Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village – A Step Back In Time

Henry Ford was concerned that the rapid pace of technological progress was threatening to erase America’s cultural heritage, and his desire was to make Greenfield Village a living museum that would showcase American life, history, and traditions – to provide a sense of connection to the past for future generations.

Spanning over 80 acres, Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan is a sprawling outdoor museum – it’s a step back in time where you can explore restored buildings from different periods in American history – from Thomas Edison’s lab to the Wright Brothers’ workshop, historical homes and shops. It’s a living, breathing re-creation of American history.

There are live demonstrations, historical re-enactments, and period costumes added authenticity to the experience. It’s like a theme park, only instead of rollercoasters, you get to ride in a Model T – it’s a place where history truly comes to life.

Click on the pictures for larger versions…

Special Treat!
We got a special bonus that we were unaware until the day before – Old Car Festival. America’s longest-running antique car show was at the village!! Hundreds of vehicles from the 1890s through 1932 arrive from across the country for a weekend to become fully immersed in the moving stories of the early automotive era, as electric, steam and gas-powered engines are constantly in motion around you. Two days of historically inspired street food, music, dancing, ragtime America and the Jazz Age culminate over the weekend. Saturday evening is the Gaslight Parade of Cars, dancing with the River Raisin Ragtime Revue and a Dixieland-style parade.

First Impressions: A Village from Another Era
From the moment we stepped into Greenfield Village, it felt like we had travelled back in time. The village is laid out like a small town, with cobblestone streets, vintage lamp posts, and beautifully restored buildings from different periods in American history. Each section of the village is dedicated to a different era or theme, ranging from the early colonial period to the industrial age. With people wandering around in period costumes and old cars and trucks driving on the streets, it’s like walking into history or a movie set!

Tip: When you come through the gates, turn left and head over to the working farm… it sets you up for everything that you’ll see later (it’s also less crowded).

Henry Ford's Greenfield Village Iain Shankland, Gail Shankland, TravelBloggers.ca

Check out our other adventures in our “Road Trip Across America: From Houston To Detroit, We Celebrate The Interstate, Cars, Culture and History” series of articles (also published on Road-Test)…
** Please note, these links will become live once we actually publish them in the near-future – everything will be inter-connected **
Related:
* National Corvette Museum – A Car Enthusiasts’ Dream
* Road Trip Across America: From Houston To Detroit. We Celebrate The Interstate, Cars, Culture and History
* A Sip Through Time – Exploring Jim Beam Distillery, History And Bourbon
* Ford Rouge Factory Tour
* The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation – A Treasure Trove of History

Historic Homes and Workshops
One of the most impressive features of Greenfield Village is its collection of historic homes and workshops, many of which were painstakingly relocated here from their original locations. Each building has been carefully restored to its original condition, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and décor.

Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, where the great inventor developed some of his most famous inventions, including the phonograph and the incandescent light bulb is on one of the main streets – the laboratory has been preserved just as it was during Edison’s time.

Close by is the Wright Brothers’ Workshop where Orville and Wilbur Wright built the world’s first successful aeroplane (that’s the way they spelled when they invented it btw). The workshop is a fascinating glimpse into the humble beginnings of aviation, including early tools and prototypes on display.

Riding in a Model T
One of the most unique experiences at Greenfield Village is the opportunity to ride in a working Model T Ford ($15), the car that revolutionized transportation in America. Although riding in a Model T was a treat we wanted to take – it wasn’t available the day we were there because the Old Car Festival that weekend.

Live Demonstrations and Re-enactments
Throughout the day, we encountered live demonstrations and historical re-enactments that brought the past to life. From blacksmiths hammering away in their workshops to glassblowers crafting intricate pieces, the artisans at Greenfield Village are dedicated to preserving the skills and craftsmanship of earlier generations.

One of the most memorable demonstrations was the working steam engine, which powers a full-size locomotive that chugs around the village. Watching the engineers stoke the fire and operate the engine was a reminder of the immense power and innovation of the industrial age.

A Journey Through Time
We spent hours exploring the village that brings history to life in a way that few other places can. From the colonial era to the Civil War to the early 20th century, each section of the village offers a unique glimpse into life during that time, complete with actors in period costumes who bring history to life with their stories and performances.

Conclusion
Greenfield Village is more than just a museum – it’s an immersive experience that transports you back in time and allows you to walk in the footsteps of America’s greatest innovators and pioneers. Whether you’re riding in a Model T, watching a blacksmith at work, or exploring the home of Thomas Edison – every moment at Greenfield Village is a journey through history.

For history buffs, families, or anyone who wants to experience the past in a tangible, engaging way, Greenfield Village is a must-visit destination. This place is worth making the journey from wherever you live in order to spend the day staring in awe at how people actually lived and worked all those years ago.

~ Video ~

Combined with the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation located right next door, it’s mind-boggling how people even thought of making the equipment – never mind actually building and maintaining them back then without our modern equipment to help them.

Our day spent there was the perfect way to wrap up our road trip adventure across America! Our trip was a remarkable journey of discovery and although we didn’t anticipate any history lessons prior to our trip, we were treated to multiple unique historical moments every day and learned so much than we could have imagined during our adventures.

If you haven’t followed our “Road Trip Across America: From Houston To Detroit. We Celebrate The Interstate, Cars, Culture and History” series – be sure to start your adventure HERE

Old Car Festival (September 7-8, 2024) Included with admission. Check website HERE for which weekend it happens from 2025 onward. Time: Open Saturday until 9 p.m. Regular hours Sunday.

Map of events at the bottom of article…

If You Go….

Note: We use What3Words to give you exact locations. The app is free and you can use it on your phone or desktop/laptop

Everything is located at the one spot… “The Henry Ford”
Park and enter the main entrance to the building. You can pay for all of your experiences at once and then proceed to enjoy your visit.

Directions & Parking – Parking is available in several lots surrounding The Henry Ford for $9 – it’s charged when you purchase your tickets (on-line or in person). On busy days the lots fill up quickly – we recommend getting there as close to 9am as possible. Parking is free for Members and Giant Screen Experience-only patrons. *A $3.00 service fee will be added to orders placed over the phone and online.

*** Special Note: Alternatively, purchase the Membership Pass for one at $200. The Member gets a free guest pass, so 2 people…and get free parking and unlimited visits along with discounts and other perks.

> Greenfield Village – Website

You can enter via the Henry Ford building and walk the full length of the building, or park closer to the main entrance, but it’s best to park as close as possible to their main gate. You can pay to enter at their gates or pay at the main entrance and walk all the way down to the Village Entrance.

Entrance: ///card.layers.casino ~ Parking: ///rear.mops.privately
Google: 8Q39+HF Dearborn, Michigan, USA

Admission: $37 – Youth (5-11): $27.75 (online discount price)
April 13-May 20 – Open to the Public: Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday
May 21-September 8 – Open to the Public: Daily
September 9-29 – Open to the Public: Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday
September 30-October 27 – Closed
October 28-December 1. Open to the Public: Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Special Note: *A $9.00 parking fee will be added to each online order during the checkout process. Members will not be charged for parking. *A $3.00 service fee will be added to orders placed over the phone and online.

> The Henry Ford – 20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, MI 48124-5029 – Website
Entrance: ///buddy.paper.love ~ Parking/driveway: ///slides.peanut.impact ~ Parking: ///radio.cabin.soft
Google address: 8Q38+98 Dearborn, Michigan, USA

> Ford Rouge Factory Tour – Leaves from The Henry Ford building. (separate article)
Admission: $24 – Youth (5-11): $18 (online discount price)
Open Monday-Saturday – 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Active assembly is not available on Saturdays, and the tour is closed on Sundays. Last tour bus departs at 3 p.m. Tours begin with a 10 minute bus ride from The Henry Ford to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour Visitor Center.

> Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation – Inside The Henry Ford building (separate article)
Admission: $34 – Youth (5-11): $25.50 (online discount price)
– Open Daily – 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m

> Giant Screen Experience – Free Parking – Inside The Henry Ford building
Admission: $10.00 – Youth (5-11): $7.50 (online discount price)
Members and the Giant Screen Experience-only patrons will not be charged for parking

** Also published on Road-Test.org **

Be sure to follow us on X
…or sign up for newsletter via our blog so you don’t miss future articles!

X: @TravelBloggerz
YouTube: youtube.com/@TravelBloggers/videos

About TravelBloggers…
Iain & Gail started blogging in order to inspire and motivate people to travel the world from their perspective – specializing in having the most fun while using the least amount of money…travelling on the cheap without sacrificing comfort.

** In the end you will only regret the things you didn’t do **