Children's Museums
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
📍 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124🕐 Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
About Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Museum on American history & culture. Sprawling space dedicated to American life & ideas, includes the Rosa Parks bus & JFK's limo. Houses the actual 1948 Rosa Parks bus where Rosa Parks refused to yield her seat, sparking the Civil Rights Movement. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 30,900 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- History & Innovation Museum
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Rosa Parks Bus, Presidential Vehicles, Aviation exhibits, Dymaxion House, Automotive collections
- Interactive Experiences
- Tinkering for Tots, Mathematica math gallery, climb-aboard combine, multisensory aviation exhibits
- Location
- Part of larger complex with Greenfield Village and Ford factory tour
💡 Did You Know?
- Houses the actual 1948 Rosa Parks bus where Rosa Parks refused to yield her seat, sparking the Civil Rights Movement
- Contains the 1961 Lincoln Continental in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated
- Features Buckminster Fuller's Dymaxion House, a futuristic circular aluminum dwelling designed for minimalist, sustainable living that visitors can step inside
- Founded by Henry Ford in 1929 as a 12-acre repository spanning automotive history, industrial revolution artifacts, and American innovation across all industries
- Offers hands-on interactive exhibits including Tinkering for Tots (STEAM activities for preschoolers), ability to climb aboard a real combine, and the Mathematica exhibition with playful math experiences
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan for at least two days to experience the full museum without feeling rushed. Consider getting a membership if you plan multiple visits, as the 12-acre complex is vast and includes Greenfield Village and Ford factory tours in addition to the main museum.
- Visit on a holiday when admission may be free (as mentioned in reviews for January 19), or check for special free admission days to maximize value. A membership pays for itself quickly if you visit more than once per year.
- Start with the interactive exhibits like Tinkering for Tots and the Dymaxion House where you can step inside, as these are particularly engaging for maintaining curiosity and energy levels throughout your visit. The Heroes of the Sky exhibit offers hands-on multisensory experiences that appeal to all ages.
- Engage docents throughout your visit—reviews consistently praise their knowledge and friendliness. They can help you navigate the extensive collection and provide insights that enhance your understanding of American innovation across industries, not just automobiles.
- Bring young children during the Tinkering for Tots programming (October-May, second Tuesday of each month) for structured STEAM activities designed for preschoolers, or start with kid-friendly interactive areas like the combine you can climb aboard in Agriculture and the Environment exhibit.
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