The largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States, The Henry Ford pays tribute to America’s Industrial Revolution. Named for Henry Ford—inventor of the Model T automobile and founder of the Ford Motor Company— visitors to The Henry Ford may experience one or all of the following four attractions: Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum, IMAX Theatre, and Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
Visiting The Henry Ford
Because the complex is so big, a great way for a first visit it to arrive when the museum opens and select two of the four venues to explore for the day. If you’re coming in from out of town, you may need to book a room at a nearby hotel (we recommend something right in Deerborn) and come back for the next day.
Henry Ford Museum Clocktower and Campus sign Photo credit: The Henry Ford
As you can imagine, The Henry Ford is a popular destination for school field trips. Many educators prepare for the visit by reviewing the materials and educational programs in the “for educators” area of the website. This is a great resource for families and homeschool groups as well.
The Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Held inside an operational automotive plant, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour operates on an open flow schedule, and is a five part experience consisting of two theaters, an observation deck, final assembly, and a legacy gallery. As you can imagine, a popular and meaningful exhibit for visitors of all ages is the Rosa Parks bus located inside the Henry Ford Museum.
The Rosa Parks bus at the Henry Ford Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2012. Gary Malerba for The Henry Ford
At Greenfield Village, be sure to visit the replica of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park, New Jersey laboratory. During its construction, Henry Ford asked his good friend Thomas Edison to oversee the project in order to ensure its historical accuracy.
Pro Tip: Before you travel to Michigan, here are fifteen important (and fun) things you should know.
Because much of is Greenfield Village is outdoors, this experience is a seasonal attraction and is open daily April 15 through November 1 (and Friday through Sunday during the month of November). Much of this experience is outdoors and students should dress appropriately for the weather.
Book Your Stay in Deerborn, MI
Pro Tip: Before you travel to Michigan, here are fifteen important (and fun) things you should know about the Mitten State.
Feature Photo: 1909 Model T – Driving America at The Henry Ford
Photo credit: The Henry Ford
Happy Trails!