Sandwiched Between Detroit And Ann Arbor Is Michigan's Scenic City With A Vibrant Downtown And Youthful Vibes

The Detroit metropolitan area is full of appealing travel destinations, from Greektown, a vibrant neighborhood with Greek cuisine and historic streets, to Romulus, an under-the-radar city with diverse food and a cozy atmosphere. Belleville, a small city in the western suburbs of Detroit, offers a scenic lakeside retreat with a vibrant downtown.

Located about 30 miles southwest of Detroit and about 20 miles southeast of Ann Arbor, Michigan's artsiest university city, Belleville is best reached by car. With a population of around 4,000 people, Belleville's small-town vibes are part of the appeal. You'll find several chain hotels in town, many of them serving patrons flying into or out of the nearby Detroit Metro Airport. It's impossible to visit Belleville without seeing Belleville Lake. The lake spans six miles and covers over 1,200 acres, making it Wayne County's largest inland lake. Within view of the lake, you'll find Belleville's small, walkable downtown with local eateries.

Belleville Lake and the city's parks make the city an attractive destination for fishing, swimming, and boating. Belleville Parks and Recreation Department maintains four city parks with different recreation opportunities. For example, Horizon Park, located on the shore of Belleville Lake, includes a boardwalk, lake access, boat docks, and a canoe and kayak launch, and Village Park features walking trails around its three large ponds.

Belleville is also home to Lower Huron Metropark, a 1,258-acre park along the Huron River with a walkway, hiking and bicycling trails, canoeing, fishing, and camping. In the winter, it's a popular spot for cross-country skiing. Inside the Metropark, kids will love the Turtle Cove Family Aquatic Center in the summer, an outdoor water park featuring two waterslides, a lazy river, and a splash pad.

In the fall months, local business Debuck's Family Farm is a popular destination for families with children. The annual Fall Festival brings a 15-acre corn maze and a 20-acre "pumpkin wonderland" complete with plenty of photo opportunities. You'll also find wagon rides, a "straw mountain," and various games and activities for kids.

Near the shore of Belleville Lake, you'll find downtown Belleville. This walkable area, centered on Main, Liberty, and High Streets, includes many of the town's most popular eateries and attractions. Stop by Johnny's on the Lake for a juicy burger or enjoy live music with your beer-battered cod at Belleville Bait Shop Bar & Grill. For a quicker stop, Crafted Beanery & Cafe offers delicious coffee and baked goods.

You'll find frequent events downtown. Every Monday from June to October, the city hosts a classic car show on Main Street. Lake Fest is a summer highlight, while Winter Fest takes place in early December. In the warmer months, you'll find a weekly farmers market and frequent live music.

Belleville is also home to two museums. Located in downtown Belleville, the Belleville Area Museum is dedicated to local history and often hosts events. A short drive away, you'll find the Michigan Flight Museum, a Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace museum with artifacts from World War I through the Gulf War. "A great place to see some fantastic WWII aviation history. The docents are very knowledgeable and the static displays are very well done," writes one TripAdvisor reviewer.