Belleville is a city in Wayne County, the most populous county in the state of Michigan. It is also known as the sister city of Machynlleth, Wales. Belleville, meaning a beautiful city in French, was named by its landowner James Bell in the 1800s. It is also home to the Belleville Area Museum and the Yankee Air Museum, both of which are integral structures that act as doorways to not only the town’s history but to American history as well.
The city also offers a lot of attractions that cater to guests of different races and religions. The city of Belleville has also evolved graciously along with time while maintaining the wonders it was known for. Belleville is 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Ann Arbor and 29 miles (47 km) southwest of Detroit. This is a city cuddled up on the peninsula shores of the Edison Lake. It is home to an assortment of museums that make your trip not only enjayable but also educational. Belleville hosts the annual National Strawberry Festival, where people from all over Michigan come to celebrate Belleville’s favorite fruit, the strawberry. To learn more about the things to do in Belleville, Michigan, keep reading below.
1. Learn about the city's history at Belleville Area Museum
Editor’s note: establishment is temporarily closed, please check before visiting
Belleville Area Museum was established in 1989 and it contains small-scale replicas of historical buildings that once stood in the city and the neighboring townships of Sumpter and Van Buren. Belleville Area Museum also houses collections of official documents, artifacts and photographs of the original settlers and these are open for public viewing.
Belleville Area Museum
Address: 405 Main St (8,113.96 mi) Belleville, Michigan 48111
Website: Belleville Area Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 12pm - 4pm; Tue: 3pm - 7pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Unwind at Horizon Park
The Horizon Park is an underrated spot for relaxation and it is only a short distance to and from the downtown of Belleville, which makes it perfect for tourists looking for a place to loosen up after a long day. Have an end-of-the-day walk along the park and a picnic at the designated picnic tables, and watch the sunset over the waters of Belleville Lake. You can also take stunning photos for remembrance of your stay in Belleville.
Horizon Park
Address: 220 High St, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
3. Satisfy all your shooting needs at T-Rex Arms Shooting Range
Posted by T-Rex Arms, LLC on Tuesday, 30 May 2017
If you are looking for a target to shoot or if you simply want to maintain your arsenal in tiptop shape, then the T-Rex Arms Shooting Range is the place to go to at Belleville. The range is equipped with a ventilation system and lead filtration system which will keep you and your family comfortable and safe. The Shooting Range also offers gun training for visitors as well as firearms retail services. Feel free to explore the whole shooting range and try different targets.
T-Rex Arms Shooting Range
Address: 44800 N Interstate 94 Service Dr, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: T-Rex Arms Shooting Range
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Mon - Tue: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
Price: 25 - 350 USD
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4. Check out an old aircraft at Yankee Air Museum
Yankee Air Museum is located in Willow Run Airport in Van Buren Township. It serves as a window into American aviation history and how it was incorporated into military applications through the years. Yankee Air Museum houses a small fleet of flying aircraft and a collection of static display aircraft which were used in historical American wars. If you have an interest in aviation, you will surely enjoy the exhibits. You and your family will definitely learn a lot of new things during your visit to this aircraft museum.
Yankee Air Museum
Address: 47884 D St, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: Yankee Air Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
5. Bring your kids to Lower Huron Metropark - Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center
This Week’s PEAK Adventure: Turtle Cove We will leave BAG @ 9:30 AM and return around 7:30 PM. Cost is $6 per child...
Posted by PEAK Children's Ministry on Monday, 30 July 2012
The Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center features a lazy river, water slides, and swimming pools which makes it the perfect summer getaway for you and the kids. There is a variety of slides which are perfect for children of all ages since there are small ones and big ones too. You can enjoy the delicious food served at The Grille, which is a restaurant located inside the aquatic center. The Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center promises quality time and enjoyment which leaves you with the feeling of looking forward to your next visit.
Lower Huron Metropark - Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center
Address: 40151 E Huron River Dr, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: Lower Huron Metropark - Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 8pm
6. Take a dip at Van Buren Park Beach
Van Buren Park Beach has undergone a lot of changes over the years yet it has maintained the secluded and peaceful ambiance that it has offered ever since. There are tons of activities to do here, like swimming and grabbing a bite at the sand bar, if you haven’t packed any food for your trip. You can also enjoy hiking on the trails available or play some ball games at the volleyball and basketball courts nearby.
Van Buren Park Beach
Address: 50901 N Interstate 94 Service Dr, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: Van Buren Park Beach
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
7. Taste unique Cajun dishes at Bayou Grill
The Bayou Grill is a New-Orleans-themed Cajun eatery with a full bar that serves up famous Cajun dishes from crawfish étouffée and jambalaya to chicken and andouille gumbo. They also offer non-Cajun dishes such as ribeye steak, ravioli, grilled chicken caesar salad and many more. With that said, their lunch buffets are really something that their loyal patrons look forward to.
Bayou Grill
Address: 404 Main St, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 12pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
8. Chill at Lakeview Tavern
If you are looking for a typical hole-in-the-wall bar with affordable drinks and good food, then Lakeview Tavern is what you are looking for. It is a bar frequently visited by locals due to its cheap-priced beer that comes with a good special menu. Spend some quality time with friends and family in this unique bar. There are events where you can also enjoy live music played by local bands. Lakeview Tavern leaves you with a satisfactory good buzz.
Lakeview Tavern
Address: Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: Lakeview Tavern
Opening hours: 12pm - 2am (daily)
9. Get self-defense training at Belleville Martial Arts Institute
Posted by Belleville Martial Arts Institute on Sunday, 9 June 2019
Belleville Martial Arts Institute offers training and lessons in the Isshinryu style of karate, a style of karate that was derived from Okinawa, Japan. Their training employs the practice of traditional Okinawan karate along with the study of empty hand fighting focused on building one’s discipline and character. The instructors are open to teaching students of all ages. If you are planning a long vacation in Belleville, consider visiting Belleville Martial Arts Institute and learn Isshinryu.
Belleville Martial Arts Institute
Address: 785 Sumpter Rd, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: Belleville Martial Arts Institute
Opening hours: Thu & Tue: 12pm - 4pm; Fri, Mon & Wed: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
10. Grab a souvenir at Antiques On Main
Posted by Antiques on Main on Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Antiques On Main is an antique shop in Belleville that houses a variety of collectible glass items, abundant decorator items, and a slew of antiques available for anyone to pick up as a token of remembrance of their visit to Belleville. You can also purchase some unique items such as gifts for your loved ones. It is the perfect place for those who are interested in antiques or collectibles. All of their items are sold at a reasonable price.
Antiques On Main
Address: 430 Main St, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: Antiques On Main
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
11. Go dancing at Diamondback Saloon
The Diamondback Saloon is a live music bar that has a country-leaning dance floor and features live bands as well. This venue is rated as the best live music venue in Southeastern Michigan. However, it is not only limited to country music as there is also rock and hip hop music. Grab a drink and just listen to the music or get down on the dance floor.
Diamondback Saloon
Address: 49345 S Interstate 94 Service Dr, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Website: Diamondback Saloon
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 6pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 6pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Tue)
12. Visit the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Posted by Zuly Marie on Sunday, 22 September 2019
The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a beautiful and comfortable house of worship located at Ecorse Road on Van Buren Township in Belleville. It is a spiritual center that was built in support of the religious worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Belleville. If you and your family are looking for a house of worship during your vacation, you can always visit the Kingdom Hall.
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Address: 43777 Ecorse Rd, Belleville, MI 48111, United States
Experience everything Belleville has to offer
For your upcoming trip to Michigan’s hidden gem, Belleville, make sure you try out some or all of the activities we’ve outlined in the article above. Explore the museums and interact with the locals in the pubs and restaurants. Belleville is certainly a fascinating city to visit.
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