GROSSE ILE, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – Grosse Ile is a “down river” island where the Detroit River enters Lake Erie. It is as different from Detroit as it is possible to imagine and there are 10 square miles to explore.
Island life.
This is an island where the pace of life is slower. The top speed for autos is 35 mph, and most places keep it at 25 mph. That alone makes this a bicycle and dog friendly place. In 2016, Grosse Ile Township was named the safest city in Michigan. The main “downtown” area is Macomb Street. There are other shops and historic destinations all over the island. They are all connected by trails, bike paths, and excellent roads.
Navigating the island.
If you want to make the most of your time on the island, make your way to the Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center on Macomb. The shop is jammed with an impressive selection of gifts and souvenirs. As you would expect everything for the garden, and those beloved pets, is at hand. Most importantly, they have maps and brochures, with all the info you need to explore Grosse Ile and they know all about the festivals and events that are so much a part of life here.
Grosse Ile is located in the heart of the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge. Whether driving, hiking, or biking, here are some gems that are all time favorites: Bird Sanctuary on Thorofare Canal, Gibralter Bay, East River Historical District, Macomb Street District, Westcroft Botanical Gardens. There are miles of bike trails, nature trails, acres of open spaces and woods, and those breath-taking river views everywhere you go.
Grab your bike!
With biking being so prevalent here, it isn’t surprising that there is an amazing bicycle museum that has extremely rare bicycles in pristine condition. Cycling is a way of life here, and several events revolve around the sport. The Lazy Ride is a monthly event held during the summer months. It’s perfect for taking a leisurely ride around the island.
Glow Roll is an electric light bicycle parade. Tour De Ile is a major event at the end of summer. Hundreds gather to cycle around the island and to historical destinations “off island.” The Baroudeur Bike Tour is a 100-mile ride through Detroit and Downriver locations. Grosse Ile hosts a rest area for that event. If all that weren’t enough, Grosse Ile is included in the Iron Belle Trail.
Take a hike.
It isn’t all bicycling. There are nature trails, open green spaces, and acres of woods. If you are looking for an easy walking trail, with a wide variety of flowers and plant life, you can’t do better than the trail through the Westcroft Botanical Gardens. Westcroft is the oldest farm in Michigan, still owned and operated by the same family. They got started in 1776. The walking trail winds through four and half acres of trees, shrubs, evergreens and hybrid azaleas created by the family. These gardens are beautiful, the trail is great, and a lot of it is in the shade, making it very pleasant even on the hottest of days. Gibraltar Bay and the bird sanctuary provide even more natural beauty.
With its beginnings so soon after the birth of the nation, it is no surprise that the history of Grosse Ile is written in its architecture and preserved in its museums. July 6, 1776, two days after the Declaration of Independence was signed, William and Alexander Macomb signed an agreement with the Potawatomi Indians to take ownership of the island. They began establishing their homesteads almost immediately. For information about the Treaty Tree and the Wonder Well, visit the Historical Society or the Pet and Garden Center.
Rich history.
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The Historical Society keeps its archives in the 1873 Customs House behind the Railroad House Museum. Both structures contain huge collections of artifacts from island history. The Grosse Ile lighthouse began service in 1894. It lit the way for vessels traveling from Grosse Ile to the Canadian shore.
There are other interesting places to visit scattered across the island. Centennial Farm has horses, a fairy garden, and the Butterfly Gardens. Sunrise Beach has convenient bike parking and stairs to water. It is a favorite launch spot for kayaks to make way to Stony Island. The Grosse Ile Recreation Area is another spot favored for kayaking. The Hickory Nature Conservancy has lots of history on Hickory Island, and Gibraltar Bay is a beautiful nature preserve.
The alpacas.
One place that is a must visit is the Gibraltar Alpaca Farm. Part of the tour is the owners calling in the alpacas. When you walk out of the barn, there may not be many alpacas visible. They start to signal the missing alpacas and, in a short time, here they come in a hilarious alpaca stampede. They know there are going to be treats. They actually have a look of great anticipation on their funny alpaca faces. They gather around looking for those treats and poking their noses in everything. The farm operates a gift shop full of woolen items made from alpaca shearings. If you make a purchase, you can even get a picture of the alpaca that produced the wool your item came from.
What’s for dinner?
The dining scene is as varied as the rest of the island attractions. You can get great shrimp from downriver and barbecue near the water. You can opt for fine dining or head for the spot where the locals gather. The Airport Inn, established in 1942, has some of the best old-style pizza in the area. There are only a few lodging options on the island. The Pilot House, at the Naval Air Station, now serves as one option.
There is something rare and wonderful here. For something completely different, check out the Old Spokes Home of Grosse Ile, a bicycle museum. Among the treasures housed inside is an Evenrude 1936 Stream Flow. Only a half dozen exist in the world. Old Spokes is open by appointment.
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