Family Fun in Dearborn, Michigan: Think Henry Ford

Art, entertainment and education have never been more fun than at Greenfield Village. Not even theme parks can beat this place for whole family enjoyment.

One of the greatest ways to be entertained is also one of the greatest learning experiences you can imagine. What makes it even better is you don't know you learning. It is just plain fun. Have you ever heard of Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum? It bills itself as "America's Greatest History Attraction". There is little doubt in my mind they deserve to be known that way.

In Dearborn, Michigan, on property that was once owned by Henry Ford, is Greenfield Village. On the grounds is also the Henry Ford Museum. Greenfield Village is acres and acres of historical structures. The buildings were relocated from all over and rebuilt on Mr. Ford's property just as they were when they made their contribution to history. The buildings and furnishings are authentic. From your first steps in Greenfield Village you feel you have been transported in time. Some of the buildings are 350 years old. Walking into the Wright brothers' bicycle shop or Henry Ford's shop where he built his first gasoline powered vehicle or Thomas Edison's laboratory is magical.

The Henry Ford Museum grants you the same pleasures. Just like Greenfield Village, this huge museum forces you to enjoy and be entertained. You are intoxicated by the awesome amount of things you will see and learn about. Not only does the museum house antique items of every kind you can imagine, it submerges you in the arts and entertainment.

The Henry Ford Museum leaves you with vivid memories of unique things like several automobiles used by former presidents of the United States and articles related to pioneers in music. You leave with more than just images. You know why each was significant and everything about them, how they worked and how they influenced the future.

You really need to put Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum on your "must do" list. When you do, realize planning the trip is essential. I would strongly urge you to plan one day for each attraction. Both take up a lot of space. You will be putting on some serious mileage on your shoes. Both have so much to see, and trust me, you won't want to miss any of it.

The Henry Ford experience has recently added additional attractions. They are the IMAX theatre, the Benson Ford Research Center and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.

When planning this event of a lifetime, and especially if you are a native of Michigan, you will want to consider becoming a "member". The cost of the membership is only slightly more than two daily passes. Being a member includes a season pass to the village and the museum, and healthy discounts on Ford Rouge Factory tours, the IMAX theatre, and the Benson Ford Research Center. Even if you don't live close by, I promise you will want to visit again, and again. If you are lucky enough to live within comfortable driving distance, you won't believe how wonderful it is to visit several times a year and take your time absorbing all of the magic.