Location: Dearborn
Top Things to do in Dearborn
Top 7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Dearborn, Michigan (MI)
Dearborn, Michigan, is home to the Ford Motor Company, a legacy that has left its mark on the city. Here it is possible to take a tour of the famous Rouge Factory, a manufacturing plant so large that it once had its own fire and police departments. Dearborn is also home to The Henry Ford Museum, a massive complex that includes Greenfield Village, featuring 83 authentic historic buildings. The halls of the museum are packed with famous vehicles, including JFK's limo and the Oscar Weinermobile.
Restaurants in Dearborn
1. The Henry Ford
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,501 reviews
“One of the world’s coolest museums” — The New York Times The Henry Ford is Michigan’s premier multivenue cultural destination with three must-see attractions: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. At The Henry Ford, you'll experience the history of America — its inventions, people, culture and can-do spirit — and hundreds of interactive ways to explore it, enjoy it and be inspired by it. Park at The Henry Ford’s Welcome Center to visit and buy tickets for all three venues for three hours or three days of experiences. Or purchase a membership for a full year of FREE unlimited visits to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, plus discounts, special events and more. We are conveniently located in Dearborn, Michigan, which is just outside of Detroit.
Reviewed By tamul - Waymart, United States
Fantastic, se one visit but this time with our 5 year old grandson. He had a blast....worked a assembly line for children,help build a model T,Star Trek ,planes,cars,trains,engines the list goes on and that’s just the museum. Trip to the ford plant, two fantastic movies and then watch f150 being built. Greenfield Village ride in a Model T, 1931 bus, horse pulled taxi...visit a farm, Wright brothers home, Thomas Edison’s inventions, early 1900’s baseball game the list just keep going
2. Greenfield Village
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,506 reviews
One of The Henry Ford’s three must-see attractions, Greenfield Village is an 80-plus acre outdoor living history museum with six historic districts. Stand in the very lab where Thomas Edison had his light bulb moment and the workshop where the Wright brothers began their quest to reach for the sky. Take a ride in a real Model T or explore our working farms. Meet and observe world-class artisans at their craft. Immerse yourself in a place like no other — a place where America’s can-do spirit will inspire you to go out and get it done. Park at The Henry Ford to visit and buy tickets for Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Or purchase a membership for a full year of FREE unlimited visits to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, plus discounts, special events and more. We are conveniently located in Dearborn, Michigan, which is just outside of Detroit.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Greenfield Village is the first outdoor museum of its type in the United States, an outdoor living history museum section of the Henry Ford complex in Dearborn, Michigan. Dedicated in 1929 and opened to the public in 1933, it features nearly 100 historical buildings that were moved to the property from their original locations and arranged in a village setting with the intent of showing how Americans have lived and worked since the founding of our country. It includes buildings from the 17th century to the present, many staffed by costumed interpreters who conduct period tasks like farming, sewing and cooking. There also are craft building such as pottery, glass-blowing and tin shops that provide demonstrations while producing materials used in the village and for sale. The museum covers 240 acres but only 90 are used for the village while the rest is forest, river and pasture for sheep and horses. Visitors an ride through the village in authentic Ford Model Ts, a 1931 Ford Model AA bus, horse-drawn omnibuses and a trail pulled by a steam locomotive. Among the attractions are Noah Webster's Connecticut house, the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop and house, a replica of Thomas Edison's Merlo Park laboratory in New Jersey, Henry Ford's birthplace that is furnished as it was in his mother's time, Ford's garage where he built the Ford Quadricycle, Harvey Firestone's family farm from Columbiana, Ohio, and the the Logan County, Illinois, courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law.
3. Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 887 reviews
One of The Henry Ford’s three must-see attractions, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour gives you an inside look at how America's most iconic pickup truck, the Ford F-150, is made. See modern manufacturing's most progressive methods and concepts firsthand. Experience the Assembly Plant Walking Tour, Innovation Theater and Living Roof. The factory has been completely reimagined and transformed to become a model of 21st-century sustainable design. The factory truly demonstrates how community, business and the environment can coexist and thrive in one productive environment. From start to finish, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour offers amazing immersive experiences focusing on America’s celebrated past, present and future in manufacturing. Visit The Henry Ford's Welcome Center to purchase tickets for the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. A short complimentary shuttle ride will take you from Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. We are conveniently located in Dearborn, MI.
4. Arab American National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum in the United States devoted to Arab American history and culture. Through its interactive hands-on exhibits, the AANM documents and presents the Arab American story. By bringing the voices and faces of Arab Americans to its audiences, the AANM affirms its commitment to dispel the many misconceptions about Arab Americans and other minorities.
Reviewed By GeneralGrievous123
The first floor is dedicated to the contribution of Arabs in science, mathematics, architecture, music, etc. throughout history. The second floor has three section, one involving the journey of Arabs to the U.S., another involving the life of Arab Americans in the U.S., and the last involving famous Arab Americans. I found it very educational, especially the last section noting famous contributions by Arab Americans to American history and culture ranging from JFK's famous speeches to chess. I believe that, even if you are not deeply invested in Arabic culture or Arab American history, you will find this worthwhile for an admission fee of $8. Many of the stories of Arab Americans also resonate with all immigrants to the U.S.
5. Dearborn Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By PlacervilleCA - Diamond Springs, United States
Walked in and found a wonderful gentleman inside volunteering who is passionate about the building, Dearborn history and the civil war. John told us some great stories about the city and some of the items of interest located here. The door windows are a great idea, not sure why we don’t still do that?! Spent about 2 hours here, and then hit the historic pastry shop for a treat.
6. Ford Drive In
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Stendel - Eastpointe, United States
Saw Aladdin with my grandchildren. The restrooms were clean and the staff were friendly . The concession stand is the original one and it was fun to see and brought back such memories. This drive in is a summer must for families. I will so be back.
7. Henry Ford Estate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
Fair Lane is the historic home of Clara and Henry Ford. It was the Fords' 15th and final home. They built the 31,000-square-foot estate as their dream home on 1,300 acres in Dearborn, Mich. The historic structures of the estate, including the main house, are closed for restoration. The grounds and gardens are open for visitors Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. year round, plus additional weekend hours during the late spring and summer. The estate is closed on weekends during the winter. Grounds admission is free. The house will open periodically for special celebrations, events and sneak peeks at restoration in progress.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Unfortunately, the 31,000-square-foot limestone mansion with 56 rooms that was home to Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford and his wife Clara for more than 30 years has been closed during restoration. But visitors can view the magnificent structure and other historic buildings on the 1,300-acre estate along the Rouge River and also explore the grounds from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Admission is free. Located at 1 Fair Lane Drive in Dearborn, Michigan, near the Henry Ford Museum, the house was built between 1913 and 1915, after the booming success of Ford's Model T. It was more than a house. It was a private laboratory space for Ford's tinkering and discoveries and a retreat to discuss ideas with friends Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burroughs. The estate, called Fair Lane after an area in County Cork in Ireland where Ford's adoptive grandfather was born, also includes an electrical power plant, greenhouse, boathouse, riding stables, children's playhouse, treehouse and extensive gardens designed by Chicago landscape architect Jens Jensen. Frank Lloyd Wright had a hand in designing the house, which is a mix of English castle and Prairie Style, European grandeur and Midwestern charm. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. The Ford Fairlane automobile model, sold between 1955 and 1970 in the United States and between 1959 and 2007 in Australia, was named after the Fair Lane estate.
