Welcome
At Ford House, we are proud to welcome you to our historic 87-acre estate on the shores of Lake St. Clair. Each event here is designed with care to reflect Eleanor Ford’s timeless style, elegant, natural, and authentic. Because Ford House is both a National Historic Landmark and a living lakeside environment, some parts of your visit may feel different from other venues. This guide is here to help you know what to expect so you can enjoy your time to the fullest.
Parking on a Historic Property
Parking is free but limited by the estate’s historic layout. From the parking areas, expect a walk to the event entrance or main activity site. Our staff and signage will guide you every step of the way. A small number of EV charging stations are available in our parking lot, free for guest use.
Special Considerations for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
For events like Outdoor Summer Concerts, Harvest Day, Little Goblins, and Home for the Holidays, parking often extends to the grass lot across Lake Shore Road from the Main Gate. When this lot is in use, Grosse Pointe Police officers serve as crosswalk guides to ensure safe passage from the parking lot to the Ford House grounds.
Walking the Estate
Visiting Ford House often includes walking outdoors. Please plan ahead for your comfort.
General Admission and Guided Tours: Many guests enjoy exploring gardens and grounds at leisure. Shuttles are available to assist guests from the Visitor Center to the Main Residence and Garage.
Due to the historic nature of the estate, not all paths or trails are ADA accessible and may include surfaces such as grass, sand, mulch, gravel, or uneven stonework. Many areas are wheelchair accessible, but some terrain is challenging.
Special Considerations for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
Outdoor Summer Concerts: Guests should expect a 15–20 minute walk from the Lake Shore Road grass parking lot to the Main Residence Terrace.
Harvest Day, Little Goblins, and Home for the Holidays: These large-scale events involve about 1 mile or more of walking along designated event routes. Guests move at their own pace, but most visitors spend about an hour or more walking the paths.
Sharing Space With Nature
Ford House is home to Canada geese and other wildlife. It is our policy not to interfere with wildlife on the estate. Canada geese are a natural part of our lakeside environment, and while our team and Moss, our Director of Wildlife Management and beloved goose dog, do their best to keep paths clear and gently move geese away, some goose droppings are inevitable.
Between Moss and our incredible Landscapes team, paths are cleaned regularly, but guests should expect to see evidence of geese as part of the natural environment.
Restrooms and Comfort
Restrooms are available at every event. Our diligent Facilities team checks them regularly to ensure they are clean and well stocked. Staff and signage are available to help direct you to the nearest location.
Special Considerations for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
For events like Harvest Day, Little Goblins, and the Outdoor Summer Concerts, portable restrooms are provided. During Home for the Holidays, restrooms are available inside the Main Residence and at the Visitor Center.
Seating and Rest Areas
Benches are placed throughout the estate along paths and trails to provide rest stops for guests enjoying the grounds and gardens.
Special Considerations for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
Outdoor Summer Concerts: A limited number of seated chair options are available. Guests are always encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for comfort.
Shakespeare Stroll: A limited number of seats are available at each outdoor stage. Guests are invited to bring their own folding chairs.
Harvest Day and Little Goblins: Concessions stands and seating areas are available for enjoying food and drink.
Home for the Holidays: Two concessions stands and warming stations with fire pits are located along the path, providing places to pause and relax during the walk.
Queues and Timing
Tickets are scanned at entry, and our staff will help guide you. If you arrive late, we will do our best to accommodate you, but please plan ahead to allow time for parking, walking, and check-in.
Special Considerations for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
Most large events use timed entry with a Last Entry time. Guests should expect a short wait during check-in. Bags may be searched, and banned items such as alcohol may be confiscated or must be returned to your vehicle.
We understand that delays can happen. If you arrive after your scheduled entry time, our team will do their best to accommodate you as space allows, though entry may not always be possible. Please note that tickets are nonrefundable if you miss your event. Refunds are only issued if Ford House must cancel or close due to extreme circumstances.
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, all bags are subject to inspection upon entry. Prohibited items, including outside alcohol, may be confiscated or guests may return them to their vehicle before entering.
Quick Check-In Tips: Keep bags light, arrive with tickets ready, and allow extra time for parking and walking so you can relax and enjoy the start of your visit.
Weather and Seasons
Michigan weather can be unpredictable, so please dress accordingly. From lake breezes to sudden rain or snow, conditions may change quickly.
Be weather-ready by dressing in layers, bring umbrellas or blankets, and embrace the beauty of Michigan’s seasons.
Some of the most memorable moments at Ford House have happened in these natural conditions, from families walking through the first snowfall of the season to guests enjoying a cool evening on the terrace.
Special Considerations for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
Events take place rain or shine and are only canceled in extreme circumstances. If that happens, guests are notified immediately and tickets are refunded.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
Ford House events reflect Eleanor Ford’s vision, elegant, understated, and true to the historic estate. Eleanor preferred gatherings that highlighted natural beauty and a sense of grace rather than extravagance. In that spirit, our events are designed to be more gentle and authentic than highly theatrical or elaborate displays.
Special Considerations for Large-Scale Outdoor Events
For example, Home for the Holidays offers a quieter and more personal seasonal experience than guests might find at other local historic homes or attractions. Many visitors tell us this timeless atmosphere is what makes Ford House feel so special.
What’s Included in Your Ticket
Every Ford House ticket includes:
Admission to the event you have purchased
Free parking, including use of EV charging stations when available
Beyond that, inclusions may vary depending on the program. Some events include access to historic buildings or special activities, while others focus on outdoor experiences.
Check each event page for specifics about what is included with your ticket so you arrive prepared.
An Invitation
We invite you to experience Ford House with an open heart and an appreciation for its unique character. Each event is designed to reflect the grace and warmth that Eleanor Ford valued, offering moments of connection, beauty, and tradition.
Whether you join us for a summer concert, a family festival, or Home for the Holidays, you will find experiences that are authentic, welcoming, and timeless.
We look forward to sharing these special moments with you.
