A Brief History of Gaukler Pointe
Ford House recognizes the indigenous people who once made this land home.
In response to the recent ban on pit bulls in Grosse Pointe Shores, Ford House wishes to remind visitors that, in accordance with our organizational value of inclusion for all, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲! During operating hours, Ford House members are welcome to walk their dogs on leash on the property, excluding Bird Island.
Experience the historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, his wife Eleanor. The estate is located on a sprawling estate with beautiful grounds and gardens on the shore of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, north of Detroit.
The estate was their home, where the couple raised their children — Henry II, Benson, Josephine, and William Clay
— entertained friends, and enjoyed hobbies. When Eleanor passed, she opened the estate to the public.
Now a National Historic Landmark, visitors from all over the world come to wander, wonder, and explore the beauty of this 1928 National Historic Landmark and uncover a unique piece of the American automotive story in metro Detroit.
The estate includes the historic residence and outbuildings, 87 acres of ground and gardens, as well as a new Visitor Center with exhibits, dining, shopping, and special event spaces. Ford House is open year-round for grounds walks, tours, educational programs, special events, private rentals, dining, shopping, and more.
Whatever you choose, there’s a path for you here and a story behind every corner.
Ford House recognizes the indigenous people who once made this land home.
Eleanor and Edsel Ford designed their estate at Gaukler Pointe to reflect their public roles and private values – grand and gracious, a stately mansion inspired by cozy cottages. Here they kept their family safe and surrounded themselves with art and nature.
Learn all about the Fords' historic estate.
Ford House is grateful for the support from our incredible partners and sponsors. We could not fulfill our mission as a not-for-profit without the valuable support from our many partners and partners.
Get to know Moss. On any given day, you'll see Moss chasing away the Canada geese, ensuring our grounds are pristine for visitors.
In honoring the directives Eleanor Ford provided in her will while working to meet the needs of contemporary audiences, Ford House upholds and inspires the institutional values of equity, playfulness, and philanthropy.
Ford House is incredibly proud of the awards and recognition we've received over the last several years.
Ford House actively works to ensure the environment is protected and operates using sustainable efforts. Learn more!
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