Step Back in Time at Greenfield Village

Story by Lori Bremerkamp

Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford takes you back in time. Ride in a Model T, catch a glass-blowing demonstration or eat an authentic meal.

Here, you'll experience the people and places that laid the groundwork for life today.

The Village — which is part of Dearborn's The Henry Ford — was founded on Oct. 21, 1929, as an educational and historic landmark.

Spread across 80 acres, Greenfield Village maintains buildings and stories of America's past. It's divided into seven historic districts: Working Farms, Liberty Craftworks, Henry Ford's Model T, Railroad Junction, Main Street, Edison at Work and Porches & Parlors.

You can see the workplaces that gave birth to Thomas Edison's extraordinary innovations — including the incandescent light bulb — take a test ride in a restored Model T or walk through four working farms.

The Village has rich, immersive daily programs and activities, many of which are free with admission. Each morning there's a cooking demonstration of authentic 1885 recipes featuring ingredients grown at Firestone Farm and afternoon outdoor cleaning that includes tasks from an 1885 chore list.

Be sure to check out the Liberty Craftworks Pottery Shop, which has been renovated with a new indoor salt kiln and expanded workshop, and catch the glass-blowing demonstrations in the 75-year-old Sandwich Glass Plant.

In addition to daily activities, the Village is also renowned for its annual festivals and events. Kick the season off with a hearty Railroader's Breakfast in the A Taste of History Restaurant before enjoying a Day Out with Thomas. Come summer, catch Historic Base Ball Games, June's Motor Muster auto event and the Fourth of July Salute to America celebration.

It's a rain or shine (and sometimes snow!) operation, which means if you have a day at the Village planned, it's on no matter what Mother Nature offers. Just dress accordingly since you'll be outside walking between buildings and activities.

The Village is open seven days a week from April 15 to Nov. 1, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 2–29. The Village is also open select nights during December for Holiday Nights and then closes for the season from Jan. 1 to April 14.

Admission is free with membership or $27 for adults, $24.50 for seniors 62 and older and $20.25 for children 3 to 11. Children 2 and under are free.

Read more about Detroit museums.

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