On a whim, we decided to visit family in Michigan one weekend and seeing as Detroit is only three hours from us, I'm not sure why we have not done this sooner!
When searching for things to do in the area, I introduced myself to the fine folks at The Henry Ford Museum and they were kind enough to supply us with tickets to the museum and Greenfield Village.
Until I started to really look at Michigan and all the amazing things that Ohio's neighbor state has to offer - I had no idea that The Henry Ford Museum existed.
What can I say? I'm not a car fan. Of course, now I hear commercials all the time for it and I want to go back!
I was blown away by the sheer magnitude of this amazing place. We also could not have asked for a nicer weekend to visit.
There are 26 million artifacts in the The Henry Ford Museum plus Greenfield Village which is on 200 acres of land and encompasses 300 years of history. All of this started by Henry Ford himself.
Here are 11 Reasons I think you need to see The Henry Ford Museum for yourself this summer
1. The Cars
Cars is probably a given and there are plenty to look at from the first Model T to JFK's limo and everything else you can imagine.
2. The Trains
There is a long, long, long row of trains, train cars and engines. Some you can even look into!
I'm not sure if this is a permanent exhibit but my kids spent at least a half hour watching the trains. One of the trains had a camera mounted on it. You can see me if you look closely.
3. The Planes
I have to admit, my favorite of everything there. I love planes!
There is even a make a paper airplane station and you can fly them and race them.
Obviously no pictures because I was racing!
4. Hands on Fun
The kids were fascinated looking at the exhibits of the past but they really got into the exhibits that they were interactive.
5. Eat in a Diner Car!
6. Nostalgia
Seeing so many of the exhibits made me miss my parents and I wish I could have shared this with them. Of course, I remember many things as I walked through the museum.
We did take my husband's parents and it was nice to hear their memories.
7. Kid's View
Besides the hands on exhibits, there is an area above the museum to look down on the exhibits and there are stations set up at kid's height, geared towards them. Each station has some history tidbits and there are even a couple stations that you can make crayon rubbings of the planes to take home.
8. Greenfield Village
The reason you need two days - Greenfield Village! We did not see all of the museum because we were ready to hit up the village.
Henry Ford created Greenfield Village to inspire. #MuseumWeek #inspirationMW pic.twitter.com/Rnwme6puVc
— The Henry Ford (@thehenryford) March 26, 2015
9. Riding in a Vintage Model T
You can ride in a vintage Model T! My son opted to do this with dad and skipped a trip on Thomas the Train.
10. Riding the Rails
I had always wanted to take my son when it comes to Cleveland but as much as he loves trains and at one time, Thomas, he could not handle the loud noises.
Now we have a chance and he is too old!
RD and I had a great time!
11. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
What else is there to say...
We loved our visit but there was not enough time to do everything!
I think you need two days (hotel deals) to fully appreciate everything that is offered. We missed out on IMAX, a factory tour, the carousel - I'm telling you, it's Disneyland for the history buff.
