Summer Gardens & Recreation Guided Tour
Summer Gardens & Recreation Guided Tour
Join us outdoors and experience Ford House through the landscapes that shaped daily life on the estate during the Summer Gardens & Recreation Guided Tour.
This 50-minute guided walking tour invites guests to explore the gardens and outdoor spaces Eleanor and Edsel Ford cherished most. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour highlights Eleanor Ford’s Rose Garden, the Formal Garden, the Recreation Building, and other key areas designed for leisure, reflection, and connection to nature.
As you move through the estate, your guide will share the stories behind the original landscape vision, including the collaboration between architect Albert Kahn and pioneering landscape designer Jens Jensen. Learn how design, plantings, and placement were carefully considered to create outdoor spaces that felt both refined and restorative.
From sunken rose beds and formal garden paths to shoreline terraces and meadow views, each stop reveals how the Ford family embraced outdoor recreation and seasonal living. Together, these spaces tell a story of thoughtful design and the rhythms of life along Lake St. Clair.
Please note: This is a moderate walking tour that takes place over gravel, grass, and uneven terrain. It is not recommended for guests with mobility challenges. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Capacity for the Summer Gardens & Recreation Guided Tour is limited, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Your ticket includes full Grounds Admission for the day.
After your tour, you are welcome to continue your visit by exploring the grounds at your own pace, visiting exhibitions in the Visitor Center, enjoying a meal at The Continental restaurant, or browsing local gifts and keepsakes in The Shop at Ford House.
Reserve your place and experience Ford House’s gardens as Eleanor and Edsel Ford envisioned them, thoughtfully designed, deeply connected to nature, and always changing with the season.
ADMISSIONS
- Friend Adult: $10
- Friend Child (age 3-17): $7
- Public Adult: $20
- Public Child (age 3-17): $14
- Child (age 0-2): Free
- Museums for All: $5
- Military: Free
- Friend Adult: $10
- Friend Child (age 3-12): $7
- Public Adult: $20
- Public Child (age 3-12): $14
- Child (age 0-2): Free
- Museums for All: $5
- Military: Free
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Refund Policy
All ticket sales, memberships, and other purchases are non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued if Ford House closes or cancels an event. In such cases, guests with tickets or reservations will be notified.
Accessibility
At Ford House, we are committed to ensuring all guests can enjoy our events. If you have any questions or need additional information about accessibility before booking your tickets, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Enhance your visit!
Enhance your experience by becoming a Friend of Ford House where you’ll enjoy exclusive perks like discounts on tickets, dining, and shopping, all while supporting this historic estate. Or reserve a table at The Continental for a perfect lunch or dinner before the event. And review Ford House rules and policies to make the most of your visit.
