Discover the Main Residence at Ford House: A Family’s Legacy of Art, Design, and Life Well-Lived

Whether visiting for the first time or returning to experience something new, Ford House offers something special every season. These guest journeys are designed to help you make the most of your visit, no matter your age, interests, or who you’re exploring with. From family-friendly adventures and elegant afternoons to creative workshops and romantic evenings, each seasonal guide highlights the experiences, events, and hidden gems that make Ford House unforgettable.

There is so much to explore and enjoy. Below are some suggested highlights but we invite you to explore our tours, events, and other opportunities and build out an experience that meets your interests.

🌳Spring at Ford House – Guest Journey Highlights

Families with Young Children

Celebrate the season with color, creativity, and connection.

  • Activities: Storytime, scavenger hunts, spring blooms, and hands-on play
  • Spring Favorites:
    • Easter Brunch — with Easter Bunny meet-and-greet and selfie station
    • Photos with the Easter Bunny — capture treasured memories
    • Drop-In Studios — pop in and learn a new art skill
    • Explorers — spark imagination and wonder through hands-on adventures in nature, science, and discovery
  • Perfect For: Introducing kids to springtime nature, music, and storytelling

Lifelong Learners

Enjoy fresh air, gentle walks, and cultural enrichment.

  • Activities: House tours, garden strolls, afternoon tea, and lectures
  • Spring Favorites:
  • Perfect For: A serene start to the year with art, history, and hospitality

Young Adults

Spring into creativity and connection.

  • Activities: Brunches, art events, trivia nights, and garden walks
  • Spring Favorites:
  • Perfect For: Reconnecting with friends and jumping into the new season

☀️ Summer at Ford House – Guest Journey Highlights

Families with Young Children

Enjoy sunshine, music, and magical moments by the water.

  • Activities: Outdoor play, themed events, storytime under the trees, and lakeside fun
  • Summer Favorites:
    • Lake Fest — STEAM-focused learning and fun
    • Travel Tales — a storytime program for children ages four and up that combines travel-themed stories with a hands-on art project
    • Once Upon a Tea — storybook characters + tea party
    • Storytime Tuesdays — free weekly readings + crafts
    • Explorers — spark imagination and wonder through hands-on adventures in nature, science, and discovery
    • Art Camp — a creative summer program where kids explore art through hands-on projects inspired by nature, history, and the estate’s surroundings
    • Outdoor Summer Concert Series — bring a blanket, snacks, and dance together on the lawn
    • Story Festival — a children’s literature experience
  • Perfect For: A family-friendly evening of music, picnic vibes, and memories that last

Lifelong Learners

Relax and reconnect with nature, history, and beautiful music.

  • Activities: Peaceful morning walks, garden visits, and elegant meals on the patio
  • Summer Favorites:
  • Perfect For: A tranquil but enriching experience, filled with seasonal beauty and refined entertainment

Young Adults

Soak up the season with music, friends, and stylish summer nights.

  • Activities: Garden parties, creative workshops, lakeside hangs, and after-hours experiences
  • Summer Favorites:
    • Gather in the Garden — elevated garden party with champagne and live music
    • Ford House After Dark (21+) — dinner at The Continental + exclusive house tour
    • Maker Studios — hands-on, creative experiences with a social tone
    • Outdoor Summer Concert Series — meet up, vibe out, and catch golden hour by the water
    • Cabaret Over the Cove — chic evening event with cocktails, music, and dessert
    • Paint Out & Fresh Paint Party — create artwork inspired by the estate’s scenic grounds, culminating in a lively celebration and showcase of their work
    • Yoga & Pilates — classes set against the serene backdrop of the estate, promoting wellness, flexibility, and mindfulness for participants of all levels
    • Guided House Tours — explore the Main Residence on a variety of specialty tours
  • Perfect For: A carefree, unforgettable summer night of friends, music, and laughter

Other Guest Segments (Spring & Summer Highlights)

🍂 Fall at Ford House – Guest Journey Highlights

Families with Young Children

Celebrate the colors of the season with hands-on fun and festive traditions.

  • Activities: Trick-or-treat trails, pumpkin crafts, pony rides, and animal encounters
  • Fall Favorites:
    • Family Workshop — hands-on, creative experiences designed for children and their caregivers to explore art, nature, and history together through fun and engaging projects
    • Drop-In Studios — pop in and learn a new art skill
    • Little Goblins — costumes, treat stations, and canvas tote decorating
    • Harvest Day — vendors, pony rides, and petting zoo
  • Perfect For: Outdoor play with autumn charm and community spirit

LIFELONG LEARNERS

Stroll through seasonal color and enjoy harvest-themed programming.

  • Activities: Guided tours, foliage walks, and themed tea experiences
  • Fall Favorites:
  • Perfect For: Slow-paced beauty and conversation in cozy, colorful surroundings

Young Adults

Fall into festive experiences and interactive fun.

  • Activities: Seasonal dinners, costume nights, and mystery-themed events
  • Fall Favorites:
  • Perfect For: Autumn sophistication and fun with friends

❄️ Winter at Ford House – Guest Journey Highlights

Families with Young Children

Make memories wrapped in lights, snow, and holiday magic.

  • Activities: Lighted walks, Santa meet-and-greets, winter crafts
  • Winter Favorites:
    • Home for the Holidays — light displays, Santa selfies, and elegant decor
    • Cookies with Santa — crafts, snacks, and a one-on-one Santa moment
    • Brunch with Santa — festive food + family tradition
    • Drop-In Studios — pop in and learn a new art skill
    • Storytime Tuesdays — free weekly readings + crafts
  • Perfect For: Building joyful annual traditions for all ages

LIFELONG LEARNERS

Find peace and holiday charm in every room and garden path.

  • Activities: Self-guided house tours, festive teas, and quiet walks
  • Winter Favorites:
  • Perfect For: Elegant, cozy, and meaningful seasonal outings

Young Adults

Celebrate the season with lights, cocktails, and a little sparkle.

  • Activities: Holiday parties, elevated dining, music, and photo ops
  • Winter Favorites:
  • Perfect For: Stylish holiday vibes and memorable nights out

Other Guest Segments (Fall & Winter Highlights)

Special Thanks

Ford House is grateful for the generous support of Ford Motor Company Fund and helping us fulfill our educational mission and making Ford House more accessible to our community.

About Ford House

Ford House is a 501c3 nonprofit and National Historic Landmark. Experience the historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor. 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. Learn more below.