THE HENRY FORD

Henry Ford began collecting objects bearing witness to the history of his people as early as 1906. He then decided to expand his collection. Then, in 1933, he opened what has become the largest museum complex in the United States, combining indoor and open-air museums. As the immense complex is divided into three distinct attractions, you should allow at least a full day to tour it, or more depending on your interests. Be sure to check the website too, as times and prices vary according to the attractions (prices for one or more attractions available). Please note that The Henry Ford also offers catering services (except for the Ford Rouge Factory Tour), as well as souvenir stores at each of its attractions.

The Henry Ford Museum features objects emblematic of ^20th-century American history, including presidential limousines such as John F. Kennedy's, the bus in which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man, Abraham Lincoln's chair in which he was shot and killed, and the Dymaxion House by inventor and architect Buckminster Fuller... The museum is also conceived as a witness to the American industrial era, presenting aircraft, locomotives, cars, farm machinery and other symbols of the ^19th and ^20th centuries. In short, it's a tribute to American ingenuity and innovation. The museum also boasts a 2D/3D cinema featuring historical, scientific and other films that have marked the history of cinema (Giant Screen Experience).

Greenfield Village, the open-air museum, features reconstructions of famous buildings and properties from American history, such as the Wright brothers' home and bicycle store, or Thomas Edison's laboratory. The site is a veritable period village, divided into seven historical districts and brought to life by characters who will take you through 300 years of history. In addition to demonstrations, you can ride on a steam locomotive, a horse-drawn carriage or the famous Model T (extra charge for these rides).

Ford Rouge Factory Tour. A must for anyone interested in engineering. You'll see the cars built here over the decades (Thunderbird, Mustang...), the assembly line for the famous Ford F-150 and environmental innovations. Don't miss: the car manufacturing process in a multi-sensory experience featuring incredible special effects.