Put the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House on your to visit list to explore the gardens, attend family-friendly programs, and experience the stunning lakeside Visitor Center.
- The Ford House hosts a FREE Community Day on Saturday, April 11th
- Address: 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI
- Admission: Grounds admission is $7 for adults, $5 for kids ages 3 to 15 and kids 2 and under are free. House and Grounds admission is $15 for adults, $7.50 for kids ages 3 to 15 and kids 2 and under are free.
- Hours: Tuesdays thu Wednesdays from 10am to 6pm; Thursdays thru Saturdays from 10am to 8pm; Sundays from 9:30am to 6pm. Note: The House opens at 11am
The Ford House has long been a favorite destination for Metro Detroit families. Once the home of Edsel Ford and Eleanor Ford, this historic estate along Lake St. Clair offers beautiful grounds to explore year-round. The 40,000-square-foot Visitor Center elevates the experience with a permanent interactive museum exhibit, flexible indoor and outdoor classroom spaces, and dining options perfect for a day out.
Inside, kids will love the hands-on exhibits featuring massive touchscreens where they can scroll through photos, design their dream home, and even build their own custom car. Vintage vehicles are on display, and the thoughtfully designed space blends modern style with engaging storytelling about the Ford family’s legacy in innovation and design.
When it’s time to eat, families can sit down at The Continental or grab something quick from The Speedster for a picnic on the grounds. The kids’ grilled cheese meal—served with fresh fruit—is an affordable win for just $7. Outside during spring and summer is especially magical. Stroll through blooming rose gardens, visit Josephine’s Playhouse to check on the vegetable garden, and take in the peaceful views of boats gliding across Lake St. Clair.
Don’t Miss These Upcoming Family Events
The Ford House also offers a lineup of engaging events that make every visit a little different:
- FREE Storytime: If You Come to Earth (Tuesday, April 7th at 10:30am): Inspired by the beloved If You Come to Earth, this program introduces kids to big ideas about our world in a fun, accessible way. After the story, children can stay and play with friends during a guided activity designed to spark conversation, creativity, and connection. Storytime is best suited for children ages 7 and under. This is a FREE monthly program that requires pre-registration
- Community Appreciation Day (Saturday, April 11th): Enjoy FREE admission to the Fod house for their special community celebration.
- Science Saturdays: Map Quest (Saturday, April 18th at 10:30am): Map Quest, invites families to learn how to read and use maps through interactive games, then put those skills to the test on an exciting treasure hunt. The program begins indoors with a short presentation and navigation activities, then heads outside to search for our prize. This program is best for kdis ages 7 to 11 and costs $15 for adults and $8 fo kids.
- Science Saturdays: Eat Safe Fish (Saturday, May 2nd at 10:30am):This fun, picture-based lesson is great for visual learners to learn about Michigan fish and environmental health. This program is designed for families with children ages 8 to10 and costs $15 for adults and $8 fo kids.
- FREE Storytime: Hide-and-Seek Ladybugs (Tuesday, May 5th at 10:30am): Join a playful storytime featuring Hide and Seek Ladybug, where those sneaky ladybugs love to disappear. After the reading, children can explore the story room to find ladybugs hidden throughout the space. Storytime is best suited for children ages 7 and under. This is a FREE monthly program that requires pre-registration
Photo Credit: Ford House, Facebook
