Visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is located on Belle Isle in Detroit. This island park plays host to city events as well as personal parties such as graduations and reunions. The conservatory's history dates back to 1904. Its design was inspired by Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. It's a beautiful place to visit any time of year.

Below is a brief picture tour of the conservatory. These photos were taken on a trip in the summer of 2011. My husband and I originally only planned on visiting a lighthouse and museum on the island but saw the conservatory and decided to check it out. I'm so glad we did.

Summer Day View

My husband and I took our trip to Belle Isle in August. The picture immediately below is a summer day view from afar. I love willow trees, so I wanted a picture of the conservatory flanked by them.

There were many luscious tropical plants in this room. You got the sense of a little piece of jungle here, especially on a hot summer day.

There were giant cacti here as well as tiny succulents. It was a sight. Unfortunately, some of the plants were vandalized with carvings of names. I suppose some people think it adds to the charm. There was still a great deal of beauty here.

This little oasis surprises you as you walk into the entrance. The lily pond was lusciously green when we went to see it late in the summer.

This wall is near the entrance to the lily pond. It's decked out with ferns flanked by hostas. There is a door from this area that leads to the lily pond. As I sat and stared, I began to see a green man peeking out from the ferns. This could be a meditative place if it's a quiet day.

This fountain and sculpture were dedicated in 1910 by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Children of Detroit at the time raised the money themselves.

The conservatory was originally called the Horticulture Building. In the 1950s, the conservatory was in a state of decay. Anna Whitcomb, the daughter of the founder of the Detroit News, bequeathed a gift of over 600 orchids to the conservatory boosting the site as a horticultural and tourist attraction. The city of Detroit renamed the conservatory in her honor in 1955.

The conservatory is kept up mainly by volunteers and fundraising events. To learn how you can help, visit the Belle Isle Botanical Society link in the sources list below.

These are pics of just a few beautiful sites to see at the conservatory. But there are more. The building is set on 13 acres with gardens and a fountain on the grounds. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of the fountain, so you'll just have to visit to see it for yourself. You can make this a day trip as there are other attractions to see on the island including the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the Belle Isle Natural Zoo.

The conservatory is open Wednesday through Saturday and admission is free. The address and phone number are:

Belle Isle Botanical Society
8109 East Jefferson
Detroit, Michigan 48214
Telephone Number: (313) 821-5428

There are events all throughout the year. It's also a popular spot for weddings and flower shows. Visit the conservatory page on the City of Detroit's website for flower show info or call the number above.

Sources consulted:

1. Children's Temperance Fountain - Detroit, Michigan. Waymarking, 2011.
2. Belle Isle Botanical Society. 2011
3. Baulch, Vivian M. The orchids that saved Belle Isle Conservatory. The Detroit News, August 10, 1997.

All photos are the property of James and Patricia Deneen.