Henry Ford Museum Tours and Activities

Photo by Erik Rowley
Photo by Erik Rowley
Photo by Deepti Reddy
Photo by Cynthia Phillips
Photo by Cynthia Phillips


See the limousine in which JFK was assassinated, historical buildings and vehicles, and exhibits that document the evolution and impact of technology.

The Henry Ford Museum is the biggest museum in the country. With both indoor and outdoor sections, it covers more than 102 acres (40 hectares) in the suburb of Dearborn, about 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) west of downtown Detroit.

It’s easy to spend hours pouring over the priceless artifacts and vehicles collected by Henry Ford since the early 1900s in the 12-acre (five-hectare) main hall. Car lovers will enjoy gems like the Ford Nucleon, an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and all kinds of rare machines. There’s also an entire exhibit dedicated to the Automobile in American Life and Society.

There are also interesting items on exhibit that have nothing to do with cars. See the chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre in 1865 and a writing desk used by Edgar Allan Poe. Enter the Dymaxion house to see how, in the 1940s, designer R. Buckminster Fuller saw the future of living. Follow the trail of freedom in the U.S. at With Liberty and Justice for All. The exhibit covers everything from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.  

Head over to Made in America to admire the innovations that have changed the nation’s history. Heroes of the Sky tells the story of pioneers in aviation. You’ll see a replica Wright Flyer and vintage airplanes.

Make your way outside to explore the 90-acre (36.5-hectare) Greenfield Village. There are steam trains and Model T cars to ride, as well as more than a hundred historical buildings. Check out a reconstruction of Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the Wright brothers’ relocated shop and buildings from the 17th century.

The Henry Ford Museum also hosts a range of traveling exhibits and special events, so check the website for details. It’s open seven days a week, but Greenfield Village closes in winter. If you travel here by car, you will have to pay a small fee to park in the lot near the museum. Alternatively, take the SMART bus service from downtown.

Plan a trip to see Henry Ford Museum

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Best Lodging Options Near Henry Ford Museum

Comfort Inn Near Greenfield Village

Comfort Inn Near Greenfield Village

2.5 out of 5
20061 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI
Comfort Inn Near Greenfield Village
Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection

Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
20301 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection
Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit Dearborn

Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit Dearborn

2.5 out of 5
22324 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI
Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit Dearborn
Cozy home in downtown Dearborn

Cozy home in downtown Dearborn

Dearborn
Cozy home in downtown Dearborn
One of a kind Luxury Loft

One of a kind Luxury Loft

Dearborn
One of a kind Luxury Loft
Extended Stay America Suites Detroit Dearborn

Extended Stay America Suites Detroit Dearborn

2.5 out of 5
260 Town Center Drive, Dearborn, MI
Extended Stay America Suites Detroit Dearborn
Woodspring Suites Dearborn - Detroit

Woodspring Suites Dearborn - Detroit

2.5 out of 5
240 Town Center Drive, Dearborn, MI
Woodspring Suites Dearborn - Detroit
The Henry Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Henry Hotel, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
300 Town Center Dr, Dearborn, MI
The Henry Hotel, Autograph Collection
13 Mi to Downtown Detroit: Bright Home

13 Mi to Downtown Detroit: Bright Home

3 out of 5
Dearborn
13 Mi to Downtown Detroit: Bright Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Henry Ford Museum

At the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including area sightseeing, factory tours, and interactive exhibits. The museum offers attraction tickets for its engaging displays and entertainment tours that highlight the region's rich history. Additionally, nearby festivals and casino options provide further entertainment, ensuring a well-rounded experience during your visit.

Shopping

For shopping near Henry Ford Museum, visit Fairlane Town Center, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant family atmosphere. Southland Center, 11.3km away, also provides family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Capitol City is located 16.1km away, featuring a mix of city and business vibes.

Recreation

Experience the thrill at Little Caesars Arena, where you can catch a game or event. For relaxation, visit Massage Green Spa Dearborn, offering soothing treatments. Enjoy the outdoors at Taylor Meadows Golf Club, perfect for a round of golf amidst scenic landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of Red Oaks Waterpark, located 111.3km from Henry Ford Museum, where you can enjoy water slides and family fun. For adrenaline enthusiasts, JD Racing Indoor Karting, 29.0km away, offers an exciting racing experience. Lastly, Lucky Strike Novi, also 29.0km distant, provides a lively bowling atmosphere.

Nightlife

In Dearborn, the MGM Grand Detroit Casino offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with romance and excitement, while the Fisher Theatre showcases captivating cultural performances. For a family-friendly adventure, Midway Sports & Entertainment is perfect with its engaging arcade experiences, just a short distance away from the Henry Ford Museum.

Find the best attractions near Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, offers a rich cultural experience with attractions such as history museums, modern colleges, and event venues. Visitors can explore the museum itself, along with nearby points of interest that cater to families and city enthusiasts. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels near the Ford Museum to enhance your visit to this iconic destination.

  • Greenfield Village: Experience a living history museum that immerses you in American innovation and culture. Just 322m from the Henry Ford Museum, stroll through the charming village, featuring historical buildings, authentic crafts, and demonstrations that transport you back in time.
  • Huntington Place: Located 16.1km away, this modern event and conference venue buzzes with business energy. It's a hub of activity, hosting various events and exhibitions, making it a perfect stop for those interested in the corporate and entrepreneurial scene.
  • University of Michigan Dearborn: Situated 1.6km from the museum, this modern college campus combines academic excellence with vibrant city vibes. Explore its beautiful grounds, attend public events, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of student life.

Best time to go to Henry Ford Museum

Visitor numbers around Henry Ford Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Henry Ford Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Henry Ford Museum

For a budget-friendly visit to the Henry Ford Museum, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the GM Renaissance Center and Fairlane Town Center. Stay during the cheaper months from January to March, particularly on Mondays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find the most affordable hotel options by sorting prices and refining your search for eco-friendly accommodations. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra discounts. With careful planning, you can enjoy a memorable trip without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Henry Ford Museum are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Henry Ford Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Henry Ford Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you tailor your travel experience by choosing your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Henry Ford Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.