What We Do | Detroit Boathouse

Project Rationale

Detroit Boathouse on Belle Isle - pending 501(c)3 - is launching a $32 million capital campaign to restore and repurpose the historic Detroit Boathouse on Belle Isle, the last remaining boathouse along the Detroit River.

Since assuming management of Belle Isle, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has invested more than $175 million in infrastructure and restoration, including improvements to:

The Aquarium
The Conservatory
The Casino
Scott Fountain
Roads, trails, shelters, and utilities

Noticeably absent however is investment in a project that enhances sailing, rowing and water safety and provides public access to one of our city's most important assets - our international riverfront.

Detroit's riverfront continues to experience national recognition and redevelopment momentum, including being named by The New York Times as "one of the world's top places to visit".

Restoring the Detroit Boathouse will not just preserve, but will be a testament to Detroit's history of resilience and achievement.

Engage and Empower Detroit Youth

The restored boathouse and its surrounding waterfront creates an improved foundation to not only support but help grow both the Detroit Community Sailing Center and Friends of Detroit Rowing. Both groups currently work from decades old boat docks which are in terrible disrepair. In addition to installing boat wells for public access to the island, new docks and slips dedicated to these 2 groups improve safety and access for their popular programs.

Service Name

The Detroit Boat Club Crew, founded in 1839, is the oldest continually operating rowing club in the United States and the fourth oldest in the world. Over its history, DBCC athletes have produced: 500+ U.S. and Canadian National Champions, 19 Olympians and 35 National Team members.

Service Name

The Detroit Community Sailing Center is a community-based organization, open to the public, offering youth and adults the opportunity to learn to sail and enjoy Detroit's rich marine environment. We are located at the historic Belle Isle Boathouse (formerly known as the Detroit Boat Club) on Detroit's picturesque Belle Isle. Participants can enjoy Detroit's waterways and learn to sail without the cost and time commitment of boat ownership. Instructors with years of experience teach using our fleer of Optimist, Club 420, and Flying Scot sailboats.