Michigan Vacation Spots: Greenfield Village in Dearborn

Have you ever wanted to step into the past? View the homes of some great Americans such as Noah Webster, Robert Frost, Thomas Edison or the Wright Brothers? Well, you can do all this at Michigan's Greenfield Village, in Dearborn.

My family first visited Greenfield Village in the summer of 2007. We planned to spend a day, but quickly realized that one day was not enough time to take in the many attractions. So, this summer we returned for two days, which was an appropriate amount of time to visit both Greenfield Village AND the adjoining Henry Ford Museum for our family of mom, dad and 3 elementary school aged kids. One tip to note is that if you plan on staying two days or longer, consider buying an annual pass. It was cheaper for our family to do this than to pay for two days. Also, the pass is good at the village or the museum, and you get additional benefits such as a discount in the gift shop (handy when you have children along!).

The history of Greenfield Village is that it was created by Henry Ford of automobile fame. He was inspired by the creativity of many of his fellow Americans, and dreamed of creating a village where people could view the places where great inventors and thinkers grew up and worked. So, buildings from across America were moved to Dearborn, Michigan, and Greenfield Village came to be.

When you first enter the village, you will notice the steam engine train loudly passing through. Yes, you can ride it: $4 per person buys an all-day pass. From there, you can go one direction to visit the farm where Harvey Firestone (of tire fame) grew up (complete with real chickens and cows), or another direction to see the home where Henry Ford himself was born.

Wander down the street to see the home of Orville and Wilbur Wright - and while you're there, take in the "Home from Kitty Hawk" play where actors depicting Orville, Wilbur, and their sister Katherine take you back to the time of their first thrilling flight.

Turn the corner and you've reached Thomas Edison's Menlo Park Laboratory. Mr. Edison himself may show up (in the form of an actor) and fill you in on the fact that his inventions came about by hard work, not luck.

These are just a few of the treats in store for you at the village. Many of the buildings have costumed "residents" who talk to you as they garden, cook, or work at a trade. You can enjoy a performance in the town hall (for 2008, it's a Gershwin musical show), buy a sweet treat at the Sir John Bennett Sweet Shop (whose façade and amazing front clock were brought over from London by Ford), and mail yourself a vintage post card at the Phoenixville Post Office.

Down another road, you can visit lowly slave cabins and hear how society's less fortunate spent their days.

When you've tired of walking, you can ride around town in a vintage Model T, a horse-drawn omnibus, or take a spin on the 1913 carousel.

Whatever your tastes and interests, I think everyone in your group will enjoy the day at Greenfield Village. It's truly American history at its best.