The Henry Ford
Time Needed: 1-2 hours, half-day
Experience Type: innovation, museum
The Henry Ford is three incredible attractions in one: the Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. From presidential limousines to Rosa Parks’ bus, get ready to step inside iconic moments and explore groundbreaking ingenuity.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- See the Presidential Limousine of John F. Kennedy – View the 1961 Lincoln Continental Kennedy rode in when assassinated, later rebuilt and in service for more than a decade.
- Explore the Rosa Parks Bus – Step into the Montgomery bus where Rosa Parks made history, refusing to give up her seat in 1955.
- Tour the Ford Rouge Factory – Ride a bus to see the Ford F-150 built at the Rouge Factory, which features exhibits on modern automotive innovation.
- Visit Greenfield Village – Wander this outdoor museum with historic buildings, artisan workshops, Model T rides, train rides, and interactive living history experiences.
- Explore Iconic Artifacts – Spot treasures like Lincoln’s Ford’s Theatre chair, Edison’s laboratory, the Wright brothers’ bicycle shop, and even a 1952 Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
Itinerary Idea: Explore Detroit’s hidden history. Book a guided walking tour showcasing striking architecture and lesser-known stories, including a few tied to Henry Ford. A local guide leads you to such landmarks as the Spirit of Detroit and Campus Martius Park.
Photo Credit: KMS Photography/The Henry Ford