About Ford House

About Ford House

Welcome to Ford House, the historic lakefront estate of Eleanor and Edsel Ford. Located along the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, Ford House was once home to Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife Eleanor. They raised their four children here in a place filled with art, nature, and innovation.

Today, this National Historic Landmark is open to the public as a place to learn, explore, and be inspired.

As a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation, Ford House carries out its mission through hands-on educational programs, cultural events, and the ongoing preservation of this historic estate.

Our History

Eleanor and Edsel Ford envisioned a home that blended art, nature, and comfort. Working with renowned architect Albert Kahn and landscape designer Jens Jensen, they created an estate that embodied craftsmanship and elegance. From curated interiors to native plant landscapes, every detail reflected the Fords’ forward-thinking spirit.

After Eleanor’s passing in 1976, the estate was gifted to the public. Since opening in 1978, Ford House has welcomed generations of guests to walk in the Fords’ footsteps and explore their legacy.

Our Mission

At Ford House, we are building a sustainable, inclusive future by connecting people to the Ford family legacy—and to each other—through history, culture, and love.

Our Core Values

• Love: Ford House was a family home filled with love, joy, and stories. Telling those stories, and those of our visitors, is the core of what we do.
  Whether their love is nature, art, history, design, or giving back, there’s a place for them here, a path that fits their passion.
• Equity: Ford House is a welcoming, warm, and accessible place for all people to come together, both formally and informally. We intentionally prioritize equity in our stories, the audiences we serve, and the partnerships we build.
• Playfulness: Though a woman of significant influence, Eleanor was lots of fun. This was a family home where young children grew up, and play was a massive part of their experience here. Though we discuss important subjects, we refuse to take ourselves too seriously. This estate bears witness to generations of play. Visitors should laugh here, and our team should laugh here.

  Though a woman of great influence- Eleanor was lots of fun. Though we talk about important subjects, we refuse to take ourselves too seriously. This estate bears witness to generations of play. Come play. Come laugh. Come experience joy.

• Philanthropy: The Fords shared and continue to share their love through philanthropic giving and service at the local and national levels. We ask ourselves and our visitors to give back and provide opportunities for them to do so.

Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)

Ford House is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all. We believe in honoring diverse perspectives, removing barriers to participation, and fostering equity in everything we do. This includes:

• We strive to make our facilities and programs accessible to all guests while acknowledging that some historic areas may have physical constraints due to preservation requirements.
• We offer accessible pricing—including Friend discounts and free admission for children 0–2 at most events—and partner with Detroit Public Schools to provide nature-based learning for all kindergartners; please check individual events for details.
• We highlight underrepresented voices through exhibitions and programs that reflect a broader, more inclusive telling of history and culture.
• We foster a welcoming environment for all by prioritizing respect, equity, and inclusion in our workplace culture and guest experience.

Learn more about our Accessibility efforts.

Learn more about our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility efforts.

What You’ll Discover

• 🏡 Guided tours and self-explorations of the Main Residence and estate
• 🌸 Stunning historic grounds and gardens, most designed by Jens Jensen
• 🎭 Signature events and cultural programs
• 🧒 Family-friendly activities and seasonal celebrations
• 🥂 Elegant social events for adults
• 🖼️ Exhibits, lectures, and art workshops
• 🍽️ On-site dining at The Continental

Estate at a Glance

• Built: 1928
• Architect: Albert Kahn
• Landscape Architect: Jens Jensen
• Style: Cotswold-inspired English country estate
• Acreage: 87 acres
• Historic Status: National Historic Landmark (2016)

Leadership & Governance

Ford House is governed by a board of trustees composed of Ford family members and advisors. The estate is operated by a professional team with expertise in museums, preservation, collections & landscape management, visitor experience, education, arts & cultural programming, and nonprofit management.

Contact Us

Address:
1100 Lake Shore Road
Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236

Phone: (313) 884 – 4222
Email: info@fordhouse.org

Visitor Questions

• What are your hours?
  Our hours change seasonally. Visit our Plan Your Visit page for current information.
• Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
  Event tickets often sell out! Advance purchase is recommended for guided tours and special events. When available, walk-ins are welcome for general admission.
• Are you accessible?
  We offer accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking. Some historic paths may have uneven surfaces. Learn more on our Accessibility page.
• Can I bring my kids?
  Yes! We offer events and activities for families, especially those with young children.
• Is there food on-site?
  Yes! Enjoy a meal at our full-service restaurant, The Continental, or grab-and-go from The Speedster. And seasonal concessions are available at select events.

Join Us

• Plan Your Visit
• Become a Friend of Ford House
• Subscribe to Our Newsletter
• Support Our Mission