building and aquarium n another fountain equally is esoteric The famous Native American chief Tecumseh Had a powerful Shaman brother. They conducted their craft at what was known as rattlesnake island The Haunted island was taken over in maid to Belle Isle as we know it now. Previously you had to go underground before you emerged at the bridge to cost the river. The classic underground journey before venturing to the aisle. There's also a statue of Dante elligeria. One of the most famous templars of all

[@andrwwgutowski3967]

Then I finished your video The lighthouse very similar Lee to the Fisher building straight is a hermetic Monument to the light There are 32 eagles. The 33rd Eagle would be the master bulb in the Lens if you're into or aware of this whole island in the whole city at the turn off the last century was set up by the nights of the Temple and the higher degrees of the Masonic ranks. The last reset of Detroit it was set up on the compass by Augustus Woodward 32nd degree night of Saint Andrew. Trusted Brother. of Thomas Jefferson.

[@dawnhughes9942]

Keweenaw Arborist friend here. I grew up playing on Belle Isle as a kid, then got to prune the trees in the conservatorium. We had to climb up on top of the glass dome and descend from the rafters to do it! There's a lumbermans museum there recently started by arborists where you can learn more about that history Thanks for featuring Belle Isle. Good memories.

[@allysahatfield7438]

Hey welcome! I am from Detroit and work in Detroit. You showed my building in your video! Belle Isle is a huge part of most Detroiters childhood😊 There used to be a drive through zoo never reopened and huge slide that they recently reopened.

[@cultivateinnovations]

your videos are great! I love learning about Michigan!

[@markberman8958]

So pumped you went to Belle Isle! The history is fascinating and your storytelling just makes it so much fun! We’re going to fly in this summer for an entire Michigan tour inspired by your work! Thanks for everything you do- you’re beyond awesome!

[@AlexisDahl]

Oh, man, that's amazing! I'm so honored. I hope it's a great trip! ☺️

[@kdmigloo]

Make sure to check out all the housing projects that are in ruins while your in detroit, if you have small children they will love it.

[@georgekn3mp]

try to get to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn if you get a chance. It's full of automotive history.

[@40intrepid]

Did you know Gene Hackman and Al Pacino filmed a scene for the movie "Scarecrow" in the fountain? Early 1970's.

[@Bubba4168]

I thoroughly enjoy your presentations whatever they may be. You’re a curiosity about everything is contagious and your enthusiasm is boundless! Thank you.

[@kencoffman7145]

Ya just don't know. As a kid from Detroit in the 70s, Belle Island was amazing. Huge population of albino axis deer and the aquarium is just a sight to be seen.

[@drsuss560]

As you asked for, here are some channels with current Detroit content. 1. Maddie on her journey to success! 2. Chosen Won-girls 3. Sharon V TV

[@MichaelDabish]

Moved to Detroit from Houghton Michigan. Definitely got some culture shock and took some to get use to living here. Thanks for this video series

[@AlexisDahl]

Ha ha, as someone who grew up in Metro Detroit and then came up to the Upper Peninsula, I know a bit about that feeling!

[@eherrmann01]

Great video Alexis, thanks for sharing these stories. The next time you're "downriver" you should visit Grosse Ile, there are many interesting stories to be found there.

[@AlexisDahl]

I love Grosse Ile! And would love to learn more about it. Any recommendations for where to start?

[@eherrmann01]

@@AlexisDahl It has been over 45 years since I lived there (it was my childhood hometown) but I'd look into the Pagoda on West River Rd, and the Wonder Well to start. The Pagoda is said to have some interesting history surrounding it, and the wonder well was a natural Sulphur spring near the south end of the island. They made fireworks there back in the day,. I don't know if either place is still there though. There was once also a railroad bridge from the island to Canada. When I lived there, you could still see some of the pilings near East River Rd.

[@ronsamborski6230]

@@eherrmann01 And the airport on Grosse Ile was once a U.S. Naval Air Station. 🇺🇸⚓️

[@jimjimsauce]

man i love that island. been there in my childhood to visit the aquarium and run 5ks. last year i visited for the final indycar race that was held there, as it’s being reallocated to the streets of downtown right across the river, and around the renaissance center! that’s this weekend so i’m stoked! anyways though a long time tradition of the Belle Isle Grand Prix was the winner jumps in the fountain! sad we’ll never have that tradition anymore but another fun story about that beautiful work of art :)

[@jonkreple6036]

A few years ago, the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix was run on the island. I was there for one of the events. Hopefully, the island has been returned to the park it was intended to be. It appears as though it has based on your walkabout and video.

[@gordybishop2375]

Thank you for sharing your adventures and the stories you find.

[@jamesdaniels3699]

My name is James Scott Daniels 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm NOT named after this James Scott

[@robertoperez2579]

You are dangerously close to going down the rabbit hole of Tartaria and the 19th century reset...the central park designer needs to be viewed with a more critical eye.

[@slypen7450]

Thanks! Never thought I see Belle isle again! It was a meeting place for high school teens in the late sixties and early seventies. Wasn't interested in it's history but the bridge was rumoured to have been a site where cement overshoes were used.

[@katfayegarrett3872]

Love Belle Isle! Recently lived very close, myself and my kids spent a ton of time there last summer and its truly a wonderful place!

[@axs62]

Thank you for another interesting story. Many of us appreciate your efforts. Good job.

[@phillylifer]

In love with your enthusiasm. So refreshing Local history !

[@Breytremore]

"It's story time!" Truer words were never spoken.

[@alanjohnson2613]

Yes he was notorious, I worked with one of his ancestors in the 70s he tried to live down james scotts notoriety

[@johncashwell1024]

A few years ago, my wife and kayaked around Belle Isle's canals and into the Detroit River, visited the aquarium, and several of the sites. It was a fantastic day.

[@PrB2024]

Fond memories. I remember going to the zoo and aquarium on Belle Isle as a kid. My mom worked on Belle Isle when she was in high school and the head horticulturist at the conservatory gave her plant clippings. So I have ivy and some other plants growing around my house that have their "roots" from Belle Isle.

[@LuckyGreenStripes]

I love your content and all the thought and hard work you put into it to help teach us more about Michigans history. It’s truly remarkable too see the structures like you shown us and just how much money and how wealthy Detroit was in the early 1900’s. Keep up the great work

[@AlexisDahl]

Thank you! I appreciate that a bunch.

[@barrykiseiewski5368]

You are just like the happiest person in the world and probably about the cutest 12 thank you for making my day better

[@strobex3298]

I love Belle Isle, I work on the mainland just off the island.

[@AuntyKsTarot]

I believe the word you are looking for is stole: the settlers stole the land from the Anishinaabe

[@AmandaHuggenkiss]

Belle Isle has improved vastly since becoming a state park. Thank you DNR and MSP!

[@YDGjohn]

The Grand Prix helped fund a lot of it too! Wish it was still on the island!

[@Brunoinski]

Also much safer

[@gregwarner3753]

Excellent story well told. Your enthusian for learning is both an example and infectious. Thank you for this illustration of a place I am not likely to ever visit. The Keewanah Peninsula is definitely on my list for my next cross country drive.

[@robertfindley921]

Always entertaining, always informative.

[@DetroitJohn2117]

Thank you for your video and Great job.. Belle Isle is French for beautiful Island. Since DNR has lease the Island for the next 30 years from the city of Detroit with the option of renewing the lease there has been a lot of improvements. The island was already a gem just more great things happening. I'm born and raised in Detroit & I am on the island a lot. My dog knows the island better than the back of her Paw lol

[@veramae4098]

Dad used to say James Scott was the meanest man in Detroit.

[@rocroc]

Another wonderful video that makes me want to take a look at all of the wonderful sites shown by Alexis throughout Michigan. That lighthouse is especially remarkable and one of a kind - I want to see it. It reminds me though of the first lighthouse ever built in Egypt by Ptolemy 1 in about 300 B.C., Pharos of Alexandria. I remember a distant picture of it in my mind and believe it was also built with granite.

[@daveinthewildOG]

Long time metropolitan Detroit resident in the past, thanks for this brief. Decent editing also kept it moving along. I'm starting my own thing on KZbin, and appreciate your channel!

[@williamburke1882]

Thanks again you are delightful and I appreciate all of your hard work (making these videos isn't easy people!) I enjoy learning new things and knowing that America is still out there.

[@cameo668]

I love your videos. I'm a Michigan ex-pat, though not by choice - work took me away from home and hasn't let me move back yet. Maybe in a few years when I retire? In the meantime, I enjoy watching videos and reading about my home and learning things I never knew. Thanks for all you do to keep this old Michigan girl happy with some Pure Michigan stories.

[@padraicmcgraw]

Dude get yourself on a boat and go out near one of those giant ships.... It is even crazier than seeing them from a distance or at a dock.

[@ronsamborski6230]

There are a fleet of “thousand-footers”, I believe thirteen of them, on the Great Lakes. Each of them one thousand feet long minimum. Used for hauling massive cargoes of coal, iron ore, etc. Their massive size limits the ports that they can operate from and they can’t go through the seaway to the ocean so they will always be in the Great Lakes.

[@padraicmcgraw]

@@ronsamborski6230 need more comments like this on YT. Holy sheeeeee....

[@ronsamborski6230]

@@padraicmcgraw Thank you, I’ll do my best! 👍🏽

[@KarenUntz]

Hmm.....Marble Hill, GA perhaps?

[@Celliam7]

I clicked this vid bcuz u are so cute...

[@saharhamad9144]

U are so beautiful and attractive.😊

[@Shotech906]

amazing video, like always!

[@Lcngopher]

Fun fact: the race circuit used on belle isle actually went backwards from the direction of traffic normally, at least for most of the lap.

[@kdmigloo]

Fun fact: 3 drivers were car jacked the last time they raced there. It was during the caution after thieves took the lug nuts off one of the cars trying to steal the tires.

[@larryhall7998]

Anyone else from Detroit remembers the popcorn vending machines outside of the casino? If you shook them you could get a free bag of popcorn (mid sixties)?

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Glad to see a new fan of the D, instead of another hater... ❤

[@memethem]

I love the ADHD story telling. "I don't know much about fountains or lighthouses, but these are made of marble" Brain: how is marble formed "These landmarks are signifi-" Brain: HOW IS MARBLE FORMED

[@ericmcintosh4818]

i live right by there lol Canada side

[@MarcoPolo-ze3ie]

Awesome. I was born in Detroit in 1967. I have lived within 50 miles of Belle Isle my entire life and I have never been there. During the Crack epidemic in the 80’s lots of people my age stayed away. Some went down for the Saturday night brawls/ so I heard. LovEd Your history lesson. I’ll check it out sometime. I could tell what time of year it was by your tan yooper. Your videos are like a mini vacation. Great work 🍒

[@BorgonOfTheSnows]

Always a pleasure to see a video from you!

[@benjaminscribner7737]

Another great tale. I really enjoyed it

[@nancyday4824]

Alexis, my husband and I recently found your channel and you are amazing. We're really loving all your videos. Just watched Belle Island video, very interesting. We're from Oregon and were through Upper Peninsula last summer and wish we had known about you then, as we might have known some other places to visit. Thank you for your lovely stories.

[@cmpe43]

The fountain looks similar to Buckingham fountain and I love watching your knowledgeable presentations! Thank you!

[@Blustone60]

I grew up in Detroit in the 60s and remember it as vibrant and filled to the brim wilife and activities. Belle Isle was a magical place for me growing up. Horses and many animals were there to enjoy, the Botanical and butterfly house still there. The beaches , fishing , trails and picnic areas made it feel like a worthy destination. I think buisnesses especially clean industrial manufacturing would do well to return there. Lots of nice places for people to rebuild after such a great loss of jobs could resurrect a good family town again. Thank you for visiting my hone town and having such nice things about it.

[@jonlangford7622]

Geology!! Yes! Lighthouses, also. New content good!! Thank you....seriously, keep it up, good stuff.

[@matthewthompsonr]

A year late...but I really hope you're a member of the Light House Passport system. I just started on getting my MI stamps. :) Also if you ever want any information on the Point Iroquis light house let me know, my aunt and uncle did the renovations there in the 80's and 90's and I'm sure they would love to answer any questions.

[@peterdibble]

I love the detail that they hoped the fountain spray would erode the statue. 😂 Savage.

[@Pistolita221]

You could d a whole series on Bell Isle, it sounds like! Also the River Rouge is interesting, the way it was developed for the Ford plant and all. And I've heard Delray used to be a national scale pot-ash fertilizer plant? Some interesting ideas for Detroit area.

[@timmah4202]

Frederick Law Olmstead also designed the grounds and gardens at the Biltmore estate in Asheville N.C. It's beautiful. If you haven't been there, I highly recommend it.

[@ellensimmons8485]

I hope you can return to Belle Idle when everything is open. You would ADORE the Aquarium, Conservatory, and Nature Center. They are AMAZING & such fun! And the Dossin Great Lakes Museum will inspire another great video. You would love it all! Such an excellent park. While you’re there, go to the Milliken State Park on the waterfront. So many wonderful sights there. Enjoy!

[@csnide6702]

We have a "philanthropist" in our town that "donates" to causes HE likes... and he puts HIS name on all of them . "that anything that big can float"... Alexis , please . You are a smart woman - it's all about displacement of water..... You went to school , right..? Oh yeah- you went to Michigan ........ Go green !

[@wilbard6708]

Great video, almost makes me think about taking a trip to that part of the state.

[@ronsamborski6230]

During summer months you could go to a Detroit Tigers baseball game, tour The Henry Ford (Greenfield Village), the Woodward Dream Cruise in August for classic and muscle car enthusiasts, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, and the Motown Museum (Hitsville USA). I know there are many more that I am forgetting about, it’s almost limitless. The Detroit area welcomes you!

[@jonlangford7622]

Just to mess with your geography, Olmsted was involved in developing a place far south of Michigan, in NC. A golf resort called Pinehurst. Tonight I bought a pizza in Olmsted village shopping center in NC

[@johnjunge6989]

So glad to see your back! And hog island is beautiful if your hungry, swans probably aren't as good! Lol Went to Vermont and New Hampshire in September, and plans was to stop by, when coming back through Canada, and see some of your adventures. But plans changed and I came back to Illinois via Ohio. During the two years of Covid I took a geology course. Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont have been some of the best Granite/😐Marble! White Marble is unique! Great stuff as usual!! But have plans still to go to Canada and see your sites!

[@sp-bl1sl]

Thanks this is great! Glad you enjoyed your visit NORTH of Canada. That's a fave Detroit fun fact. Geographically, when you look across the Detroit River to Windsor, Canada, you are looking due south.