rouge factory tour price

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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The Henry Ford Museum, Rouge Factory Tour and Greenfield Village

A must when you are in Detroit is the Henry Ford Museum and especially the Rouge Factory Tour. As a big car fan, you definitely have to swing by here. Another big highlight is the Greenfield Village, located right next to the Henry Ford Museum. For all the attractions here you need at least two days to fully enjoy them. The good news is that your ticket is valid until you use it for one of the attractions. If you buy the main attractions (Museum, Factory Tour, and Greenfield Village) you can visit the museum and factory in one day and scan your ticket and visit Greenfield Village the next day.

I recommend you the following itinerary.

Factory Tour

• Henry Ford Museum

Second Day:

Greenfield Village

Some advice for your visit.

I recommend you to take the factory tour fist and then do whichever other experience you booked. This gives you the chance to spend as much time as you want in the factory and after that, you can plan freely and visit the museum or village. Everything closes at 5 p.m. but the last bus for the factory tour leaves at 3 p.m. Buses run every 20 minutes to the factory and back. You can hop on any bus you want to or from the factory. There is no limit how much time you can spend where.

If you can visit during the week, means fewer people. If you can visit on a Monday or Tuesday because during the school year there are most of the time field trips to this places from local schools and then it gets crowded and sometimes loud. Depending on the age of the kids ;).

Besides the above-mentioned attractions, you can buy an add-on for the village which allows you to ride all the rides inside the village. This includes the Model T, steam train, and horse carriage.

Another feature is the Giant Screen Experience . You can watch different documentaries in the on-site movie theater.

As a car enthusiast, this is definitely a must. The bus to the factory leaves every 20 minutes just outside of the museum. Follow the signs for the Factory Tour and you can’t miss it. The buses are also labeled with Rouge Factory Tour and look like the one in the picture below.

Interesting Fact:

The Rouge Factory was build to be self-sufficient and was able to produce all the materials needed for the car manufacturing itself. On the Rouge River, ships brought ore, lumber and other raw materials which would be processed in the factory to make metal, glass, and more.

The factory tour has five stations. ( Overview Map )

• Legacy Theatre
• Manufacturing Innovation Theatre
• Observation Deck
• Legacy Gallery and Store

The first two movies give you background info about the history of Henry Ford, the factory and the current production process at the factory. Then take the lift up to the observation deck, 80 ft above ground. From here you can see the green roof, the factory grounds and lots of information about what you see. This is the first car factory I have seen with an observation deck of this kind.

When you are ready to head to the factory call the elevator and go to the “M” level. There is even a sign next to the elevator but most people pushed the button for the ground level.

From here you can walk across the bridge and get inside the actual factory. There you see the final assembly and testing of the Ford F 150 pickup trucks.

The employees work in two shifts (each 10 hours) from Monday through Friday and one shift on Saturday and Sunday. Workers have a four-day workweek. There are 7400 trucks build per week in this plant.

Unfortunately, there is no photography allowed inside the factory itself. The photo below is property and shared by “The Henry Ford”.

Once back from the factory head downstairs and explore the legacy gallery and the factory store.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Believe it or not, this museum does show more than only cars build by Ford. It gives you the whole spectrum of American innovation. Everything from agriculture, cars, railroad, weapons, furniture and much more.

Check out the overview map by clicking on the image below. There you can create your own map with your favorite must-sees.

It is like traveling back in time to the industrialization of the United States. I was pretty impressed when I saw the huge and impressive Allegheny locomotive 1601. According to the museum, this is the most photographed exhibit.

This is an amazing collection of American innovation throughout the time. There are numerous presidential vehicles on display as well. Under the theme “Driving America” the Henry Ford shows how people started to go on road trips and explore the country.

The village was founded in 1929 as an educational and historic landmark, maintaining the buildings and stories of America’s past for future generations. The village is basically divided into 7 districts.

Inside the village, there are numerous rides you can take (for an extra fee).

• Ford’s Model T
• Horse Carriage
• Steam Train

The Model T is probably a must as it was Ford’s first and most sold car in history. Below a small video of the rides…

Otherwise, it’s just great to stroll throughout the village and explore the buildings and the history behind it. The most impressive location for me was the roundhouse inside the Railroad Junction district. As a big train fan, this was just amazing to see an actually preserved roundhouse and be able to explore it.

Of course, the best time to visit the village is on a beautiful sunny day. It makes for even better pictures and feeling. However, you can not always pick the weather. Rainy days will give you a less crowded experience on the other side.

More photos of the Henry Ford, Greenfield Village and Factory Tour

Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.

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Explore American Innovation at The Henry Ford

Story by danielle alexander | photos by the henry ford, bill bowen.

Located in Dearborn, TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winner The Henry Ford is home to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the Giant Screen Experience:

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation:

From stepping inside the bus Rosa Parks took a stand in by taking a seat, to pretending to be a pilot while exploring the Wright brothers’ achievements, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation truly “allows you to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories.” Popular exhibits include (but are definitely not limited to) the Davidson-Gerson Modern Glass Gallery, Dymaxion House, Heroes of the Sky, Driving America, Presidential Vehicles, Railroads and so much more. If you’re hungry, the museum is also home to Michigan Café, Lamy’s Diner and American Dog House. In the mood to shop? Henry Ford Museum Store and Genius at Play are also located inside its walls. Check out the museum’s Tips and Policies page for help planning your visit.

Cost : $22 for general admission, $20 for seniors and a $10 donation for children ages 3-11

Hours : 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Upcoming Events:

Maker Faire Detroit, July 29-30

National Aviation Day, Aug. 19

The Science Behind Pixar, Oct. 14-March 18

Greenfield Village:

Walking through the lab Thomas Edison had his “light bulb moment” and taking a ride in a real Model T are just two of dozens of other firsthand experiences Greenfield Village offers. Its seven historic districts include Working Farms, Liberty Craftworks, Henry Ford’s Model T, Railroad Junction, Main Street, Edison at Work and Porches & Parlors, and there are actually nine snack and meal options within the village’s perimeter: Eagle Tavern, Sir John Bennett’s Sweet Shop, State Street Lunch Stand, Frozen Custard, Carousel Confections, Cotswold Cottage Tea, A Taste of History, Mrs. Fisher’s Southern Cooking and Owl Night Lunch Wagon. Greenfield Village Store and Liberty Craftworks Store are also popular spots for shoppers, as well. Be sure to take a look at the village's Tips and Policies page prior to visiting.

Cost : $27 for general admission, $24.50 for seniors and a $10 donation for children ages 3-11

Hours : 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (April 15-Oct. 30)

Upcoming Events :

Historic Base Ball: 1867 Style, June 10-Aug. 20

Artist in Residence Program, July 25-29 and Aug. 22-26

World Tournament of Historic Base Ball, Aug. 12-13

Wright Day of Celebration, Aug. 19

Old Car Festival, Sept. 9-10

Ford Rouge Factory Tour:

Have you ever wanted to tour a car factory floor? If this sounds appealing, observing the making of America’s most iconic truck, the Ford F-150, at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour is definitely for you. You’ll not only get to first-handedly experience the Assembly Plant, but you’ll also get to have a seat inside of the Legacy Theater to learn the history of Ford Motor Company, take in the unforgettable views from the plant’s Observation Deck, witness a multisensory exploration at the Manufacturing Innovation Theater, view the Legacy Gallery of cars and even take a walk through both the Living Laboratory and the Living Roof. Answers to common questions about the factory tour can be found on Ford Rouge Factory Tour’s Tips and Policies page.

Cost : $18 for general admission, $16.25 for seniors and a $10 donation for children ages 3-11

Hours : 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Saturday; the last tour leaves at 3 p.m.

Giant Screen Experience:

The Henry Ford is also home to the new state-of-the-art 4K digital projection, sound and seating, which is known as the “ Giant Screen Experience .” Featured films currently include Dream Big, a heartfelt story of human ingenuity; National Parks Adventure, an “ultimate off-trail adventure”; Deepsea Challenge 3D, a James Cameron journey through the deepest part of ocean; Robots, a film about meeting the most remarkable robots in the world; Living in the Age of Airplanes, allowing for the discovery of the astonishing ways that flight has changed the world; and, finally, Dark Universe, which celebrates the pivotal discoveries that have led us to greater knowledge of the structure and history of the universe.

Cost and hours : Visit Giant Screen Experience’s Show Times and Tickets page for specific film day/times, as well as ticket pricing information.

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Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Description

Venue Fee* $$

Max Capacity 140 plated; 300 strolling

* Prices vary based on guest count and additional details.

Distinctive Features: Indoor, Outdoor, Industrial, Historical

Few venues can inspire innovation like the reimagined Ford Rouge Factory Tour. With its sweeping transformation complete, this facility is a model of 21 st -century sustainable design that showcases how community, business and the environment can thrive together in a single environment. During your three-hour event, guests will get a look inside America’s most iconic truck, the Ford F-150, and become immersed in modern manufacturing’s most progressive concepts. They’ll also experience the awe-inspiring scale of a real factory floor, and get a bird’s eye glimpse of one of the world’s largest living roofs.

Customize your event so your guests can participate in experiences like:

• The Legacy Theater, a short film that recounts the fascinating history of the Rouge through rare, never-before-seen historic footage.
• The Manufacturing Innovation Theater, providing a multi-sensory exploration of making the Ford F-150 truck.
• The Legacy Gallery, the perfect spot to explore the stories and engineering behind some of Ford’s most iconic vehicles.
• The Observation Deck, highlighting the ground-breaking environmental innovations throughout the Rouge complex.
• The Assembly Walking Plant Tour along a 1/3-mile elevated walkway above the final assembly area for the Ford F-150.

Plan your team-building event to begin no earlier than 6pm; your rental fees include the space and a fully guided interactive tour. Allow your guests enough time to visit the Factory Store to complete the experience.

Ford Rouge Factory Tour - 20900 Oakwood, Dearborn, MI 48124

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Banner Images: Henry Ford & Henry Leland (1922) / Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry” Frescoes (1933) / Timken Detroit Axle (1919) / UAW GM Cadillac Clark St. Pickets (1937)

Ford Rouge Complex

The overview that follows was produced in 2008 by MCNHA and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy as part of a Detroit River Tour.

An Introduction to the Rouge Henry Ford began buying the property that was to become the Rouge in 1915, acquiring a 2,000-acre stretch of bottomland along the Rouge River. The Rouge River property still was not earmarked for any particular use and Ford had even considered turning the land into a large bird sanctuary.

That changed near the end of World War I, when Undersecretary of the Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt engaged Henry Ford to build boats. In 1917, a three-story structure, Building B, was constructed for the purpose of building Eagle Boats, warships intended to hunt down German submarines. Although the war ended before the Eagle Boats ever saw combat, the effort did allow Ford to widen the Rouge River substantially, thereby raising the possibility of bringing ore boats up the river.

Because Henry Ford was determined to be independent of suppliers, he developed the Rouge into an almost self-sufficient and self-contained industrial city. Construction began on April 1, 1917 and when it was completed in 1928, it had become the largest integrated factory in the world. Measuring 1 ½ miles wide by 1 mile long, the complex included 93 buildings with nearly 16 million square feet of factory floor space. Detroit architect Albert Kahn designed most of the complex.

With its own docks in the dredged Rouge River, 100 miles of interior railroad track, 27 miles of conveyors, 53,000 machine tools and tens of thousands of employees, the Rouge was able to turn raw materials into running vehicles within this single complex.

The Rouge also included a blast furnace, steel mill, a glass plant, cement plant, and byproducts plant which produced petroleum products, such as paints, fertilizers, and charcoal. A massive power plant produced enough electricity to light a city the size of nearby Detroit, and a soybean conversion plant turned soybeans into plastic auto parts.

The company’s own iron ore mines in northern Michigan and Minnesota supplied the Rouge as did its Kentucky and West Virginia coal mines. Raw materials were brought in on Ford-owned railroad lines and on Ford ships to be processed at the Rouge mills. Ford established his own lumber operation in northern Michigan to provide wood used in car bodies, and a rubber plantation in Brazil for tire production.

The first land vehicles actually assembled in the Rouge were not cars but farm tractors. No sooner had Henry Ford achieved low-cost transportation with the Model T than he set his sights on doing the same for the world’s farmers. In 1921, production of the world's first mass-produced tractor, the Fordson, was transferred from the original Dearborn plant to the Rouge.

The Rouge achieved the distinction of automotive "ore to assembly" in 1927 with the long-awaited introduction of the Model A. During the late 1920s and early 1930s the Ford Rouge plant became the largest industrial complex in the world, as well as the most advanced, architecturally and technically. It was a city without residents. During the 1930s, more than 100,000 people worked at the Rouge. To accommodate them required a multi-station fire department, a police force, a fully staffed hospital and a maintenance crew 5,000 strong. One new car rolled off the line every 49 seconds. Each day, workers smelted more than 1,500 tons of iron and made 500 tons of glass, and every month 3,500 mop heads had to be replaced to keep the complex clean.

It is anticipated that the Guide will, in the months to come, build upon the above discussion by:

Exploring, in more detail, the Rouge’s 1920s technological advances and how it was re-imagined by 2003 as a model of sustainable manufacturing and environmental sensibilities.

Highlighting the campaign, on the part of the United Auto Workers, to overcome fierce resistance to secure union recognition in 1941.

Documenting how African American workers gained entry into the industry in significant numbers and figured prominently in the UAW organizing efforts of the early ‘40s, while tracing Local 600’s emergence as a leading force in the modern civil rights movement.

Click to view:

Articles Henry Ford’s Rouge , an introductory profile from The Henry Ford Museum’s website

Ford's River Rouge Plant Celebrates a Century of Nonstop Production , Andrew Wendler’s 2018 Car and Driver magazine article

Videos & Documentaries Ford Rouge Factory Tour , this 2017 Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation with Mo Rocca CBS broadcast highlights the F150 truck assembly operation (4 minutes)

The Ford Rouge Plant Story , this 2003 Ford Motor Company video provides an overview of the Rouge’s early history and introduces the effort to transform it into a cutting edge manufacturing center that was launched in 1999 (7 minutes)

The Rouge , this 1998 WDIV-TV Kingsberry Productions comprehensive documentary focuses on the Rouge’s early years and the emergence of the UAW. This link allows it to be downloaded from the University of Michigan Library’s Deep Blue information system (1 Hour).

The Ford Rouge Plant: A Film Story of Men, Methods & Motor Cars , this 1941 Ford Motor Company documentary is narrated by veteran broadcaster Lowell Thomas and features footage highlighting its basic steel and V-8 engine manufacturing operations. (20 minutes)

PHOTO CREDITS Detroit Historical Society Power Plant / Eagle Boat / Ore Docks / Rolling Mill / Assembly Line / Aerial view

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

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Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• (1.39 mi) The Henry, Autograph Collection
• (0.10 mi) Lamy's Diner
• (0.10 mi) Frozen Custard Stand
• (0.10 mi) The Henry Ford's Plum Market Kitchen
• (0.21 mi) Tim Hortons
• (0.43 mi) Eagle Tavern
• (0.18 mi) Ford Rouge Factory Tour
• (0.18 mi) Greenfield Village
• (0.23 mi) Ford Motor Company Conference and Event Center
• (0.26 mi) Automotive Hall of Fame
• (0.36 mi) Dearborn Historical Museum

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Day Out With Thomas ™

May 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19 in greenfield village. public tickets on sale now..

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PAW Patrol: Adventure Play

Join the heroic paw patrol pups at the henry ford museum of american innovation. open now.

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Behind the Glass

See greenfield village glass shop lead ryan thompson on the netflix show blown away , and shop his original tumbler design..

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Rediscover Inspiration

Learn more about our spring programs and exhibits., coming soon: stand 44, an exciting new dining option is opening in greenfield village on may 1..

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Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation ®

Open Daily 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Buy Tickets   |    Calendar

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Greenfield Village

Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m  Buy Tickets   |    Calendar

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Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Open Mon - Sat 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Last tour leaves at 3 p.m.  Buy Tickets   |    Calendar

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Giant Screen Experience

Open Wed - Sun Showtimes Vary  Times & Tickets

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The Jackson House

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Mackinac Island, Michigan

Step back in time onto this enchanting island where bluff cottages, horse-drawn carriages, and historical treasures await you.

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Trip Duration:  7 Days

Meals Included:  6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches

Tour Director:  Yes 

Mackinac Island Ferry

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry zips you safely to Mackinac Island in just 16 minutes! You may choose from the cushioned seats and wide aisles of the main deck lounge, or experience a spectacular panoramic view of the Straits of Mackinac from the open-air top-deck seating area.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Since motor vehicles are not permitted to intrude on the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, there is no better way to visit this historic isle and see the legendary points of interest than by horse drawn carriages. You'll be taken to areas you may not discover on bicycle or on foot. Your tour will be expertly narrated and you'll travel in comfortable, charming carriages "with the fringe on top." You'll see Surrey Hill, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac and the renowned Grand Hotel. See historic Market Street, Skull Cave, and the Governor's Mansion. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

Mackinac Island Butterfly House

The Mackinac Island Butterfly House is 1800 square feet of tropical gardens filled with hundreds of live butterflies from around the world.

Visit this fairy tale garden where beautiful butterflies of every imaginable size and color "dance" to classical music and the sound of falling water, fluttering and lighting on fragrant blossoms and the marvelous stone waterfall that centers the garden.

Frankenmuth, MI

Frankenmuth, "Michigan's Little Bavaria," delights over 3 million visitors annually with its flower-lined streets and Bavarian hospitality. Come experience another world with unique attractions, shopping, restaurants, and family fun!

Lunch at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn

Established in 1888 and known for its famous all-you-can-eat Frankenmuth-style chicken dinners and German specialties, the Inn boasts seven dining rooms and a Roof Garden. Mini Village of shops is located in the lower level.

The restaurant is the home of Frankenmuth's Glockenspiel tower. Bavarian Inn's Glockenspiel Tower houses a magnificent 35-bell carillon, a beautiful figurine movement and an illuminated clock, all imported from Germany! Before striking the hour, and on each quarter hour, the clock sounds the 5-bell Westminster chime.

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Visit the Largest Christmas Store in the World with thousands of shimmering lights, sparkling ornaments, hundreds of whimsical animated figures and a worldwide selection of over 50,000 trims and gifts, displayed in a European marketplace atmosphere.

View  the “World of Bronner’s" - A digital, 25-minute, video presentation is a delight of sights and sounds highlighting the design and production of Bronner’s worldwide selection of trims and gifts.

Enjoy a snack at Season’s Eatings. Season’s Eatings offers a varied menu of snack and lunch items…and Christmas cookies! Menu choices change according to seasons. Visit Bronner’s replica of Oberndorf, Austria’s Silent Night Memorial Chapel.

The chapel is a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, which marks the site where Silent Night was first sung in 1818. Plaques with the hymn "Silent Night" in over 300 languages line a tranquil walkway.  Once inside the chapel, enjoy a peaceful, educational experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h1p15mQxHc&t=16s

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Step into a world where past innovations fuel the imagination of generations to come. A vibrant exploration of genius in all its forms, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation allows you to experience the strides of America's greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories. Step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand by taking a seat. Play pilot as you explore flight innovations, starting with the Wright brothers' achievements, or make yourself at home inside Buckminster Fuller's circular Dymaxion House. Put yourself in the place of the movers and shakers who blazed the trail to where we stand today.

Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Upon arrival at the Ford Rouge Factory, see the Manufacturing Innovation Theater filled with jaw-dropping special effects, from "floating" 3-D laser projection mapping and high-energy audio to a breathtaking behind-the-wheel finale.A short elevator ride up to the Rouge Visitor Center's observation deck provides a panoramic view of the 10 acre environmentally inspired "living roof" - the world's largest - on top of the final assembly building. Finally, an elevated walkway will take us high above a world-class assembly line, giving all an up-close look at how F-150 trucks are built and get set for some eye-opening encounters. As the tour ends, you will walk through a gallery of legendary vehicles produced at the Rouge including the Ford Model A, Thunderbird, Mustang, and the Ford F-150.

Cross in the Woods National Shrine

It was declared a national shrine by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on September 15, 2006. With the largest crucifix in the world (31 feet high for the statue), it has become one of the most famous and most frequently visited shrines in Michigan.The highlight of the shrine is a large wooden cross and bronze figure of Christ by sculptor Marshall Fredericks. The site also includes outdoor and indoor churches, numerous smaller shrines, and a nun doll museum.

Need to Know:

Horse drawn carriage ride -

Getting into and out of the horse drawn carriage is difficult. There is a high climb to get into the carriage and sometimes the horses sway, making it difficult to get in.

A wheelchair accessible carriage is available with a minimum of 24 hours advance notice. There are no step stools to assist guests in carriage. The carriage driver & ticket office will assist guests who may need help getting up into the carriage.

Inn on Mackinac does not have wheelchair accessible rooms but a wheelchair can fit into the rooms depending on size. All rooms have a shower/tub combo. No grab bars are available. A room with shower stall can be requested. Hotel has an elevator.

Ferry Ride - Passengers who use wheelchairs or motorized scooters must sit in the Aft deck of the ferry. This is the area where luggage is stowed. If there is a person traveling with them, they will put a chair for them in the area.

Eyre has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Tentative Departure Times: 7:30am Ellicott City @ Long Gate Park & Ride 8:15am Silver Spring/Rockville @ Georgia Avenue Park & Ride 8:30am Silver Spring @ Leisure World Clubhouse II

Travel to Elyria, OH Lunch on own in route Check in for (1) overnight at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Elyria OH *Baggage handling offered on departure from Hampton Inn Elyria, but not on arrival* Dinner on own

Breakfast at hotel Check out of hotel Travel to Frankenmuth, Michigan Lunch included at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant Free time on own in Frankenmuth Visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland Check in for 1 (overnight) at the Drury Inn, Frankenmuth Dinner on own

Breakfast at hotel Check out of hotel Travel to Mackinaw City, Michigan Lunch on own Board Ferry for passage to Mackinac Island Horse Drawn taxi service transport from the main dock to hotel Check in for (2) overnights at The Inn on Mackinac Complimentary Welcome Reception Admission to the Mackinac Island Butterfly House Dinner on own

Breakfast at hotel One hour horse drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island Lunch Buffet included at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island Return to hotel Dinner on own

Breakfast at hotel Check out of hotel Horse drawn taxi service from hotel to main dock Ferry back to to Mackinaw City Travel to Indian River, MI Lunch on own Visit the National Shrine of The Cross In the Woods, Indian River, MI Travel to Troy, MI Check into hotel for (1) overnight at Hampton Inn & Suites, Troy, MI Dinner on own

Breakfast at Hotel Check out of hotel Travel to Dearborn, MI Admission to the Henry Ford Museum and Ford Rouge Factory, Dearborn, MI Lunch on own Travel to Elyria, OH Check in for (1) overnight at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Elyria OH *Baggage handling offered on departure from Hampton Inn Elyria, but not on arrival* Dinner on own

Breakfast at hotel Check out of hotel Travel home Lunch on own en route

Tentatiive Return Times: 4:00pm Silver Spring/Rockville @ Georgia Avenue Park & Ride 4:15pm Silver Spring @ Leisure World Clubhouse II 5:00pm Ellicott City @ Long Gate Park & Ride

Times are Tenative

Check boarding pass for confirmed pick up times

Accommodations Day 1 and Day 6 : Hampton Inn & Suites, Elyria OH

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness center. Guestrooms include refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron/board, and hairdryer.

The hotel has 3 floors with elevator access.

*Baggage handling offered on departure from Hampton Inn Elyria, but not on arrival*

Accommodations Day 2: Drury Inn, Frankenmuth, MI

The Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth, with its Bavarian style architecture, makes an ideal place to stay. Each guest room includes a hair dryer, iron/board, coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. The hotel also has an indoor pool & whirlpool.

Accommodations Day 3 & 4: Inn on Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI

This Victorian bed and breakfast was built in 1867 and has retained its quaint, old fashioned charm. The Inn's facilities have been updated to meet the needs of the modern traveler while preserving its colorful history. Today, completely remodeled and redecorated, this beautiful Victorian Inn opens its doors as a bed and breakfast.

All rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a private bath and color TV. There is a seasonal pool with a sundeck on the Inn's property.

Accommodations Day 5:  Hampton Inn & Suites, Troy, MI

The hotel features an indoor pool and Fitness Center. Guestrooms include coffee maker, mini refrigerator, hair dryer and iron/board. The hotel is Non-Smoking.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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