ford plant tour michigan

ULTIMATE Guide to Planning a Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Michigan has a proud automobile history and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour is one of the best ways to see the state’s rich history and learn about its exciting future up close!

Located in Dearborn as part of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the factory tour showcases all the things that have made Ford a household name in Michigan and throughout the world. You’ll see a glimpse of the past and you’ll see modern manufacturing in action as current vehicles are designed.

Added all together, it’s a truly immersive experience that visitors of all ages can enjoy. Whether you’re techy and love the technology of tomorrow, or you’re a fan of classic cars, there’s something here for everyone.

A History of Innovation at the River Rouge Plant

The famous Henry Ford had a vision of assembly line construction of cars and it became a reality in 1903 when Ford Motor Company was founded.

By 1906, Ford Motor Co. was the nation’s largest car producer and Ford introduced his famous Model T just two years later.

Construction of the Rouge Plant along the Rouge River in Dearborn started in 1917 and by 1918 the plant was producing boats for the US Navy. During WWII, the Rouge plant was a big contributor in establishing Detroit as America’s ‘Arsenal of Democracy.’

Over time, the plant would also produce tractors, the Model A, the V-8 Ford, the Ford Thunderbird, the Ford Mustang, and even the Ford F-150.

Public tours of the Rouge Plant began in 1924 and they instantly became a hit. In 1965, the plant set a new yearly record with more than 239,000 visits. That number continued to grow until the plant closed for tours in 1980. After the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility, tours began again in 2004.

What does that mean for you? It means when you take a Ford Rouge Factory Tour you’re experiencing an important and special part of Michigan’s history.

Ford River Rouge Plant Tour FAQs

What is the Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

It’s a self-guided tour broken up into 5 different stations: The Legacy Theater, The Manufacturing Innovation Theater, The Observation Deck Tour, The Assembly Walking Plant Tour, and The Legacy Gallery.

How long does the Ford Rouge Factory Tour take?

If you’re visiting Henry Ford Museum to take the plant tour, plan on it taking a couple of hours. The tours are self-guided, but there’s a lot to see so visitors are encouraged to take their time.

Can you visit the Ford plant?

Yes. It’s open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Sunday and is closed for most major holidays. Tours begin with a short bus ride from the museum to the Ford Rouge Visitor Center.

How many people work at the Ford Rouge plant?

About 6,000 people work as Ford employees at the plant.

Henry Ford: Innovation On The River Rouge

In 2013, Awesome Mitten Creator Team member Jennifer Bowman visited the River Rouge Factory and shared her experience…

On the heels of Henry Ford’s 150th birthday in 2013, I couldn’t help but cook up an outing to Dearborn to commemorate the auto maker’s legacy. Having visited The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village on several occasions, one well-known spot was still foreign territory to me: The Rouge Factory. What better way to celebrate Henry Ford than spending a day at one of his namesake auto plants? As I planned for the afternoon outing, I was excited to find out more about Ford’s legacy and the journey he took to lead the “Big Three” contender to where it is today.

The tour started off at The Henry Ford Museum, where a bus shuttle transported me and several other sightseers across town to the factory site on the Rouge River (prior to this, I had just assumed that the factory was located somewhere on the grounds near the museum and Greenfield village). Upon reaching the factory, we were ushered inside a visitors’ building for a brief introduction, then to a small theater for a documentary on how the Ford Motor Company flourished throughout the 20th century, surviving hard times such as the stock market crash and World War II.

Next, a second theater gave us a look at the start-to-finish process of Ford vehicle manufacturing, complete with multiple screens, special lighting and temperature effects, and movable chairs that rotated 365 degrees for an immersive movie experience. If all of that wasn’t cool enough, the film was set to music performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, further driving the “home-grown” feeling of the Ford plant and its roots in Detroit history. Our third stop was an upstairs viewing deck, where we were surrounded by walls of windows for a better look at the factory grounds. The main attraction here was a view of the factory rooftop, which was carpeted in a layer of mossy plant matter. This design, we were told, worked together with the factory’s vine-covered outer walls to insulate the factory and regulate indoor temperatures year-round. Truly remarkable, actually—a simple, yet innovative way to keep a large, industrial building at a cool 60 degrees throughout every season.

Finally, we made it to the main attraction: the inner workings of the Rouge factory. Set up as an aerial walkway around the top of the factory, the self-guided tour allowed us to view several assembly stages of the Ford F-150, from windshield installation to quality inspection. Everything worked like clockwork—pulleys and gears circulated truck pieces throughout the building while employees manned organized posts, attaching doors, logo hardware, and other essential pieces to the vehicles. It was awe-inspiring to see how many people were actually involved in the production of each vehicle, and the whole thing got me thinking about how my own car was assembled (not by magic, mind you).

In the end, I got a better idea of all that goes into the products we rely on each and every day. It’s difficult to fathom how one man can come up with an idea that spins into a successful business venture, followed by a long line of successors and related innovations that continue to evolve over the years. That success story, however, is exactly what Henry Ford brought to the world—and as a result, the automobile, factory, and environmental technology industries will never be the same.

Taking a Tour of the Ford Rouge Plant

Tours of the Rouge Plant are self-guided, and there’s a lot to explore, including two different theaters and an observation deck where you can see Ford assembly up close.

Soak Up History at the Legacy Theater

Start your self-guided tour at the Legacy Theater. Here, you can watch a roughly 15-minute presentation about the history of the plant and Ford Motor Co.

You’ll see rarely-seen footage from the Henry Ford Museum’s archives and you’ll learn how the plant and Henry Ford’s ideas helped make Michigan the premier spot for car manufacturing.

Learn the Process at the Manufacturing Innovation Theater

The history of Ford Motor Co. is rich with ingenuity and the Innovation Theater allows you to see that innovation up close.

This 10-minute presentation takes visitors on a (visual) ride of the manufacturing process and how the Ford F-150 truck goes from being a concept to being built to hitting the open road. High-quality audio and 3D laser projection make this a really cool experience for visitors of all ages.

See Manufacturing Up Close on the Observation Deck

Once you’ve been through the two theater presentations, you’ll be ready to see the plant in action. You can experience just that by taking an elevator ride up to the observation deck. Here you’ll see the beauty of industry in motion as you watch Ford F-150 being constructed.

If you’re a fan of cars, your eyes will light up in amazement. Believe us, this is a real treat. The plant is where production meets innovation and you can see that all right before your eyes.

You can also get a view of Ford’s Living Roof, an eco-friendly wonder. The rough is made up of tiny plants and collects and filters water to bring down the plant’s energy consumption.

See How Cars Get Made on the Assembly Plant Walking Tour

Have you ever wondered to yourself how cars get made? On the factory tour, you no longer have to wonder because you can see it up close and personal!

The Assembly Plant Walking Tour allows visitors to watch how the Ford-150 truck is made, giving them a bird’s-eye view of where and how the magic happens. From an elevated walkway, you can see how a mix of complex equipment, parts, skilled hands, and robotics work together to build one truck every single minute.

This part of the tour lasts about 30-45 minutes, but if you like building things or seeing them put together, you won’t be able to get enough of this part of the tour.

Marvel at the Awesomeness of the Legacy Gallery

Once you’re seen Ford’s current innovation and the marvels of 21st-century sustainable design, take another trip back in time by visiting the Legacy Gallery. As you’ve read, the plant has been the site of some of the most famous vehicles in Ford’s history and you can see many of them right here.

Take a stroll through the gallery and you’ll see a display that includes a 1929 Model A, a 1949 Coupe, a 1955 Ford Thunderbird, a 1965 Ford Mustang, and of course, a 2015 Ford F-150.

Not only can you see these amazing vehicles, some of which have been immortalized in songs and movies, but you can also learn about their history too at different kiosks throughout the gallery.

The gallery is located right next to the Factory Store gift shop, so stop in and get yourself a memento from your trip.

The River Rouge Factory Tour: A First-Person Perspective

As you’ve read, the River Rouge Factory Tour is fun, educational, and exciting. But don’t just take our word for it. Hayley went on the tour and had great things to say about her experience.

The famed Ford Rouge Factory had been on my to-do list of tours since I first began my journey through Motown. To those of you who, like me, aren’t what you’d call car-buffs and assume that the tour would be somewhat outside of your wheelhouse, allow me to quell those fears. The Ford Rouge Factory tour was thoroughly enjoyable, full of history, fun tidbits, and a behind-the-scenes look at the production and assembly of the F-150.

The first two stops on the tour were theaters. First, in the Legacy Theater, we were taken on a trip back in time through historic footage of the Rouge and the people who were a part of bringing the famed factory to life. One of my favorite factoids from this station was actually imparted before the film began: the guide who introduced the video made it a point to note that all music heard throughout the tour had been composed specifically for the Rouge Factory Tour, and performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The video in the Legacy Theater was a tale of Henry Ford’s vision and the history of how it was brought to life in the Rouge. The next video, in the Art of Manufacturing Theater, could not have been more different. A multisensory experience depicting the modern-day manufacturing of a Ford automobile, the experience of the Art of Manufacturing Theater was immersive and intense (in a good way), and a great segway into the part of the tour where we were able to observe the factory as it is today.

We first headed to the observation deck. Though we had chosen a less-than-ideal day (to describe the weather in layman’s terms, it was gross) and could not see as far as on a clear day, the bird’s eye view was still impressive. Not only can you see the F-150s as they are tested and shipped, we had a perfect (if not snow-covered) view of the plant’s living roof, the naturalized habitat, solar arrays, and more. From there, we continued to the elevated-walkway tour of the actual assembly plant. Because of shipping delays, the plant was not active on the day we were there. We had a still, quiet picture of the line, almost as if we had hit the “pause” button on the process. Movies and interactive stations throughout the walkways made it easy to understand what you were looking at and capture interesting tidbits on the assembly process.

We wrapped up our day at the Rouge in the Legacy Gallery, where a few of the historic vehicles manufactured at the factory are displayed. We read about and took pictures of classics like the Model A, the V-8, the Thunderbird, the Mustang, and even got to hop in the new and ultra-cool F-150 Raptor. So whether you’re an autophile or couldn’t tell a transmission from a transistor radio, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour is an interesting, informative, and fun journey through one of the Motor City’s most famous automotive hubs.

Plan Your Ford Rouge Factory Tour Today

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour offers the best of all worlds: history, technology, innovation, manufacturing, and cool cars all rolled into one. So if you love all those things, you should book your factory tour today!

Whether you love cars and trucks or not, the factory tour lets you see the fascinating process of how trucks are made. There’s something that’s really cool about seeing how the sausage (or in this case cars) are made. If you’re naturally curious, this is a tour where you’ll see some incredible sights, learn some interesting facts, and have some fun too.

Book your factory tour today and let us know what your favorite part of the tour is.

James Andersen is an award-winning journalist and editor who was born and raised in Metro Detroit but currently resides on the shores of Lake Huron in Alpena, Michigan. When he’s not knee-deep in research or conducting interviews for stories, he can be found fishing, cheering on Detroit sports teams, and spending time with his wife and two dogs.

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Factory Tours

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Ford Rouge Factory Tour

See F-150 trucks roll off the assembly line where Henry Ford first perfected his self-sufficient, mass-production techniques. The self-guided tours start at the Henry Ford Museum, from which a bus takes you over to the factory. Allow a couple of hours for the overall visit.

Get In Touch

312-982-6001

https://​www​.thehenryford​.org​/

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Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Experience the awe-inspiring scale of a real factory floor as you rev up your inner engineer. Get an inside look at the most iconic moments of American manufacturing history, and immerse yourself in automaking’s most progressive concepts.

Where Manufacturing Comes Alive

Go Behind the Scenes at One of the World’s Largest Automotive Complexes

Bring your class to the place where the sophisticated assembly of cars and trucks by robots and highly skilled tradespeople actually happens. Let them experience rare historic footage of Ford Motor Company and the Rouge Plant. Join them on a visit to the plant’s 10-acre living roof — a milestone in environmental design.

Request Your Reservation

Learn about our venues, check out on-site activities, get curriculum resources, outdoor living lab walking tour.

Open seasonally and weather permitting, this self-guided walking tour offers a chance to see sustainable design in action at the historic Ford Rouge Complex. Follow a wood-chipped path along stormwater treatment ponds, through a crabapple and hawthorn orchard and around to a viewing point that overlooks beehives and the rest of the Rouge Complex. Return alongside a solar array to the Visitor Center.

Before You Arrive

Make the Most of Your Visit

Field trips to Ford Rouge Factory Tour achieve high ratings and rave reviews from educators and students alike. To make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible, check out these handy tips, suggestions, and guidelines.

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Theater screenings, lunch areas, special expectations for students, expectations for chaperones, scholarships, timing your arrival.

For the best guest experience, we recommend taking your buses directly to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Please inquire about available timeslots upon booking. For groups that are unable to take their own transportation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour shuttle buses depart from Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation every 20 minutes. If your field trip group exceeds the capacity of one shuttle bus, some chaperones and their students will need to wait for the next shuttle. Please inquire about available timeslots upon booking.

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REGULAR HOURS

Wednesday to sunday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (except by appointment for group tours) Closed January 1, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, December 24, 25, & 31

PUBLIC TOURS Optional guided tours are offered at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm Private and group tours are available  by reservation on any day of the week Call (313) 872-8759

Adults: $18 Seniors (65+): $15 Veterans: $15 Students (with ID): $10 Youth (5-17): $10 Children (4 & Under): Free Group Tours (15 minimum): $15 each

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461 Piquette Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

The museum is located on the northwest corner of Piquette and Beaubien , three blocks east of Woodward Avenue; two blocks north of I-94 (exit 215c); two blocks south of West Grand Boulevard; and three blocks west of I-75 (exit 54).

The visitor entrance is located in the courtyard parking lot on the west side of the building. Take the stairs to the ticket office on the second floor. If you require the elevator, please call (313) 872-8759. The freight elevator opens into the tunnel next to the entrance.

Q-Line Coming via the Q-Line? No problem. Just get off at the Amsterdam station and walk two blocks down Piquette Avenue.

FREE PARKING

Wednesday – Sunday Free parking is available in the paved  courtyard lot next to the building, and in the gravel lot directly across from the museum on Piquette Avenue.

Bus Parking Buses should stop in front of the museum on Piquette Avenue, at the entrance to the tunnel, to offload passengers. 

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What are Rouge Plant tours?

The Ford Rouge Factory in Dearborn, Michigan is the only Ford facility that provides an ongoing public tour. The tour is a five-part adventure where visitors can see how cutting-edge environmental practices and industrial innovation mesh to create one of the world's most enlightened and forward-looking factories. See where Ford F-150 are assembled in a lean and flexible manufacturing plant.

For ticket information, please access the Rouge Plant Tour website or call 1-313-982-6001.  

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Ford Rouge Factory Tour

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn , Michigan 48124 USA

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Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“experience the legacy of Henry Ford”

Ford Rouge Factory Tour is a self-guided five-part experience that includes: Legacy Theater, Art of Manufacturing Theater, Observation Deck, Dearborn Truck Plant and the Legacy Gallery.  Theater seating is limited to 79 guests per show; shows run continuously until 4:00 PM and are seated on a first come first serve basis.

Reviewed by Jacob D.

Being a big car buff, I had to tour at least one assembly plant during my visit to motor city! As I was researching prior to visiting, I am so happy tours were made available so easily (for a... Read more

Reviewed by Clark B.

I used to work at Ford's (that's how employees call it). I even had to frequently go to the old Dearborn Assy plant when Mustang builds were done there. But the new (sustainable plant) was in the... Read more

Reviewed by John B.

I was very interested in what seemed like a primo tour opportunity, but I left underwhelmed. The museum center has a bus ride to the factory (it seems you have to do it that way), and the dated... Read more

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Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Last updated on December 20, 2023 .

When visiting The Henry Ford in Dearborn , Michigan , you can’t miss the Ford Rouge Factory Tour . This is where the Ford Motor Company assembles every F-150 truck sold in the entire world.

The historic Ford River Rouge Complex was once the largest integrated factory in the world. It was built from 1917 to 1928 and was designed by Albert Kahn . The factory has over 16 million square feet of factory space. At its peak, it included its own steel mill, electricity plant, docks, and rail lines, and once employed over 100,000 workers. Most Ford production took place there until the 1960s.

After purchasing tickets at the museum, we boarded a shuttle to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour building. It dropped us off at the entrance where we saw a statue of Henry Ford speaking to a student. The base of the statue says “Henry Ford ‘Father of Industrial Education'”. It was dedicated on September 28, 2004, by alumni of the Henry Ford Trade School.

When we walked inside, we met our first guide, Henry, who worked at Ford for over 40 years. He greeted our group and explained how the factory tour works. He then led us into the Legacy Theater  where we watched a short film about the history of Ford and the factory.

Next, we walked over to the Manufacturing Innovation Theater to watch an amazing presentation with video, lasers, and robots. It went through the entire F-150 production process, explaining how the vehicles are designed, assembled, and tested. It was definitely one of the highlights of the tour.

Observation Deck

From there, we took an elevator up to the Observation Deck where another guide talked about some of the environmentally friendly features of the factory. Interpretive panels lined the windows highlighting the history of the plant and its features. What stood out to me is that Henry Ford purchased the land for a mere $1,100 on July 7, 1915.

We were also able to get a panoramic look at the entire factory. To the left is a blue building, which is a steel mill owned by U.S. Steel .

Directly in front of the building is the Living Laboratory , which was a brownfield converted into an ecological habitat. It contains crabapple and hawthorn trees as well as bee hives. During summer months, it’s possible to take a free guided walk through the laboratory. The employee parking lot behind the lab has the best spots reserved for Ford owners, while owners of other makes have to park in the back 12 rows. Finally, behind the parking lot, we could spot the blast furnaces (now owned by AK Steel ), office buildings, paint plant, and power plant.

The building nearest where we stood is the Dearborn Truck Plant, where F-150s are assembled. It’s a green building with one of the largest living roofs in the world . Across the road behind the building are brand new F-150s waiting to be sent to dealerships around the world.

Mezzanine Level

When we finished, we went down to the mezzanine level, where there’s a small interactive area. Guests can try their hand at assembling a small truck or take souvenir photos before heading into the assembly plant.

Assembly Plant

Inside the assembly plant , we walked along an elevated walkway and looked down to see how F-150s are made. Videos along the path gave more detailed information and guides were waiting to answer questions. What amazed me is that all orders are totally customized and a new truck rolled off the line every seven minutes during production hours, and is capable of producing one truck a minute at full operating speed. We weren’t allowed to take photos on this part of the tour.

Legacy Gallery

Finally, we walked through the Legacy Gallery , which is a showroom floor displaying some of the most famous vehicles made at the Rouge. A 1929 Model A, 1932 V8, 1949 Coupe, 1955 Thunderbird, and 1965 Mustang all showcase some of Ford’s greatest achievements.

In one corner sat a 2015 Ford F-150. Guests are able to get up close and kick the tires of the vehicle assembled in the plant they just visited.

The entire tour took us about two hours to complete, including the shuttle rides to and from the museum. It complements a visit to the museum by giving visitors a more complete experience into the history and production of automobiles, and the importance and innovation of Ford.

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8 Fantastic Factory Tours You Can Only Take Near Detroit

Sophie Boudreau

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From potato chips to car parts, the Detroit area is responsible for some of the world’s most wonderful products. Few things are more fascinating than getting a behind-the-scenes look at how such products are created, and there are plenty of opportunities to do just that here in Motor City and its surrounding areas. Check out these eight awesome factory tours when you’re looking for a fun excursion.

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Did we leave any of your favorite Detroit-area factory tours off our list? We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Happy exploring!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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12 Must-Visit Automotive Factory Tours in the United States

Keep the following in mind before you schedule:

• Most don’t allow cameras or recording devices on the tours
• Minimum ages of visitors around typically between 8 and 12 years old
• Nearly all of these visits require reservations in advance
• Adhere to the dress code guidelines, including closed-toed shoes
• Some tours involve extensive walking, so call ahead if you need special accommodation

Furry Friends: How to safely travel with pets

12. Nissan North America – Smyrna, Tennessee

Limited tours of this vehicle assembly plant near Nashville are offered–only Tuesdays and Thursdays–but a motorized, narrated ride through the assembly of these renowned Nissan vehicles is worth the waiting list. You’ll get to see everything from the Pathfinder to the Altima and the Leaf rolling off the production line. More information.

11. BMW U.S. Factory – Spartanburg, South Carolina

Those interested in getting an inside perspective on the “Ultimate Driving Machine” will love touring the only American BMW factory, which is near Charlotte, NC. For a $10 fee, visitors will get to see the modern engineering marvels of the German brand at work within the production plant. Afterward, swing by the Zentrum museum to see the history of BMW at your own pace. More information .

10. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama – Montgomery, Alabama

If you want to watch the construction of a car you probably own, check out this factory within the historic Montgomery city limits. After watching a prep video and donning your headsets, you’ll be taken on a guided tram tour of the assembly of the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra . The experience is free and occasional evening tour times are offered too. Check out the gift shop after your tour for some Hyundai swag! More information .

9. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky – Georgetown, Kentucky

Welcome to Toyota’s assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky!

In the heart of the bluegrass region, not far from Lexington, is a massive Toyota manufacturing plant that has given tours to hundreds of thousands of people since 1990. Visitors can take a free guided tram tour through the inside of the facility while listening to friendly guides over headphones explain the work being done. An 11,500-square-foot Visitor Center includes displays and a Toyota gift shop. More information .

8. Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) – Lafayette, Indiana

If you’re headed to Chicago sometime, swing by the home of North American Subaru production that’s southeast of the Windy City. A free, mile-long walk on an elevated catwalk through the facility offers a unique perspective on production operations, but skirts are highly discouraged for that reason! You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable Subaru tour director on your walk. More information .

7. Ford Rouge Factory – Dearborn, Michigan

The assembly area is only one portion of this thorough five-part, self-guided tour. Apart from seeing the new aluminum F-150 produced in the assembly floor, learn more about the plant’s innovations at the Legacy Theater, Manufacturing Innovation Theater, and Legacy Gallery. Tickets are a bit pricey but it’s one of the few facilities open for weekend tours. More information .

6. Mercedes-Benz US International – Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Get a close-up look at the most luxurious auto brand around by seeing the Visitor Center Museum and taking a guided tour along the assembly floor, which produces such greats as the M-Class . Despite the tour costing a small fee, the experience is highly memorable–and the two mile walk will give you a workout too! More information .

5. Bowling Green Corvette Plant – Bowling Green, Kentucky

Welcome to the home of the Chevy Corvette!

This place halfway between Louisville and Nashville received a lot of attention after a sinkhole appeared in its adjacent National Corvette Museum. Now that it’s being repaired, visitors are flocking to see the Chevy building and tour the assembly plant. For a small fee, you can take an hour-long guided walking tour of the Corvette sports car’s actual construction, from the initial steel structure to the final drive off the line. More information .

4. Honda Heritage – Marysville, Ohio

The Honda Heritage Center in Marysville, Ohio

Although you can’t actually tour the factory here near Columbus which has been producing vehicles for over 50 years, the facility recently opened up a stellar museum on its grounds . You’ll learn about the role the factory has played in the history of the Honda, as well as see fascinating models on display. The best part of the experience is the hands-on activities!  More information .

3. General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant – Kansas City, Kansas

This GM assembly and stamping facility in the heart of barbecue city offers free walking tours on certain days. If you follow the strict set of safety guidelines, you’ll get to see the process of metal being molded into body panels and attached to vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Malibu . More information .

2. Shelby American Inc – Las Vegas, Nevada

The legacy of Carroll Shelby lives on! This facility has been modifying and selling Ford vehicles for 50 years. If you still have time after seeing the numerous cars on display on the showroom floor, you can get a free tour of the garage (donations accepted). More information .

1. Harley Davidson – Multiple Locations

Harley Davidson powertrain assembly in Kansas City

Multiple Harley Davidson plants offer tours in the US. A free, hour-long walking tour of the manufacturing plant in York, PA is offered, but most visitors prefer the Steel Toe Tour which–for a decent price–gets you entrance to special areas, a commemorative pin, a group photo, a safety vest, and $5 toward the gift shop. A Kids Corner makes this facility suitable for your whole family.

In the heart of Harley history, Menomonee Falls, WI has the northwest plant. You’ll love the interactive museum in downtown Milwaukee and the grand tour of the production facility. Staying overnight? Consider the unique Iron Horse Hotel.

Finally, observe the powertrain operations in Kansas City, MO with a free factory tour of some of the brand’s most beloved models. More information on all three tours .

Safety Tips: Reduce distracted driving and save lives

Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.

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Tickets & Hours

• Museum of American Innovation Museum of American Innovation
• Village Greenfield Village
• Factory Tour Ford Rouge Factory Tour
• Giant Screen Experience Giant Screen Experience

Open 7 days a week

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days)

Best Value: Membership

Get the first, the best, and the most rewarding access to unforgettable experiences while helping to preserve the past and fuel the future.

Online Ticket Prices

Museums for All discount:  In partnership with Museums for All , The Henry Ford offers discounted $3 general admission, per person/per venue, to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and Ford Rouge Factory Tour to SNAP/EBT and WIC cardholders and four guests per card. All parking fees are waived.

Please present your SNAP/EBT or WIC card at any ticketing counter to receive this offer.

Blue Star Museums discount:  In partnership with Blue Star Museums , The Henry Ford offers free general admission to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village for active military, plus five family members, from Armed Services Day through Labor Day. All parking fees are waived.

Active service members do not have to be present for their families to visit the museum.

Please present your Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form at any ticketing counter.

View the full list of current admission and membership discounts available.

Free admission for members, open daily through sept. 8.

9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

Future Operating Hours

2024 opening dates, 2024 operating hours.

• 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-Sunday Closed Monday-Thursday

Open Monday - Saturday

9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Last tour leaves at 3:00 p.m.

Tours begin with a 15 – 20 minute bus ride from The Henry Ford to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour Visitor Center. Due to road construction, buses may experience intermittent delays. See Non-Production Dates below.)

Tour Closed

• All Sundays
• November 23
• December 25

Active Assembly Information

Ford Rouge Factory Tour is an experience housed within Ford Motor Company's Dearborn Truck Plant in partnership with The Henry Ford and the United Auto Workers union.

The Dearborn Truck Plant is a real working factory. As a result, there are many factors that can cause inconsistent active assembly hours. This includes vehicle demand, supply shortages, factory floor renovations and construction, and staffing considerations. The Dearborn Truck Plant does not build vehicles during daily breaks, shift changes, holidays and weekends.

Please note that The Henry Ford cannot control Ford Motor Company’s production schedule and cannot guarantee that guests will see the assembly line in full operation during their visit. The Henry Ford is also not able to refund tickets in the event that vehicles are not being actively assembled.

Regardless of whether vehicles are being actively assembled, guests will be able to view the Dearborn Truck Plant’s final assembly area via a fully accessible suspended walkway at all times. The final assembly area is only one part of Ford Rouge Factory Tour’s 5-part experience. All other parts of the tour remain unaffected.

The Dearborn Truck Plant will not be in active assembly during these dates in 2023, following the plant’s holiday and maintenance schedule. The dates include but aren’t limited to:

• September 2 – 4
• November 11
• November 23 – 26
• December 24, 2023 - January 7, 2024

In addition, active assembly is not available on Saturdays, effective August 1, 2023.

Hours: See Showtimes

Ticket Prices

*3D Films, add $1 to all ticket types

* 3D Films, add $1 to all ticket types * Ticket prices are subject to change.

3D Films, add $1 to all ticket types. Ticket prices are subject to change. Matinee specials for shows prior to 6PM may apply for some dates and features, use promo code GSEMATINEE19 to receive $3 off all tickets where valid.

• Children age 4 and under that do not require their own seat are free to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the Giant Screen Experience.
• A $9.00 parking fee will be added to each online order during the checkout process. Members and the Giant Screen Experience-only patrons will not be charged for parking.
• A $3.00 service fee will be added to orders placed over the phone and online.

Please Note:   The   Giant Screen Experience films begin promptly at assigned show times. For the safety and courtesy of all our guests, late seating in the Giant Screen Theater is not permitted. All tickets are general seating. All times are subject to change without notice.

Questions? The Henry Ford Giant Screen Experience Information and Tickets 313-271-1570

Upcoming Events at The Henry Ford VIEW ALL EVENTS

Salute to America

July 2-5, 2024 | 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Please note that Greenfield Village will close at 3:00 p.m. for general admission during all event days.

In partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Henry Ford proudly presents Salute to America in Greenfield Village.

Summer Salute Dinner and Program

July 2-5, 2024 | Seatings at 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 7:00-8:00 p.m.

A summer buffet your whole family will love, in the best location in Greenfield Village — adjacent to the Village Green and carousel. Two service times, with open-table seating for up to 10 guests, provide the best flexibility for dining and program enjoyment.

Artist in Residence Program

Seasonal in Greenfield Village | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Please note that Greenfield Village will close to general admission at 3 p.m. from July 2-5 for our Salute to America program.)

Join The Henry Ford as it welcomes renowned glass artists to work in the Greenfield Village Glass Shop.

Fourth of July

July 4, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn about the history of our nation’s independence as you visit Firestone Farm, Ford Home, Edison Homestead and Daggett Farmhouse in Greenfield Village.

Member Appreciation Days

July 13-15, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

In July, we set aside a few special days to show our gratitude for the support and encouragement we receive from our members. Enjoy double discounts on dining at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village. Also enjoy double discounts on shopping, both in-store and online.

Twilight Bike Ride in Greenfield Village

August 14-15, 2024 | 6-8:30 p.m.

A unprecedented opportunity to cycle Greenfield Village after hours, exclusively for members.

Michigan Central Station tours: How to visit Ford's renovated train depot

You may have missed your first opportunity to visit the renovated Michigan Central Station , but there are still plenty of dates it will be open to the public.

The Michigan Central Open experience at the train station, located at 2001 15th St. in Detroit, is just getting started and will chug along through the summer, offering plenty of chances to experience Ford's transformation of the train depot.

Here's what to know.

Michigan Central Station initial public tours

The first 10 days of public open house tours at Michigan Central Station, running June 7-16, are sold out . Those visits required advanced registration that is now closed.

Guests will explore the first floor of the building during an immersive experience. There will be activations, storytelling, artwork and shareable moments.

If you got tickets to this set of tours, be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your entry time. Tickets allow visitors to access the station within 30 minutes of the ticket window. Guests should expect to be in the station for no more than one hour.

Can I tour Michigan Central Station if I didn't get tickets?

Don't worry if you missed out on the first set of tours running June 7-16; public tours of the train station will resume June 21 and will run Fridays and Saturdays through the end of August.

What's the cost for weekend Michigan Central Station tours?

No registration is required. People may visit the station from 5-9 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

The building will be closed to tours on the other days of the week until September, when expanded public hours will be announced.

How do I get to Michigan Central Station?

Major events can drive plenty of traffic in the Corktown area. Several  roads will close  throughout the reopening event, but visitors can choose from nearby street parking, free parking in the 1501 Wabash St. garage on a first-come, first-served basis, riding the bus through the Detroit Department of Transportation, e-scooters or ridesharing.

What's next for Michigan Central Station after reopening?

After reopening festivities, Michigan Central will begin a "phased reactivation" of the train station for several months as restaurant, retail and other commercial and community-focused partners fill the space.

Dana Afana contributed.