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Can I get a tour of the Ford Rouge Plant?

The Ford Rouge Factory in Dearborn, Michigan is the only Ford plant that provides an ongoing public tour.

At the Rouge Factory, walk through a real-life truck plant, view one of the world’s largest "living roofs," and see a gallery of iconic Ford vehicles produced at the Rouge. You can also enjoy two exciting theater experiences: a multisensory film about the making of the Ford F-150 truck, filled with jaw-dropping special effects, and a short documentary about the factory’s past, which features rare archival footage. For ticket information, please access the  Rouge Plant Tour website  or call 313-982-6001 .

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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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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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Feb 25, 2021 | compiled by ford performance staff, ‘motorcities’ nonprofit helps you explore detroit’s ford attractions.

Word is out about one of our favorites, the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant , birthplace of the Model T. But there’s also the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House , plus lots of Ford heritage at the Detroit Historical Museum , the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum  and the ever-expanding Gilmore Car Museum . And if you think you’ve seen it all, what about places such as the Roush Automotive Collection or any of the remaining sites from Henry Ford’s “Village Industries” of the 1920’s and ‘30’s, like Nankin Mills ( www.nankinmills.org ) or the Old Mill Museum ? Our suggestion is to sign up for the MotorCities National Heritage Area Michigan Passport Book and Stamp Program to log your journey retracing the Ford contribution to automotive history. Better still, buy a tax-deductible membership or sponsorship and enjoy admission or store discounts at 15 different attraction partners exclusively for MotorCities members. It’s all Blue Oval gold, so go for it!

We recently told you that in order to help clubs and enthusiasts stay connected to the Ford loyalist community, Ford Performance had begun posting our weekly Enthusiast News directly on www.FordPerformanceClubConnect.com -- so you can check it out the next time you’re online without sorting through your email inbox. But improvements to our Club Connect website now go a bit further by adding even more functionality to registering your club with Club Connect.

If you’re a Ford enthusiast in the know and take part in the car club world, then by now you should have heard about Ford Performance Club Connect. This innovative program and FordPerformanceClubConnect.com website can help all Ford and Mustang enthusiasts get connected with both Ford Motor Company and each other. Only those clubs who register with the program are eligible for no-cost promotion and support from Ford Performance, so you owe it to members of your Mustang or Ford vehicle club or online forum to register and appear on our Ford enthusiast online club map. All it takes is a visit to www.FordPerformanceClubConnect.com and a single click on the “Register Your Club” link. Once you fill out the form and hit “Submit,” you’ll be notified within just a few days of your acceptance in Ford Performance Club Connect -- it’s that simple, and it’s FREE!

The primary goal of our Ford Performance Club Connect program is to get everyone to register their club – at no cost – and get themselves on our Ford enthusiast group map so that we can all connect with each other. Once there, you’ll be able to see all of the other clubs and groups who have registered in your region – not just Mustang clubs, but ALL Ford vehicle organizations – including all of you who are part of any Ford vehicle Facebook Group. Why? Because connecting your Facebook Group with more owners and fans makes your group more visible in the hobby – and registering with Club Connect will link your online group with participants who may never have known that your group exists. And now, registering with Club Connect also gives you Ford licensing approval for your club name and logo, as well as info on securing approved club merchandise – so there no need for additional steps. And use of our Club Connect map can be key whenever you plan a club or group activity, as you can see what other clubs and groups are in your area that you may wish to contact and ask to join you at a show or event. It also allows Ford Performance to see all the clubs and groups in a certain area, so that when we are coming to town or planning a special Ford event in your city or state, you and your club members can be contacted to participate. It takes only a few minutes for a club principal or board member to register your club and establish a direct link for your members to Ford Performance -- and now you can also register your group and logo with Ford Licensing all in the same process. Have a product or parts question that you want answered? Wish you could get some free club event promotion in our weekly “Fast News” e-blast that goes out to more than a quarter-million Ford fans each Thursday? Looking for event coverage for your show in the Enthusiasts section of FordPerformance.com? Hoping you could find a cool Ford goodie-bag or door-prize item, or a banquet guest speaker? How about requesting on-site show support with an appearance by our Ford Performance Club Connect Meet & Greet tent, along with FREE Mustang poster giveaways for all show attendees? Individual requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but they can ONLY be awarded to clubs who are registered. So go to www.FordPerformanceClubConnect.com and click on the “Find Your Club” link to see if you are on the map. If not, then act now to register your Ford-based club or Facebook Group so that you can join this special program -- all backed and supported by a real enthusiast staff managed by Ford Performance. If you have questions or want more info, you and your members can always email us at [email protected], or can simply call our Ford Performance Info Center, toll-free during regular business hours, at 1-800-FORD-788 (800-367-3788). So what are you waiting for? Get online and make sure you’re connected. Then plan to enjoy your performance Ford this year so that you can discover the fun and all of the friendly people involved in the world of Ford Performance. We’re sure that being connected with each other and with Ford will make your ownership experience even more enjoyable!

For the past decade, one of the most popular features on FordPerformance.com  and in our Fast News e-newsletter continues to be " Ford Fan Spotlight ," where readers can send in their own reasons why they're fans of Ford Motor Company. You know who they are: Ford "superfans;" grassroots Ford racers; unique Ford vehicle owners; loyal Ford enthusiasts; notable Ford club people; special Ford families; and/or any avid supporter of Ford, Ford vehicles, Ford motorsports or Ford Performance who deserves a little bit of special recognition. All you need to do to get you, your car or candidate considered is to send in a brief description (200-500 words or less) and a few photos (in .jpeg format, preferably 1 mb) of a person (full name and hometown, please) and vehicle that you think Ford Performance should feature (and why) in the "Ford Fan Spotlight" for an upcoming installment of Fast News and posting on FordPerformance.com. Then email it to: [email protected] . (Your submission grants us your permission for us to use your copy and photos on our website and other Ford media outlets, edited as necessary.) We'll choose one submission to be featured each week. We hope to see YOU and your collectible Ford in our Fan Spotlight soon!

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Birthplace of the model t, donate today, book your celebration now, book today, coming soon, the former studebaker plant is getting a new life as piquette flats, including restoration of its historic exterior..

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Every Detroiter Must Visit This One Iconic Factory Tour At Least Once

Marika Kazimierska

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Detroit is the center of the American automotive industry, so it only makes sense that Detroiters visit the Ford Rouge Factory Tour at least once in their life. Located at the Henry Ford museum, the tour offers a look at a working auto assembly plant and celebrates the past, present, and future of automobiles.

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Have you checked out the Ford Rouge Factory tour? What was your favorite part of the tour? Let us know in the comment section below!

While you’re at the Henry Ford museum, don’t forget to check out Greenfield Village where you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.

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

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MIchigan Central

Michigan Central is a new mobility innovation district located in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood. Ford Motor Company is restoring Michigan Central Station to be the centerpiece of this district, where mobility innovators and disruptors from around the world will develop, test, and launch new urban transportation solutions.

Future of Global Mobility

The 30-acre, walkable district includes 1.2 million square feet of commercial real estate, modern workspaces for 5,000 workers, maker labs, high-tech connected infrastructure, open spaces, and a state-of-the-art testing environment. A fully stored, technology-enabled Michigan Central Station will be the heart of the district and a must-see destination for visitors from the region and the world, featuring locally inspired restaurants, world-class public art, and vibrant community gathering spaces.

Ford’s vision for a 30-acre walkable innovation hub in Corktown is part of its plan to reshape the future of global mobility, working with key  partners  and suppliers and connecting to a broader network of city and regional assets and testing. Michigan Central will include new and revitalized buildings, a first-of-its-kind mobility testing platform, multiple outdoor plazas, open spaces and 1.2 million square feet of commercial public space.  Working with and in the community, Michigan Central will prioritize the needs of local residents and businesses, as well as the employees who work there. 

Michigan Central Station Timeline

Construction begins.

Construction begins on Michigan Central Station, designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of NYC’s Grand Central Terminal.

MCS opens in December, a year early, due to a fire at Michigan Central’s old depot.

Henry Ford begins buying land

In the 1920s, Henry Ford begins buying land around the station, but Great Depression squelches plans.

At its peak, MCS serves more than 4,000 travelers a day and houses 3,000 office workers.

Passenger traffic declines

Passenger traffic begins its steady decline, leading to service cuts; a $5-million sale of station falls through.

MCS added to National Register of Historic Places

MCS added to National Register of Historic Places; waiting room is formally reopened.

Last train out of MCS

Jan 5th at 11:30 AM, 74 years after the first train steamed in, Train No. 353 to Chicago becomes the last train out of MCS.

Matty Moroun-owned Controlled Terminals Inc. acquires MCS

Matty Moroun-owned Controlled Terminals Inc. acquires MCS, unveiling restoration plan which never happens.

City Council votes to demolish MCS

City Council votes to demolish MCS, but an election, budget constraints, and a lawsuit arguing for its historic merit, prevail.

Moroun family commits to replace windows

In a compromise with the city of Detroit, the Moroun family commits to replacing windows at MCS.

Ford announcement

Ford announces plans for reconstruction of the MCS as new hub for mobility capital of the world.

Plan to open

Ford plans to open doors to the newly renovated MCS.

Contact Michigan Central

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 313.845.3673

LinkedIn:   Michigan Central : Overview | LinkedIn

Facebook: facebook.com/michigancentral

Website: Michigancentral.com

Address: 1907 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Automotive Heritage Tours

On June 4, 1896 , Henry Ford drove his newly developed Quadricycle out of the tiny workshop behind his home on 58 Bagley Avenue and right into history.   The success of this experimental vehicle paved the way for the eventual founding of the Ford Motor Company.   Ford and several other courageous industrial pioneers quickly put Detroit on its path to becoming the automotive capital of the world.

To see all of the southeastern Michigan 's automotive attractions very well could take you a lifetime.   So we've developed three manageable day tours that will guide you to the best of the best.   If time is limited, we recommend the "Must-See" attractions in Day Tour 1.   But if your schedule allows, you will find Day Tours 2 and 3 very worthwhile as well.   Regardless of which tour(s) you choose, you are bound to find Detroit's automotive attractions both exciting and educational.

Day Tour 1:   "Must-See" Dearborn Attractions

Henry Ford Museum

Greenfield Village

Automotive Hall of Fame

Day Tour 2:   Other Dearborn Attractions

Henry Ford Estate -- Fair Lane

Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Day Tour 3:   Detroit Automotive Attractions

World's First Concrete Mile

Nation's First Modern Highway

Ford Piquette Plant (Birthplace of the Model T)

Detroit Historical Museum

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Open monday - saturday.

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

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.

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

Free admission for members, 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.

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The Ford Motor Company was officially incorporated in 1903, when founder Henry Ford launched his venture in a converted factory on Mack Avenue in Detroit. It was his third attempt at establishing an automotive business. At the time, the company could only produce a few cars a day.

Ford had its breakthrough in 1908 with the introduction of the Model T . It embodied what Henry Ford wanted out of a car: efficiency, reliability, and a reasonable price. Due to high demand for the vehicle, Ford Motor Company commissioned a new factory in Highland Park, Michigan, designed by Albert Kahn . It is here that Ford revolutionized the automobile industry by introducing his first assembly line mass-production model. Individual workers stayed in one place and performed the same task on vehicles that passed in front of them. This implementation gave Ford an edge over its competitors.

In 1914, Ford began offering a $5 a day wage to its factory employees. This vaulted many low-skilled workers into the middle class, allowing them to afford the products that they made, and employee turnover dropped dramatically. During the 1920s, the Ford Motor Company purchased the Lincoln Motor Company and moved much of its production operations to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan. By the end of the decade, two out of three cars on the road were a Model T. The Ford Motor Company played a pivotal role in the Allied campaign during World War II. Using the same mass production techniques it introduced to the auto industry, Ford began churning out B-24 Liberator aircraft at the rate of one per hour or approximately 600 every month at Willow Run , helping to spawn Detroit’s nickname, the Arsenal of Democracy .

The 1950s and 1960s saw the introduction of some of Ford’s most iconic vehicles, including the Thunderbird in 1955 and the Mustang in 1964. This period also saw the introduction and unfortunate demise of the Edsel, a luxury car that never caught on with the public. Throughout the next several decades, Ford Motor Company continued to expand, opening operations in Asia, founding the Ford Motor Credit Company and acquiring other brands, including Mazda and Land Rover. In 2008 Ford alone, of the big three American automakers, avoided bankruptcy and a government bailout. Ford remains one of the largest car producers in the world.

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A Tour of Ford Motors Company’s Modern Detroit Office

Transportation

4 years ago

American automaker Ford Motors Company recently hired architecture & interior design firm McIntosh Poris Associates to design their new office in Detroit, Michigan.

“McIntosh Poris Associates was responsible for the renovation and restoration of an existing 19th‐Century wood timber and masonry building into a modern office for Ford Motor Company’s self‐driving business unit. Originally planned for Buhl Sport Detroit, the building was purchased by Ford during construction to house Ford’s self‐driving business unit and attract fresh talent as part of the company’s commitment to enhancing Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood. McIntosh Poris Associate’s design concept was to bring back the building’s original form and retain as much of the historic character as possible while meeting Ford’s requirements. The extensive renovation involved shoring up the walls and floors and refinishing the original timber beams and wood flooring. McIntosh Poris Associates installed expansive steel windows and glass floor‐to‐ceiling garage doors to maximize the permeation of natural light. Brick walls, high ceilings, and exposed structure invoke a simple and industrial warehouse feeling reflective of the previous use and original architecture. New elevators, stairs, and connections between previously separate spaces were critical, as Ford prioritized easy interaction among employees and teams. Open workspaces offer a flexible environment for collaboration while glass phone booths and meeting rooms allow for focused work and discussion. The design includes a ground‐floor garage that houses Ford’s self‐driving vehicles. A significant amount of roof area was converted into a terrace for Ford employees to use on a seasonal basis.”

• Location: Detroit, Michigan
• Date completed: 2018
• Size: 42,000 square feet
• Design: McIntosh Poris Associates
• Photos: Justin Maconochie

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Today at Ford House

Hours and locations, the house .

10 - 4 p.m.

The Grounds 

8 a.m. - Sunset

The Continental 

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Tour Information

More about visiting ford house.

• Become a Member
• Dine at The Continental

Don't Miss This

Learn About Our Education Programs

There will be no Friend walks on Monday, April 8 due to the sold out solar eclipse event taking place on the estate that day.

Learn About Our Education Programs 

From tours to trivia night! Our education programs are perfect for the entire family.

Ford Cove Project 

Ford House, the historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, is teaming up with the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a project to restore disappearing wildlife habitats along the shoreline of Ford Cove on Lake St. Clair — part of Michigan’s Great Lakes waterway.

The impeccably designed Main Residence was Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s dream house: a warm, welcoming place for family.

You’ll find it’s not ostentatious or intimidating, despite the elegant decor and the fine art on the walls. The rooms feel intimate and comfortable. It isn’t just a house — it’s a home.

The house was designed by prominent architect Albert Kahn, known for his work on several iconic structures in Detroit and industrial design in Ford Motor Co. factories. The look of Edsel and Eleanor’s house was inspired by Cotswold-style cottages in England. The family moved into their home in 1928.

Inside the House, the rooms feature classic western European interior design styles.

Like many of us do, the Fords updated spaces in their home as time passed. In the 1930s, Edsel hired famed industrial designer and Ford Motor Company collaborator Walter Dorwin Teague to redecorate four rooms. Teague created rich and original designs using a sleek, modern Machine-Age aesthetic. Later in the 1950s after Edsel’s passing, Eleanor hired friend and interior decorator Polly Jessup to design spaces that reflected her taste and highlighted her collection of fine art and antique furniture.

Around every corner, you can discover world-class art and design pieces collected by art-lovers Edsel and Eleanor. They displayed paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Diego Rivera – a personal friend of Edsel – classic European portraiture, modern-style sculptures, and ancient Asian and African artifacts.

Take a tour and see the house for yourself.

The Dining Room

The Cloister

The Yellin Doors inside the Main Hall

The Library

The Main Hall

The Drawing Room

The Modern Room

Special Thanks

Ford House is grateful for the generous support of Ford Motor Company Fund and helping us fulfill our educational mission and making Ford House more accessible to our community.

About Ford House

Ford House is a 501c3 nonprofit and National Historic Landmark. Experience the historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor. Visitors from all over the world come to wander, wonder, and explore the beauty of this 1928 National Historic Landmark and uncover a unique piece of the American automotive story in metro Detroit. Learn more below.

11 Incredible Things To Do In Eclectic Detroit, Michigan

D etroit, Michigan, nicknamed Motown and the Motor City, showcases the city’s automotive and musical heritage. While downtown Detroit features many of the area’s tourist attractions, you’ll also want to explore some of the suburbs, like Royal Oak and Dearborn, to explore the Detroit Zoo and the Henry Ford.

You’ll find so many fun things to do while visiting Detroit that it might be challenging to decide where to start sightseeing. So here are 11 must-see things to do while you’re there.

1. Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History , located in Detroit’s midtown region, explores the cultural heritage of African Americans through permanent and rotating exhibits. Permanent exhibits at the Wright include Detroit Performs , featuring those in music, dance, and theater who reached national and international recognition in the performing arts. Another display, And Still We Rise , provides a comprehensive look at African American resilience throughout the years. As an art lover, I enjoyed the Stories in Stained Glass exhibit, where Samuel A. Hodge, a stained-glass artist, created pieces representing dancers and musicians.

Pro Tip: You can park at the Cultural Center parking lot behind the museum, where the entrance is off John R. Street. Parking here is also convenient for the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Michigan Science Center.

2. Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo , located in the suburb of Royal Oak, sits on 125 acres of natural habitats. Open year-round, you’ll find over 2,000 animals at the zoo, representing more than 200 species. In addition to the animals, you can ride a carousel, watch a movie in the 4D theater, and stop by the Rissman PlayVenture with the kiddos to blow off some steam.

Pro Tip: While you’ll find benches throughout the zoo, one way to reduce your walking is to take the Tauber Family Railroad one-way in your explorations. While you can’t see the animals on the train, our family likes to jump on and take it to the back of the zoo. Then, view the animals walking to the front at the exit towards the end of the day.

3. Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is the birthplace of the Model T. The building, constructed in 1904, is considered one of the world’s most important automotive heritage locations. They assembled the first 12,000 Model Ts at this manufacturing plant and shipped them by railroad.

In 1910, the Ford Motor Company moved its operations to the Highland Park Plan and sold the Piquette building to Studebaker, where that company used it to build automobiles until 1933.

Pro Tip: Open Wednesday through Sunday, they offer public guided tours at 10 a.m., Noon, and 2 p.m.

4. Detroit Institute Of Arts (DIA)

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) , located on Woodward Avenue, features work from the beginning of civilization through the 21st century. You’ll find over 60,000 pieces of art here, so you’ll want to plan your visit. Van Gough’s 1887 self-portrait and Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals are both must-see works at the DIA.

With so much to see here, The GooseChase app is a self-guided scavenger hunt and a fun way to explore the museum with a purpose.

Pro Tip: Take a free 1-hour guided tour that provides an overview of the museum.

5. Hart Plaza

The Gateway to Freedom Sculpture , located in Hart Plaza , is one of the sculptures along the Detroit Riverwalk. Facing Windsor, Canada, it commemorates one of the final stops along the Underground Railroad. Also in the area, at the corner of Woodward and Jefferson across from the Renaissance Center, is a sculpture dedicated to Detroit native and heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, known as The Fist.

Pro Tip: The Detroit People Mover , with 11 stops open to the public, including Greek Town and the General Motors Renaissance Center, is a great way to get around downtown Detroit. As you ride, take the time to enjoy the murals you find at each of the People Mover stations.

6. The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford , located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, offers a variety of experiences — Greenfield Village, the Henry Ford Museum, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.

Greenfield Village

I still remember the magic and anticipation of my fourth-grade field trip to Greenfield Village . It was magical then and still is today. The village is an 80-acre, open-air museum divided into seven districts. You can visit working farms and see Henry Ford’s Model T district, where you can ride a Model T. In addition, Liberty Craft Works showcases artisan crafts such as weaving and glass blowing. You can also see Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Complex featuring his laboratory to see where he conducted some of his experiments.

The Henry Ford Museum Of American Innovation

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation immerses you in the stories that built America. You can step onto the bus where Rosa Parks refused to sit in the back, see the seat where Abraham Lincoln sat on his fatal night in the Ford Theater, and explore aviation achievements beginning with the Wright brothers.

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour offers two theater experiences and a self-guided factory tour where you’ll see how they make the Ford F-150.

7. Motown Museum

In 1959, Berry Gordy started Motown Records. The Motown Museum is inside the first headquarters of Motown Records. You’ll find Studio A is where they recorded many Motown favorites. The museum also displays the apartment where Berry Gordy and his family lived during the early days of Motown Records.

8. Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park is a Michigan State Park urban sanctuary in the middle of the Detroit River. It combines city attractions like museums and aquariums with outdoor nature activities like paddle sports and a nature center.

Belle Isle Aquarium

The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest in the United States. I enjoyed the history of the original green-arched ceiling designed to make you feel like you’re underwater. Plan to spend an hour exploring the aquarium.

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

The 13-acre Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory features five horticultural settings — the Palm House, the Tropical, a sunken Fernery, the Cactus, and Show Houses — featuring rotating flowering plants. I love taking photographs here. 

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

Dossin Great Lakes Museum tells the story of Detroit’s maritime history in both indoor and outdoor settings. The anchor from the SS Edmund Fitzgerald is on display here.

Pro Tip: While all vehicles entering the park require a Recreation Passport, one isn’t necessary if you’re walking in. Also, the aquarium, conservatory, and museum have free admission.

9. Michigan Science Center

With more than 200 exhibits at the Michigan Science Center , you can easily spend an entire day with the kiddos doing hands-on activities. One of my favorite galleries is the Waves and Vibrations gallery. Our family especially enjoyed the walk-in kaleidoscope and the Seashell Pipes, where we all enjoyed experimenting with sounds and colors.

In addition to the hands-on exhibits, check out the schedule of shows at the theaters. They have shows at the IMAX Dome Theater, the Planetarium, the Toyota 4D Engineering Theater, and the Science Stage.

10. Eastern Market

Eastern Market , open since 1841, is one of the nation’s largest open-air markets. While the farmers market is open on Saturdays, the area around the market offers a diverse mix of shopping and restaurants the rest of the week. In addition, murals cover the walls around the area, making it an exciting place to explore outdoor art.

11. Fox Theatre

Built in 1928, the Fox Theatre is a National Historic Landmark and the first theater in the world to hold custom built-in equipment to present talking movies. Today, the Fox Theatre offers Broadway shows in various genres, including drama, musicals, and comedy.

While you’re in the area, these articles will help you round out your trip:

• Best Places To Eat And Drink In Detroit, Michigan
• 8 Must-Visit Detroit Museums
• 10 Truly Beautiful Places In Or Near Detroit

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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Ford Motor Company celebrates new truck launches in Dearborn

Ford Motor Company stopped the assembly line at the Rouge truck plant for about an hour Thursday for a party. It's celebrating its 2024 truck launches and sales, especially the Maverick and Ranger pickup trucks.

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Ford Fireworks along Detroit River launches June 24

The Ford Fireworks, the annual summertime display over the Detroit River, will launch on June 24, marking its 66th year, officials announced Thursday.

The fireworks, produced by The Parade Company, "one of the largest and most magnificent shows in America," will begin at 10 p.m., Parade Company officials said.

Sponsored by Ford Motor Co., this year's event is themed "Color the Sky with Sunshine."

"Ford is proud to be a longtime partner of The Parade Company and to support one of the most cherished events of the summer," said Mary Culler, president of the Ford Motor Company Fund. "We look forward to bringing everyone together again to celebrate and honor America, our great city and the people and communities that make Detroit so special."

The Parade Company selects the musical arrangement and works with Zambelli Fireworks to create the display, which is made up of more than 10,000 pyrotechnics that are visible for miles along the Detroit River, offering views from Hart Plaza, Belle Isle and along the international border shared with Windsor, Canada.

A rooftop party sponsored by Ford from 5:30-11 p.m. will feature live music with Your Generation in Concert, catering by Andiamo restaurant, with games and giveaways, officials said. Attendees are asked to respond by May 3. Tickets for the rooftop party will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation.

Special live coverage will be broadcast on WDIV-TV (Ch. 4), and WJR-AM (760) and Paul W. Smith.

Information on show can be found at www.theparade.org or (313) 923-7400.

“The Ford Fireworks inspires awe and excitement in Detroit and well beyond, with a magnificent fireworks display lighting up a truly iconic American skyline,” said Tony Michaels, president & CEO of The Parade Company. “We are once again honored and privileged to work with the amazing team at Ford Motor Company to bring the people of Detroit and our region this incredible event for the 66th year.”

[email protected]

Watch CBS News

Ford recalls nearly 43,000 Bronco Sport, Escape SUVs due to gas leaks that can cause fires

April 11, 2024 / 7:55 AM EDT / AP

Ford is recalling nearly 43,000 small SUVs because gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. But the recall remedy does not include repairing the fuel leaks.

The recall covers certain Bronco Sport SUVs from the 2022 and 2023 model years, as well as Escape SUVs from 2022. All have 1.5-liter engines.

Ford says in documents filed with U.S. safety regulators that fuel injectors can crack, and gasoline or vapor can accumulate near ignition sources, possibly touching off fires.

Dealers will install a tube to let gasoline flow away from hot surfaces to the ground below the vehicle. They'll also update engine control software to detect a pressure drop in the fuel injection system. If that happens, the software will disable the high pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power and cut temperatures in the engine compartment, according to documents posted Wednesday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Owners were to be notified by letter starting April 1.

The company says in documents it has reports of five under-hood fires and 14 warranty replacements of fuel injectors, but no reports of crashes or injuries.

In an email, Ford said it is not replacing fuel injectors because it is confident the recall repairs "will prevent the failure from occurring and protect the customer." The new software also will trigger a dashboard warning light and allow customers to drive to a safe location, stop the vehicle and arrange for service, the company said. NHTSA documents filed by Ford say the problem happens only in about 1% of the SUVs.

The company also said it will extend warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors, so owners who experience the problem will get replacements. Ford said repairs are already available, and details of the extended warranty will be available in June.

Ford said the recall is an extension of a 2022 recall for the same problem. The repair has already been tested on vehicles involved in the previous recall, and Ford said it's not aware of any problems.

The company also said it isn't recommending that the SUVs be parked only outdoors because there's no evidence that fires happen when vehicles are parked and the engines are off.

Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, called Ford's remedy for the fuel leaks a "Band-aid type recall" and said the company is trying to avoid the cost of repairing the fuel injectors.

A 1% failure rate, he said, is high, and even with the repairs, drivers still could be forced to exit a freeway at a low speed, placing them at risk of a crash.

NHTSA, he said, should do more to make sure recalls fix the root causes of vehicle problems rather than making less-costly repairs.

In the past, NHTSA has said it does not have legal authority to pre-approve recall fixes. But in a statement Wednesday, the agency said it will "closely track their performance using field data." The agency said owners who have questions should contact their dealership or Ford.

Brooks said Congress should change the law so the agency can "require something more than the rubber stamp that NHTSA is currently deploying" on recalls.

The agency, he said, has been more aggressive of late in investigating recall fixes. "That is a post-remedy inquiry that won't make the fixes better, and further stretches out the process and leaves consumers in limbo," he said.

• Ford Motor Company

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