FAQs

Ford House is committed to ensuring that all guests have an enjoyable and comfortable experience. Here’s what you can expect regarding accessibility:

• Wheelchair Accessibility:
  Many of the estate’s paved walkways are wheelchair accessible. However, some garden paths feature uneven ground, pebble surfaces, and occasional stairs, which may present challenges.

• Main Residence Access:
  The Main Residence offers two floors for self-guided tours. While there is no elevator to the second floor, a sturdy main stairwell provides access. For guests unable to use the stairs, video tablets are available to provide a virtual tour of the upper level.

• Shuttle Service:
  A shuttle equipped with a lift operates between the Visitor Center, Main Residence, and Gate Lodge. Please note that this service may be unavailable during large-scale events such as “Little Goblins” and “Home for the Holidays.”

• Mobility Aids:
  Complimentary wheelchairs and umbrella strollers are available at the Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to space limitations, wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and strollers wider than 30 inches are not permitted inside historic buildings. These items can be securely stored during your tour.

• Rest Areas and Facilities:
  Benches are strategically placed throughout the property for rest. Family restrooms are available in both the Visitor Center and Main Residence.

• Sensory-Friendly Resources:
  Guests with sensory needs are welcome to use our tranquil Quiet Room located on the second floor of the Visitor Center. Additionally, a social story is available to help individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, prepare for their visit.

• Service Animals:
  Properly trained service animals, as defined by the ADA, are welcome on the property. Other pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside buildings.

Learn more about our Accessibility efforts. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance at info@fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222. Our staff is dedicated to accommodating your requirements to ensure a pleasant visit.

Yes! Ford House offers a variety of guided tours that give you a deeper look into the history, design, and stories behind the estate and the Ford family.

Guided Tours may include:

• Main Residence Guided Tour – A docent-led journey through the historic home with insights into its architecture, décor, and the lives of Eleanor and Edsel Ford.

• Design Through the Decades Tour – Focuses on the estate’s architecture, interior design, and innovations across the 20th century.

• Gardens & Recreation Tour – Explores the landscape design, historic play areas, and outdoor spaces.

• Preservation Tour – An exclusive Friends of Ford House tour highlighting restoration efforts.

• Seasonal and Specialty Tours – Offered throughout the year on topics like holiday décor, autumn landscapes, or specific objects from the collection.

How to Book:

• Guided tours require a separate ticket and are available on select dates.

• You can purchase tickets online at fordhouse.org/events, by phone at 313-884-4222, or in person at the Visitor Center.

• Tour sizes are limited, so advance booking is strongly recommended.

Visit our Tours page for the most up-to-date schedule and descriptions.

Ford House welcomes service animals but does not allow pets on the property, including in the Visitor Center, gardens, or historic buildings.

Here’s what to know:

• Service Animals:
  Trained service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome throughout the estate. These animals must remain leashed and under control at all times.

• Pets and Emotional Support Animals:
  Pets, including leashed or carried animals, are not permitted on the estate grounds or buildings, including dogs, cats, and emotional support animals.

• Special Pet-Friendly Events:
  On rare occasions, Ford House may host pet-friendly events. If scheduled, these will be clearly noted on our event calendar.

• Friends of Ford House:
  Friends of Ford House may walk their dogs on the property on any open date and have nearly exclusive access to walk the grounds with their dog on Mondays when the estate is closed to the public. There are select dates when the grounds are unavailable for Friends to walk their dog, particularly large estate-wide events and estate rentals. Learn more.

We ask all guests to respect these guidelines to preserve the beauty and safety of the estate for all visitors. For additional information, please see our Estate Rules & Policies.

Yes! Ford House hosts a variety of unique and engaging events throughout the year, many of which have become beloved traditions for guests of all ages.

Highlights include:

• Outdoor Summer Concert Series – Enjoy live music by the lake on summer evenings.

• Home for the Holidays – A magical nighttime walk with holiday lights, festive décor, and a visit with Santa Claus.

• Harvest Day – A vibrant fall festival featuring vendors, food, and family fun.

• Little Goblins – A kid-friendly Halloween trick-or-treat event on the estate grounds.

• Eleanor’s Afternoon Tea Series – Themed tea events in our historic spaces.

• Once Upon a Tea – A fairy-tale themed tea party for children with costumed characters.

• Ford House After Dark – Intimate evening experiences with dinner and a private house tour.

• Cocktails & Collections / Coffee & Collections – Exclusive Friends of Ford House programs for those interested in art, design, and history.

• Educational and Family Programs – Like Lake Fest, Story Festival, and hands-on nature or arts activities.

Events are held year-round, with the heaviest programming from April through December.

Visit our Events page to see what’s coming up and purchase tickets.

Tickets can be purchased through the following methods:

• Online: Visit fordhouse.org to purchase tickets for house tours, grounds passes, and special events.

• By Phone: Call 313-884-4222 to speak with a staff member who can assist with your ticket purchase.

• In Person: Visit the Visitor Center during operating hours to buy tickets on-site.

We recommend purchasing tickets in advance, especially for guided tours and special events, as availability may be limited.

Admission prices vary depending on the experience you choose. Below is a general guide:

General Admission (Grounds Only):

• Adults: $7

• Children (3–12): $5

• Children (0–2): Free

• Friends of Ford House: Free

House + Grounds Admission (Self-Guided Main Residence Entry + Grounds):

• Adults: $15

• Children (3–12): $7.50

• Children (0–2): Free

• Friends of Ford House: Free

Guided Tours and Special Programs:

Prices vary depending on the experience. Examples include:

• Main Residence Guided Tours

• Themed and seasonal tours

• Special events and programs for families and adults

We recommend visiting fordhouse.org/events to see current offerings, pricing, and availability. Friends of Ford House members enjoy free or discounted admission to many programs and events. Learn more about becoming a Friend here.

Yes! Ford House is a welcoming destination for guests of all ages. Families with children will find plenty to enjoy across our estate.

Family-Friendly Features:

• Expansive outdoor grounds for exploring and picnicking

• Seasonal events and programs designed especially for children, such as Lake Fest, Harvest Day, Little Goblins, Cookies with Santa, and Once Upon a Tea

• Self-guided and family-paced tours of the Main Residence

• Scavenger hunts and educational experiences are available during select programs

• A Quiet Room in the Visitor Center for breaks or sensory needs

Age Guidelines:

• Children ages 0–2 generally receive free admission.

• An adult must accompany children under 15 and younger at all times.

• Adult-focused programs, such as Ford House After Dark, Cocktails & Collections, and Murder Mystery experiences, are designed for guests ages 21 and up.

• The event page will list details on programs with specific age recommendations or restrictions.

Whether you’re visiting with little ones or teens, Ford House offers enriching experiences for every generation.

In the event of a closure or cancellation by Ford House, guests who have purchased a ticket or made a reservation will be contacted with information regarding refunds or rescheduling options.

For further assistance, please contact us at tickets@fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222.

Spring and Summer

• Tuesday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)
• Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)
• Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)

Fall

• Tuesday through Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)
• Thursday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)
• Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)

Winter

• Tuesday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)
• Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)
• Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tours begin at 10 a.m.)

Holiday Closures

We will be closed on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. We remain open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with special hours.

The grounds and Main Residence may close earlier in severe weather. Please check the website or call ahead for updates.

All ticket sales, memberships, and other purchases are non-refundable. Refunds are only issued if Ford House cancels an event or closes due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, guests with tickets or reservations will be notified directly.

Ticket exchanges may be made up to 14 days prior to the date listed on your event ticket(s). A $2.00 per ticket exchange fee is required at the time of your exchange. If you find you cannot use your tickets within two weeks of your scheduled event, we encourage you to gift your tickets to a friend who may enjoy the experience.

See our Estate Rules & Policies for details.

Yes! Ford House is home to The Continental, a lakeside restaurant offering seasonal dishes, fresh ingredients, and stunning views of Lake St. Clair.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Hours & Reservations:
  The Continental is open for lunch and dinner, with brunch available on Sundays. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made here or by calling us at 313-884-4222.

• Menu:
  The menu features a variety of modern American fare, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Check out the current menu here for seasonal updates.

• Casual Options:
  Quick bites and beverages are available at The Speedster, our walk-up counter near the Visitor Center. It offers snacks, drinks, and grab-and-go options.

• Event Dining:
  Concessions may also be available throughout the estate during select programs and seasonal experiences. Please check the event page or the “Know Before You Go” email you receive before your ticketed event for specific details.

• Outside Food Policy:
  You’re welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy a picnic on our grounds. However, outside alcohol is not permitted on the property. Guests may purchase alcoholic beverages from The Speedster during open hours, but alcohol may not be brought in from outside sources.

   

IRS regulations prohibit Ford House staff from offering value appraisals of any kind, including authentication of art, artifacts, and documents. To find a list of appraisers, visit the American Society of Appraisers and/or the Appraisers Association of America.

Yes, you can use images from our website for non-commercial personal or classroom use without written permission, as long as it meets the definition of fair use. Please credit FordHouse when using one of our images from the website or social media. Images on our website that are credited to another person or organization and may not be used without their permission. If you have questions, please email collectiondept@fordhouse.org.

To use any text, image, audio, or video for commercial use, such as a publication, or for any purpose other than fair use as defined by law, you must request and receive prior written permission from Ford House. To request permission and/or images, please contact collectiondept@fordhouse.org.

Ford House only collects items that relate directly to the historic estate, Edsel and Eleanor Ford, their direct descendants, and former staff who worked for the Fords.

If you have materials related to these topics you think we might be interested in acquiring, please fill out the online form. Someone will be in touch with you. We generally do not consider unsolicited offers of temporary loans, nor can we promise to display loaned or donated items.

Do not bring any items to Ford House before contacting us in writing.

Questions dealing with specific areas relevant to the Ford House estate and our historical collections can be sent to collectiondept@fordhouse.org. We do not have the resources to help with general questions about the Fords or Ford Motor Company history. We encourage you to make use of your local library or search reputable websites.

Ford House welcomes service animals but does not allow pets on the property, including in the Visitor Center, gardens, or historic buildings.

Here’s what to know:

• Service Animals:
  Trained service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome throughout the estate. These animals must remain leashed and under control at all times.

• Pets and Emotional Support Animals:
  Pets, including leashed or carried animals, are not permitted on the estate grounds or buildings, including dogs, cats, and emotional support animals.

• Special Pet-Friendly Events:
  On rare occasions, Ford House may host pet-friendly events. If scheduled, these will be clearly noted on our event calendar.

• Friends of Ford House:
  Friends of Ford House may walk their dogs on the property on any open date and have nearly exclusive access to walk the grounds with their dog on Mondays when the estate is closed to the public. There are select dates when the grounds are unavailable for Friends to walk their dog, particularly large estate-wide events and estate rentals. Learn more.

We ask all guests to respect these guidelines to preserve the beauty and safety of the estate for all visitors. For additional information, please see our Estate Rules & Policies.

Yes, we invite guests to take personal photos to remember their time at Ford House. Please be respectful of other visitors, the historic buildings, and the natural environment while doing so.

Here’s what’s allowed:

• Personal photos taken with handheld devices or standard cameras

• Photos shared on personal social media accounts

• Casual snapshots of your visit, including the house, gardens, and grounds

Restrictions and guidelines:

• Tripods, selfie sticks, telephoto lenses, and lighting equipment are not permitted inside historic buildings for the safety of our collection and guests.

• Drone photography and videography are not permitted anywhere on the property.

• Portrait sessions and commercial photography (including prom, graduation, engagement, or family sessions) require advance approval, an application, and location fees. Learn more here.

• Media professionals and influencers must contact Ford House Communications team to arrange a shoot.

Consent to Photography by Ford House:

By entering Ford House, you consent to the use of any photography, audio, or video taken of you on the grounds for promotional, archival, or advertising purposes by Ford House and its representatives. This includes publication on websites, social media, or other media formats. Visitors waive all rights to approval or compensation.

Note: Children on school tours are exempt from this policy and will not be filmed or photographed.

For full details or to inquire about a professional shoot, please visit our Photography page or email photography@fordhouse.org.

Ford House welcomes service animals but does not allow pets on the property, including in the Visitor Center, gardens, or historic buildings.

Here’s what to know:

• Service Animals:
  Trained service dogs, as defined by the ADA, are welcome throughout the estate. These animals must remain leashed and under control at all times.

• Pets and Emotional Support Animals:
  Pets, including leashed or carried animals, are not permitted on the estate grounds or buildings, including dogs, cats, and emotional support animals.

• Special Pet-Friendly Events:
  On rare occasions, Ford House may host pet-friendly events. If scheduled, these will be clearly noted on our event calendar.

• Friends of Ford House:
  Friends of Ford House may walk their dogs on the property on any open date and have nearly exclusive access to walk the grounds with their dog on Mondays when the estate is closed to the public. There are select dates when the grounds are unavailable for Friends to walk their dog, particularly large estate-wide events and estate rentals. Learn more.

We ask all guests to respect these guidelines to preserve the beauty and safety of the estate for all visitors. For additional information, please see our Estate Rules & Policies.

Yes, we invite guests to take personal photos to remember their time at Ford House. Please be respectful of other visitors, the historic buildings, and the natural environment while doing so.

Here’s what’s allowed:

• Personal photos taken with handheld devices or standard cameras

• Photos shared on personal social media accounts

• Casual snapshots of your visit, including the house, gardens, and grounds

Restrictions and guidelines:

• Tripods, selfie sticks, telephoto lenses, and lighting equipment are not permitted inside historic buildings for the safety of our collection and guests.

• Drone photography and videography are not permitted anywhere on the property.

• Portrait sessions and commercial photography (including prom, graduation, engagement, or family sessions) require advance approval, an application, and location fees. Learn more here.

• Media professionals and influencers must contact Ford House Communications team to arrange a shoot.

Consent to Photography by Ford House:

By entering Ford House, you consent to the use of any photography, audio, or video taken of you on the grounds for promotional, archival, or advertising purposes by Ford House and its representatives. This includes publication on websites, social media, or other media formats. Visitors waive all rights to approval or compensation.

Note: Children on school tours are exempt from this policy and will not be filmed or photographed.

For full details or to inquire about a professional shoot, please visit our Photography page or email photography@fordhouse.org.

We take the safety and well-being of our members, visitors, and staff seriously, which is why we have certain restrictions regarding the items prohibited from being brought onto the property. Please review the following list of prohibited items carefully.

The Following Items Are Not Be Permitted (Including But Not Limited To): 

• Weapons of any kind (including firearms, BB-pellet guns, tasers, pocket knives, box cutters, mace, chemical sprays, brass knuckles, etc.)
• Law enforcement officers are permitted to carry while visiting the Estate.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and we reserve the right to remove any individual or item that we deem inappropriate, dangerous, or in violation of our policies, and bags are subject to search. If you are unsure about the eligibility of a particular item, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly for clarification at info@fordhouse.org or 313-884-4222.

By visiting Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, you agree to abide by these restrictions and understand that failure to comply may result in your removal from the property and/or your membership revoked, if applicable. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

Ford House has a zero-tolerance policy regarding intimidation, threats, or other behaviors that do not align with Ford House values, and individuals who engage in such activities will be removed from the premises and barred from returning. Memberships are intended for noncommercial use by individual members and guests and cannot be transferred. Ford House reserves the right to refuse or revoke membership and/or deny admission without refund for noncompliance with applicable rules and terms or for inappropriate conduct. Purchase of an annual membership does not entitle the purchaser to renewal in a subsequent year.

Yes! Ford House offers a variety of guided tours that give you a deeper look into the history, design, and stories behind the estate and the Ford family.

Guided Tours may include:

• Main Residence Guided Tour – A docent-led journey through the historic home with insights into its architecture, décor, and the lives of Eleanor and Edsel Ford.

• Design Through the Decades Tour – Focuses on the estate’s architecture, interior design, and innovations across the 20th century.

• Gardens & Recreation Tour – Explores the landscape design, historic play areas, and outdoor spaces.

• Preservation Tour – An exclusive Friends of Ford House tour highlighting restoration efforts.

• Seasonal and Specialty Tours – Offered throughout the year on topics like holiday décor, autumn landscapes, or specific objects from the collection.

How to Book:

• Guided tours require a separate ticket and are available on select dates.

• You can purchase tickets online at fordhouse.org/events, by phone at 313-884-4222, or in person at the Visitor Center.

• Tour sizes are limited, so advance booking is strongly recommended.

Visit our Tours page for the most up-to-date schedule and descriptions.