FAQs

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.

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.

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 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.