Greenfield Village - How Many Days?

[aslakson]

We've never been, and it's on our bucket list. How many days should we allow for a couple of slow-moving old folks?

Thanks

al

[Kentucky_Joe]

We needed two days at the village. There is a lot of walking. We took our time and listened to the costumed interpreters in each building. If you are into history, you might want to ask questions also. We spent one whole day in the museum. If you are into museums, you might need two days as they have added on last year. We spent another day taking a tour of the Rouge and just roaming around in the area. We didn't get to the Ford estate. I believe it was closed when we wanted to go. I think five days would do it for us. We stayed at the fairgrounds and thought it was fine. The full hookup sites are a little close, but can't beat it for the cost. Felt very safe, but it is pretty much just a big field. We would stay there again. Short drive to attractions.

[Pirate1]

Lowsuv wrote:
We spent one full day .
I did not find a need to do a second day .

x2.

[Lowsuv]

We spent one full day .
I did not find a need to do a second day .

[aslakson]

Thanks everybody. I think we'll book a week at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in July - with Good Sam discount it works out to just over $24 a night. Thanks for the tip about the annual memberships - we've done that before other places, and the savings are cool.

We'll have just come from a family reunion in West Michigan, among the trees and lakes. We'll be ready for civilization. We're sight-seers, not campers. Proximity to what we came to see is a big plus, and as long as we're level, safe and get satellite and 4G, we're good. Looked at those two parks that the Henry Ford has packages with, and the commute was a bit much for us. Plus the fairgrounds is less expensive.

Thanks again . . . the collective wisdom of you folks is fantastic.

al

[GMandJM]

We spent a week in the area a few years back. By day 5 we had pretty much seen/done everything we wanted, so we just relaxed for the rest of the time.

[michigansandzil]

I have lived in michigan all of my life and cant imagine staying a week at any place in the state thats not on a lake. 2 days would be plenty of time to visit that area. Although i will admit that im not into cities and dearborn is certaintly city.
Where do you plan on staying?
You may hear of camp Dearborn. Its actually a nice campground ( and now has some pet sites if that's an issue for you) but it is in Milford and 40 minutes from greenfield village with no traffic. If you plan on returning to the camp between the hours of 4-7 pm, your ride will be terrible rush hour bumper to bumper. I wouldn't recommend it as a base camp.
Looks like there is also the detroit greenfield RV park which is closer to your destination, but I have never stayed there and can't recommend it either way.
I completely agree with the previous poster, if you're in Dearborn and have never tried it before, you should have a go with the middle eastern cuisine. Fantastic!

[jfcoopjr]

The question is, how long do YOU want to spend? One or two days would never be enough to enjoy the history and culture in the area.

Having grown up in the Metro area, and spending significant time in West Dearborn, I suggest at least a full day for both ... Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum (adjacent to the village). It's easy to spend a good solid day at each, and both are quite enjoyable experiences.

If you are staying any longer and want another Ford attraction, add the Henry Ford Estate/Fairlane Manor to your list. I enjoy wandering the beautiful grounds/gardens. (The mansion's a national landmark and the formal gardens are a popular wedding location, with its own interesting history and character.)

If you can plan to be at the village for an event, consider adding another day. (The fireworks with symphony orchestra are particularly spectacular for July 4th, but check actual schedule).

While you're there, if you enjoy lamb or savory flavors, there are plenty of Greek, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern restaurants in the area. If you enjoy good food, I suggest making the time to experience some of the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavors in the area ... Dearborn boasts the largest Middle Eastern population outside of the middle east. Personally, I highly recommend La Pita, on Newmann just off Michigan Ave, (also in West Dearborn - and not far from village and museum).

On an side note, if you enjoy casinos, like some of us do, Detroit's MGM Grand is by far my choice in the vicinity - with excellent food/buffets. However, if you're a car-buff, Motor City displays some automobile memorabilia.

[agb2529]

aslakson wrote:
So a week with rest breaks?

al

If you want to see it all and take your time a week would be good. You can get one of the annual passes and since you're on the road maybe come back for some of the seasonal events. Christmas time in the village is one of our favorites, second only to Williamsburg.

There's a lot to see between the 2 areas, also the Rouge Factory tour (away from the main site, they bus you over there). Dining at the Eagle Tavern is also a must. A great place to visit - we've been there 4 or 5 times and need to get back soon. We camped at the Wayne County Fairgrounds - nothing fancy but pretty convenient as long as you have a toad. I think there are some other parks in the area, do a search in this thread.

Have fun!

[Norskeman]

At least 2 days. There is the village and the museum. If there is an event going on then 3.

We lived on Grosse Ile, MI during the 80's and had a family pass to the village/museum. We would go there for all of the special events. The
Eagle Tavern is a nice place for lunch - or bring a picnic lunch while you visit the Village.

http://www.hfmgv.org/

[aslakson]

So a week with rest breaks?

al

[donn0128]

Two at minimum plus another two days for the henry ford museum right next door.