Of the many family-friendly metro Detroit places we love visiting, Greenfield Village ranks near the top of our list. It’s part old-timey amusement park, part century-old living museum, though neither of those descriptions does it justice.
There are countless historical buildings transplanted from around the country (and the world), homes and shops, each a mini museum. You’ll meet employees in historically-accurate costumes and feel transported through time.
With so much to learn and experience, you could spend days here before you’d see it all. Part of its charm is in its slow pace and open spaces, so try not to rush!
Before you visit, here are some things you should know:
- Greenfield Village opens in mid-April and remains open late into the fall. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.
- It is organized into seven historic districts: Working Farms, Liberty Craftworks, Henry Ford’s Model T, Railroad Junction, Main Street, Edison at Work, and Porches and Parlors. Here’s a map to help you get your bearings.
- General admission is $28, and admission for children aged 5 to 11 is $21 each. Children aged 4 and under are free.
- Memberships start at $65/year for an individual and $125/year for one member plus one additional guest per visit with many other options available. Memberships include free admission to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum, discounts at their shops and restaurants, and discounted tickets to special events.
- There is a $6 parking fee, which is waived for members.
- Rides often cost extra although you can add unlimited rides to your membership for an extra fee.
Here are five activities that are free with admission:
1. Play at the playground. Designed to resemble a vintage construction site, it has unique, industrial structures, including slides, swings, a sandbox, and water tables.
2. Watch a vintage baseball game on Saturdays and Sundays from June 8 through August 18 (except June 29-30 and July 6-7). First pitch is at 1:30 p.m.
3. Visit the animals on the working farm. Built in 1863, it houses horses, sheep, cows, chickens, and geese.
4. Watch artisans display glass-blowing, weaving, and pottery. Check here to see when activities are scheduled.
5. Visit the railroad turntable from 1901. Children aged 6 or older can even try turning it themselves! Demonstrations take place every day at 10:50 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:50 p.m.
Here are activities that will include a ride ticket for additional cost:
1. Ride the carousel, built in 1913.
2. Ride the steam train.
3. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
4. Buy treats at the Sir John Bennett Sweet Shop. Open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
5. Treat yourself to frozen custard. Open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
6. Mail a postcard from the Village Post Office.
7. Ride in a historic Model T.
