Michigan Bucket List: Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
Lauren Coin
| 3 min read
Michigan is well known for its rich history and its impact on the transformation of the automotive industry. Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in more than 300 years of artifacts, exhibits and pivotal moments in American history at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Located in Dearborn, the Henry Ford Museum offers visitors an engaging view of innovation that shaped the country. Namesake, founder and automotive leader, Henry Ford, was an avid collector and history lover. His museum and village are a showcase of his years of collected antiques, as well as other monumental relics in American history.
The museum features a variety of exhibits from John F. Kennedy’s presidential limousine to the Rosa Parks bus to the Wright Brother’s first successful airplane.
Featured exhibits include:
- Mathematica
- Davidson-Gerson Modern Glass Gallery
- Driven to Win: Racing in America
- What We Wore
- Agriculture
- Dymaxion House
- Your Place in Time
- Fully Furnished
- With Liberty and Justice for All
- Heroes of the Sky
- Made in America: Manufacturing
- Made in America: Power
- Driving America
- Presidential Vehicles
- Railroads
The museum also displays rotating exhibits. View their current events calendar here.
Plan your visit to Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. General admission is $36 and $27 for youth ages 5 to 11. Ticket prices vary by season and prices may fluctuate between online and in person orders.
Grab a bite to eat at Plum Market Kitchen or Lamy’s Diner. You can shop for keepsakes at the Henry Ford Museum Store or for games and activities at Genius at Play.
Greenfield Village
Explore more than 80 acres of ingenuity at Greenfield Village. This outdoor space consists of seven unique historic districts: Working Farms, Liberty Craftworks, Henry Ford’s Model T, Railroad Junction, Main Street, Edison At Work and Porches & Parlors.
Here you can watch artisans practice their craft, stroll through a vibrant town square and step foot in Edison’s workplace.
Plan your visit to Greenfield Village
The village is a seasonal venue, open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, mid-April through Nov. 1. They operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November and are open for select nights in December. Be sure to check the full list of operating hours before traveling.
General admission is $39 and $29.25 for youth ages 5 to 11. Ticket prices vary by season and prices may fluctuate between online and in person orders.
The village features a multitude of dining options. Try meals made from seasonal, locally sourced foods at Eagle Tavern or grab a sweet treat at Sir John Bennett’s Sweet Shop.
You can shop historical artisan crafts at the Greenfield Village Store or the Liberty Craftworks Store.
To go back in time, take a ride on a horse-drawn omnibus or hop on a Model T to tour the property. A full list of rides is available here.
Make the trip a weekend adventure by staying at one of the many partner hotels.
What should you bring?
As Greenfield Village is an outdoor museum with lots of walking, it’s important to pack appropriately.
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Layers of clothing
- Food and drink, or you can purchase it onsite
Photo credit: Getty Images
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