Read Our Complete Rules and Policies

• Always be respectful and follow instructions given by Ford House staff.
• Children must be supervised by an adult guardian at all times.
• No animals may enter any building on the property except for service animals, as defined by the ADA.
• Bags are subject to search and must be smaller than 11x14x3 inches to be allowed on tours in the Main Residence. Complimentary lockers are available for bags that exceed our size limit.
• For safety and liability reasons, bicycles, skateboards, skates, and other personal-wheeled devices are prohibited on the premises.
• Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times.
• Please make sure to dispose of waste and recycling in appropriate receptacles. 
• No soliciting.

Weapons policy

We take the safety and well-being of our members, visitors, and staff seriously, so we have certain restrictions regarding the items prohibited from being brought onto the property.

Weapons of any kind (including firearms, BB-pellet guns, tasers, pocket knives, box cutters, mace, chemical sprays, brass knuckles, etc.) and even associated with a CPL (concealed pistol license) are not permitted. Law enforcement officers are permitted to carry while visiting the Estate.

This list is not exhaustive, and Ford House reserves the right to remove any individual or item that it deems inappropriate, dangerous, or in violation of our policies. Bags are subject to search. If you are unsure about the eligibility of a particular item, don’t hesitate to contact us directly for clarification at info@fordhouse.org or 313-884-4222.

ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY

Ford House has a zero-tolerance policy regarding intimidation, threats, or other behaviors that do not align with Ford House values, and individuals who engage in such activities will be removed from the premises and barred from returning. Ford House reserves the right to revoke or deny admission without refund for noncompliance with applicable rules and terms or for inappropriate conduct. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchairs and umbrella strollers are available free of charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors are encouraged to ask staff at any point during their visit for these resources if needed. For the safety of our visitors, the second floor, attic, and basement of the Main Residence are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. We have a tour on a mobile device available for visitors who are unable to make it to these floors. Learn more.

DOG POLICY

Friends of Ford House may walk their leashed dogs on the property most days, excluding major events and Bird Island. Other pets and emotional support animals are not allowed on the property except properly trained service animals. No animals may enter any building on the property except for service animals, as defined by the ADA.

Filming & Photography POLICY

When you visit Ford House, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.

By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Ford House and its affiliates and representatives. Images, photos, and/or videos may be used to promote similar Ford House events in the future, highlight the event, and exhibit the capabilities of Ford House. You release Ford House, its officers, employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video, and/or sound recordings.

By entering the event premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, web casting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Ford House or the person or entity designated to do so by Ford House.

Children on school tours are exempt from this policy and will not be filmed or photographed.

FOOD & DRINK

Food. drink, and gum are not allowed in historic buildings or exhibition spaces, however picnicking on the meadow is welcome.

Due to Michigan state law, no alcohol may be brought onto the grounds or into our facilities. Prohibited alcohol will be confiscated. Violators may be asked to leave the premises.

LANDSCAPE & WILDLIFE

To help preserve the beauty and safety of Ford House, please refrain from climbing or touching the trees and flowers on the premises. Do not interfere or interact with wildlife.

POOL & LAGOON

For the preservation of the historic property and your safety, do not enter the pool or lagoon, or touch/climb on the diving board at Ford House.

Photography

Visitors are invited to take pictures for personal use of the house and their experience at the estate. For the safety of visitors and the collection, we do not permit tripods, telephoto lenses, or selfie sticks in the historic buildings, and drone photography/videography is not permitted. Portraiture and commercial photography require special permission, application, and location fees. Please see our Photography page for more information.

All media professionals must contact the Director of Communications & Engagement to arrange photo and video shoots.