The Henry Ford: Explore American Innovation, History, and Greenfield Village
The Henry Ford stands as a world-class destination celebrating American innovation, culture, and history. This expansive complex features two primary attractions: the indoor Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, home to legendary artifacts including the chair Abraham Lincoln occupied at the time of his assassination, the presidential limousine associated with John F. Kennedy, and the bus where Rosa Parks made her historic stand; and the open-air Greenfield Village, a collection of meticulously restored historic structures such as Thomas Edison's laboratory and the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop and airplane workshop.
Plan for a full day to fully appreciate the site's vast offerings. Optional tours to the adjacent Ford Rouge Factory provide an up-close view of F-150 truck assembly, where Henry Ford pioneered modern mass production.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
At the core of The Henry Ford lies the Museum of American Innovation, organized across 22 themed exhibit halls. A highlight is "With Liberty and Justice for All" (Hall 6), where visitors can board Rosa Parks' actual bus and view the red rocking chair Abraham Lincoln sat in when he was assassinated.
Nearby, "Driving America" (Hall 10) displays automobiles from 1865 to the present, while "Presidential Vehicles" (Hall 11) showcases the 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible linked to President Kennedy's assassination. The massive Railroads exhibit (Hall 12) features a 1.2-million-pound steam locomotive. Other notable collections include timepieces (Hall 21), violins (Hall 17), dollhouses (Hall 16), and exquisite glass artistry (Hall 20).
Enhance your visit with the museum's free mobile app, offering guided audio tours of key exhibits.
Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village spans seven immersive outdoor districts, featuring over 80 historic structures relocated, restored, and preserved from across America. Essential stops include Edison's Menlo Park laboratory complex (Edison at Work district), the Wright Brothers' cycle shop (Main Street district), and George Washington Carver's boyhood home (Porches & Parlors district).
Costumed historians bring the past to life through daily demonstrations. Engage in an authentic 1867 baseball game, take a ride in a vintage Model T Ford, or attend a lesson in a one-room schoolhouse from the 1870s. Check the event calendar for scheduled activities.
Ford Rouge Factory Tours
Witness contemporary manufacturing excellence on a self-guided tour of the Ford Rouge Factory, where F-150 trucks are assembled daily. The two-hour experience includes viewing the production line, educational films, and a stroll across the sustainable green roof. Shuttle buses connect from the museum.
Giant Screen Experience
This state-of-the-art theater boasts a massive screen with 4K projection for captivating films on nature, adventure, and innovation. Showtimes rotate regularly—check ahead for the current lineup.
History of The Henry Ford
Industrial pioneer Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the moving assembly line, transforming the automobile industry. A lifelong collector of clocks, machinery, and rare books, Ford amassed artifacts illustrating everyday American life and technological progress.
His personal collection outgrew his home, leading to the creation of the Edison Institute—named for his mentor, Thomas Edison—which opened privately in 1929 and to the public in 1933. Today, The Henry Ford stewards over 26 million artifacts chronicling America's story.
Ford's legacy includes philanthropic efforts like this museum, alongside controversial actions, such as his publication of antisemitic materials.
Location
Situated in Dearborn, Michigan, just 14 miles west of downtown Detroit via I-94.
Opening Hours
Generally 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum of American Innovation and Giant Screen Experience operate daily year-round. Greenfield Village is open Thursday–Monday from mid-April through December (Tuesdays and Wednesdays for members only). Ford Rouge Factory Tours run Monday–Saturday year-round.
Tickets and Parking
Each attraction has individual admission fees, with bundled tickets offering savings. For example, a full-price Greenfield Village ticket grants 50% off the Museum of American Innovation and/or Giant Screen Experience, plus 20% off the Rouge Factory Tour. Alternatively, a full-price Museum ticket yields 50% off the Rouge Tour. Select add-ons during online purchase.
Military personnel enter free; children under 5 are complimentary; seniors receive 10% off. Advance tickets (with $3 fee) are recommended for Rouge Tours due to capacity limits—verify production schedules for active assembly lines.
Greenfield Village rides (carousel, locomotive, Model T) require separate onsite tickets ($3–$8 each).
Parking costs $6 per vehicle.
Nearby Hotels
The Henry Hotel, a modern 11-story property with contemporary rooms and local art displays, is about 3 miles away.
Nearby Restaurants
Michigan Avenue, 1 mile from the museum, offers diverse dining. Sheeba serves authentic Yemeni fare like seltah (root vegetables in whipped fenugreek sauce). Qahwah House specializes in cardamom coffee and honeycomb bread with sweet cheese.
