Hank's Place: Dearborn, Mich.

A Visit to Greenfield Village in Detroit

If you enjoy history, you will really like the historically significant buildings that are located there. If you enjoy looking at yesteryear, you will appreciate "the way things were," and if you are looking for a special day trip, you will find the two hour trip to Dearborn to be about just right. There is indeed, something for everyone at Greenfield Village.

As part of "The Henry Ford," Greenfield Village is primarily a collection of historically significant buildings. But don't think that you will simply wander from place to place just looking at them.  Along the way, you will find the streets to be crowded with horse-drawn carriages, old Model Ts and period cyclists riding high wheel bicycles. Don't forget the Village's inhabitants who stroll the streets in period costumes, eager to pose in a picture for you.

The Village is divided into several major areas; there is a railroad section, a farm section, one for industry, one for "Porches & Parlors" and one featuring Henry Ford himself. There are some others sprinkled in to make an interesting mix. Among other things, you will find a small railroad roundhouse where the Village's railroad equipment is displayed & maintained, Henry Ford's first factory for the production of automobiles, Thomas Edison's Menlo Park Laboratory and the H.J.Heinz house.

On the green, you might find a period baseball game. At one of the school buildings, you might also be treated to a (very short) day in class or you may wish to pause reflectively in the New England church in the Village. If you are interested in a little more adventure, how about a ride in a restored Model T, a jaunt around town in a horse-drawn carriage or even a short trip on a paddleboat steamer? Don't forget the ride around the Village on the steam powered passenger train.

In terms of practical considerations, the streets & sidewalks are all paved so that those with strollers or wheelchairs will find it easy to get around, and it shouldn't be messy should a brief shower accompany your visit. Food & drink are available there and there is also gift shopping as well. Additional information about Greenfield Village and the rest of The Henry Ford complex can be found at their Web site:  www.thehenryford.org. You will surely find this to be a great way to spend a summer day.

By Dan Merkel, electronic sales representative

Comments

[Rebecca]

My family visited here this summer and had a GREAT time! We enjoyed several impromptu "theater" bits of historically dressed folks, including the Wright brothers coming home to their mama. I wandered into one farm house and was treated to fresh baked bread from a fireplace Dutch oven. Be warned, though, this is a HUGE place. Plan to spend a whole day here, or go back often and wander down streets you haven't visited yet.

[Jeff Ede]

I've been to Greenfield Village and really enjoyed it. Very nice place.

[Jeff Ede]

I've been to Greenfield Village and really enjoyed it. Very nice place.