The Henry Ford is a massive cultural and educational complex located in Dearborn, Michigan, down the road from Ford Motor Company's corporate headquarters. Named after the revolutionary industry leader, the Henry Ford includes the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, the Ford Rouge Factory, and the Benson Ford Research Center. The massive collection of historical artifacts, experiential education, dining and shopping options (not to mention an IMAX theatre) offer something for everyone.
Parking and Public Transportation at The Henry Ford
Parking for The Henry Ford campus is located off of Village Road, and services the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village and the Benson Ford Research Center. Parking is $5, or free for members. Amtrak stops at the John D. Dingell Transit Center, located near the complex.
Admission to the The Henry Ford
Tickets can be purchased separately for each of the complex's components: The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The Henry Ford Museum is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, $15 for children 5-12 and free for those 4 years and younger. Greenfield Village is $25 for adults, $22.50 for seniors, $18.75 for children 5-12 and free for those 4 years and younger. Rides, like the classic carousel, are pay-as-you go, or you can purchase an unlimited ride ticket for $16. You may want to consider a season membership to The Henry Ford, which will get you access to both the museum and Greenfield Village, free parking and discounts to the IMAX theatre, the Ford Rouge Facotry Tour, and shopping. The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is $16 for adults, $12 for children, $14.50 for seniors and free for children 2 and younger. The Henry Ford members get a nominal discount. The Benson Ford Research Center is free and open to the public, but if you are interested in accessing certain collections in their archives, it is best to call ahead for an appointment.
Must See/Do at The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford has an impressive collection of artifacts, including the chair Abraham Lincoln sat in when he was assassinated at Ford's Theatre, the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, and the limo that John F. Kenedy rode in when he was shot. There's also an extensive transportation exhibit, featuring a huge Allegheny Locomotive.
Greenfield Village is a great place to feel completely immersed in another time and place. Visit Thomas Edison's Menlo Park facilities, which were moved here from New Jersey. Stop by the real working Firestone Farm and cider mill, or the glass and pottery shops in the Liberty Craftworks district. Need a break from walking around the grounds? Grab and ice cream and hop on the century-old Herschell-Spillman Carousel.
Other Places to Visit Near The Henry Ford
The nearby Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel was originally built at Henry Ford's request to accommodate guests of to the Ford Motor Company. The hotel plays host to several events and weddings through the year, and has several fine restaurants. The Arab American National Museum, which recognizes Arab-American history and culture, is the first of its kind in the United States.
Insider tip for visitors to The Henry Ford
The Henry Ford hosts many recurring events throughout the year. The Salute to America, featuring fireworks and performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the United States Army Field Band on the Fourth of July, is extremely popular, so plan in advance. Hallowe'en in Greenfield Village is another local favorite, where the traditions and history of the holiday are celebrated with authentic costumes, jack o' lanterns, and a headless horseman!
Author's bio: Jeff Birou is an education administrator by day, travel and freelance writer by night. You can find him at his blog, Lance+Jeff, or on Twitter at @lanceandjeff.
Mill Race Village exists to preserve Northville's rich history. Free to the public, the "village" consists of a number of buildings arranged to give visitors the feeling of what pre-20th century Northville was like. Perfect for picnics and field trips, the Mill Race Village grounds host historic buildings that at one point were faced with demolition. The Northville Historical Society moved the buildings to Mill Race Village to provide residents with a link to their past.
The Dearborn Historical Museum is operated by the city of Dearborn to help visitors and residents preserve and promote the historical heritage of Dearborn.
The museum features three historic structures: the 1833 Commandant's Quarters, which was once part of the Detroit Arsenal built in Dearbornville in 1833; the 1883 McFadden-Ross House, which was originally the Powder Magazine of the Detroit Arsenal and now houses Historical records and changing exhibits; and the 1832 Gardner house, which gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in Dearborn back in the 1800s.
The museum hosts private events, lectures and special events by appointment.
The Clawson Historical Museum features clothing, personal items, documents and other artifacts from the days of Clawson's earliest settlement up through the 20th century. Many exhibits feature items from the 1920s, giving visitors a glimpse of what daily life was like at that time. Check out vintage wedding dresses and quilts, as well as historical photos from around town. Historical Society members can join for a low annual rate, and the museum always welcomes volunteers for various projects.
The Saline Railroad Depot Museum still sits on its original site. In the freight room-turned-museum, it also features a freight house, telegraph and passenger facilities. Operated by the Saline Area Historical Society, the depot is four blocks north of downtown, set back off North Ann Arbor Street, tucked behind a party store. The land is owned by the City of Saline and the building was given to the Saline Historic District Commission by David and Dean Zahn. The Depot Museum is open Saturdays for browsing and guided tours. If the railroad lights are flashing, the depot is open. Groups larger than 10 require a reservation.