Fall – Ford House https://fordhouse.org Experience the Wonder of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:26:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://fordhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-FordHouse_Emblem_White_RGB-1-32x32.png Fall – Ford House https://fordhouse.org 32 32 Ford House’s Largest-Ever Harvest Day Brings Fall Family Fun, Wetland Boardwalk Opening, and Community Giving to Grosse Pointe Shores Sept. 27 https://fordhouse.org/news/harvest-day-at-ford-house-returns-2025/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:19:39 +0000 https://fordhouse.org/?post_type=news&p=15054

Harvest, Habitat, and Heartwarming Moments

Ford House is celebrating the fall season with its biggest and most meaningful Harvest Day yet on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 12 to 5 p.m.

The annual family event returns with 60 local vendors, pony rides, hands-on activities, and the grand opening of Ford House’s new wetland boardwalk. Guests are also encouraged to give back to the community through a special food drive supporting Just A Little Help of Michigan, a local initiative led by Harper Woods Mayor Valerie Kindle.

Families looking for a joyful way to spend the day together will find plenty to do and discover. Children can meet animals at the petting zoo, ride ponies, get their faces painted, and enjoy lawn games. Adults will find a curated shopping experience across the estate’s open-air market, featuring handcrafted goods, local produce, early holiday gifts, and fall décor from more than 60 independent makers and small businesses.

Guests will also be among the first to experience Ford House’s new wetland boardwalk, officially opening to the public at the event. The elevated wooden pathway winds through native wetlands, linking the Visitor Center parking area to the Tribute Garden and Butterfly House. The trail invites guests to slow down and engage with the natural environment through a peaceful and educational walk. The wetland boardwalk was federally funded through a Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Funding was received from the NOAA Restoration Center.

Young girl having her face painted as a tiger at Harvest Day, smiling as the artist finishes the details.
Face painting turned kids into playful characters for the day.
Mother posing with two children among a display of pumpkins at Harvest Day, while another adult takes their photo.
Mother posing with two children among a display of pumpkins at Harvest Day.
Pathway lined with vendor tents selling fall crafts and decorations at Harvest Day, with families walking and shopping.
Local artisans shared fall-themed crafts and goods at Harvest Day’s vendor market.
Children and families gathered around a petting zoo pen with goats and a llama at Harvest Day.
Hands-on fun at the petting zoo gave kids a chance to meet friendly farm animals.
Guests gathered at a retro-style food truck during Harvest Day, ordering food and drinks on a sunny afternoon.
Tasty eats and warm drinks were served up by local food vendors.
Farmers’ market stand at Harvest Day with colorful vegetables including peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants, with guests browsing.
Fresh produce from local farms added flavor to the day’s festivities.
Young children smiling and crouching at a petting zoo enclosure with ducks and rabbits at Harvest Day.
Little ones delighted in meeting ducks, rabbits, and more.
Close-up of a fluffy miniature horse with guests smiling in the background at Harvest Day.
One of the biggest hits — meeting the adorable miniature horses up close. (2024)
Vendor booth at Harvest Day featuring Mae Bell Pound Cakes, with two smiling sellers behind a display of packaged cake slices.
Sweet treats at Harvest Day — Mae Bell Pound Cakes brought homemade goodness for everyone to enjoy. (2024)
Families lined up around a fenced pony ride area at Harvest Day, with children riding ponies under cloudy skies.
Pony rides brought smiles to kids of all ages at Harvest Day.

The boardwalk will also serve as a key feature in Ford House’s educational programming, allowing students to investigate wetland ecology firsthand and understand the critical role wetlands play in sustaining the Great Lakes ecosystem. The project reflects Ford House’s continued work to be not only a tribute to the past, but a leader in sustainability and environmental engagement across the region.

In the spirit of community support, guests are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Just A Little Help of Michigan, a food bank and community resource initiative founded by Mayor Valerie Kindle of Harper Woods. Donation bins will be available at the event entrance.

At Ford House, we believe that meaningful experiences happen when people feel connected—to each other, to nature, and to the place they’re in. Harvest Day brings families together through joy, discovery, and play, and now with the opening of our new wetland boardwalk, we’re also inviting guests to see the environment around them with fresh eyes. Our hope is that every visitor leaves not just with memories, but with a deeper appreciation for the natural world—and a shared responsibility to protect it.

Mark J. Heppner, President & CEO

Event highlights include:

  • A record-setting vendor market with 60+ local artisans, growers, and crafters
  • Pony rides, petting zoo, lawn games, and face painting for kids
  • Self-guided tours of the historic Main Residence’s first floor
  • Fresh cider and donuts from Blake’s (available for pre-order)
  • On-site food and beverage concessions, including fall favorites
  • A new Harvest Day Beer Tent, sponsored by WB Event Structures
  • The official grand opening of Ford House’s wetland boardwalk
  • Community food drive supporting Just A Little Help of Michigan

This year’s event is made possible by our sponsors:

Ford Philanthropy, WB Event Structures, Northern Trust, Bodman Law, D Land Group Property Management, Henry Ford Health, The Spice & Tea Exchange of Grosse Pointe, Brown & Brown Insurance, Frank Rewold & Sons, and Grunwell-Cashero.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025
  • Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Location: Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI
  • Tickets: Adults $12 (public) / $10 (Friends of Ford House)
  • Children (ages 3–17) $6 (public) / $5 (Friends)
  • Children under 3: Free
  • Parking: On-site with crossing guard support
  • Accessibility: Strollers and wagons welcome. Terrain includes pavement, gravel, grass, and the new accessible boardwalk

Media Opportunities:

  • Media Preview Invitation: Members of the press are invited to visit Ford House for a special preview of the new wetland boardwalk and interview opportunities on Friday, Sept. 26 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • New boardwalk opening – environmental and educational storytelling
  • Visual appeal – fall foliage, historic estate, animals, artisan booths, and nature scenes
  • Community feature – support for local food assistance and small businesses
  • Interview availability – Ford House leadership, education staff, vendors, and families

Get tickets!

Celebrate fall with family fun, shopping, and the new wetland boardwalk—don’t miss this once-a-year event!
Click Here
]]> Why You and Your Little Ones Will Love Little Goblins at Ford House https://fordhouse.org/news/why-you-and-your-little-ones-will-love-little-goblins-at-ford-house/ Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:43:24 +0000 https://www.fordhouse.org/?post_type=news&p=5730 As fall settles in and the air turns crisp, Ford House invites you and your little ones to experience the magic of the season with our Little Goblins event. Held during the day on Friday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., this enchanting, family-friendly event is perfect for young children to enjoy all the fun of Halloween in a safe and charming setting. Here’s why Little Goblins is the perfect Halloween adventure for you and your family.

A Daytime Adventure for Your Little Ones

Little Goblins is designed especially for young children, making it the ideal place to celebrate Halloween without the late-night spooks. During daylight hours, your little ones can dress up in their favorite costumes, roam the picturesque grounds of Ford House, and take in the beauty of fall while enjoying Halloween festivities tailored to them. It’s a gentle introduction to the season, where the atmosphere is more about joy and exploration than scares.

Safe and Stress-Free Halloween Fun

We know safety is a priority, especially when it comes to your children. At Little Goblins, we go above and beyond to ensure a secure and welcoming environment. Our event is carefully crafted to offer a stress-free experience for families. The trick-or-treating stations are well-organized, the pathways are clear and safe for little feet, and our friendly staff is always nearby to assist. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the day knowing that Ford House is here to take care of the details.

A Great Value for Families

One of the things we pride ourselves on at Ford House is offering high-quality family experiences that won’t break the bank. Admission to Little Goblins starts at $5 (varies by ticket type), and your ticket includes access to all the activities—crafts, treats, and games—throughout the day. Plus, parking is free, so you can enjoy the event without worrying about hidden costs. It’s a great way to enjoy Halloween while creating wonderful memories together as a family.

Create New Family Traditions

Ford House is committed to creating experiences that bring families together. Whether you’ve been coming to Little Goblins for years or this is your first time, you’ll find that it’s the perfect opportunity to start a new Halloween tradition. From the laughter and smiles of your children to the gorgeous fall setting of Ford House, the memories you make here will last long beyond the holiday.

Ford House: A Place for Families to Celebrate and Connect

At Ford House, we believe in creating spaces and events where families can come together and celebrate life’s special moments. Halloween is one of those times when magic, joy, and wonder are at their peak, and Little Goblins is the perfect way to share that with your little ones. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to this special day!

Learn more and buy your tickets to Little Goblins today!

]]> “Little Goblins” Take Over Ford House at This Beloved Daytime Halloween Event for Kids https://fordhouse.org/news/little-goblins-take-over-ford-house-at-this-beloved-daytime-halloween-event-for-kids/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:34:54 +0000 https://www.fordhouse.org/?post_type=news&p=5617 Ghouls, ghosts, and giggles are on the horizon as Ford House proudly announces the highly-anticipated return of the fun and kid-friendly Little Goblins event on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Delightfully crafted for families and children, this annual Halloween experience promises an unforgettable day filled with festive fun and magical moments.

From 11 a.m. through 3 p.m., guests can enjoy the breathtaking grounds and gardens while participating in family-friendly activities throughout the property, including:

  • Trick-or-Treat Trail: Children can travel along our Trick-or-Treat Trail, stopping at the child-friendly Halloween stations to collect delicious treats and playful goodies from friendly characters.
  • Jack-O-Lantern Decorating: Let creativity run wild as kids unleash their artistic talents on Cuties mandarin oranges, transforming them into festive masterpieces to take home.
  • Photo Opportunities: Whether sitting under the 15-foot tall Pumpkin King or galloping through a mini-corn maze, there are innumerable opportunities to capture your family’s smiling faces on camera.
  • Haunt-Free Hayride: Hop aboard our haunt-free hayride for a tractor-pulled trip from the Main Residence to the Gate Lodge.
  • Cider & Donut: Every ticket gets a free cider and donut!

“This event has always been a special time for families across metro Detroit to come together, celebrate the season, and make lasting memories,” says Ford House Director of Communications & Engagement, Tommy Karr. “Little Goblins is more than just a festive gathering—it’s an opportunity to build community, spark joy, and create moments that children and their families will cherish for years to come.”

During this year’s Little Goblins event at Ford House, concessions will be available for families to enjoy. In addition to seasonal treats and snacks, adult beverages will be offered for purchase, providing something for everyone to enjoy as they participate in the festivities. It’s a great way to make the event even more enjoyable for both kids and adults alike!

Tickets for the Little Goblins event at Ford House may be purchased online at www.fordhouse.org/littlegoblins.

Early bookings are encouraged as this bewitching experience tends to sell out quickly. Admission is $20 per child and $8 per accompanying adult. Friends of Ford House enjoy discounted tickets of $15 per child and $5 per adult. To learn how to become a Friend of Ford House, visit www.fordhouse.org/friends.

A little boy is dressed as Spider-Man for Halloween and he's picking out lollipops. A child plays a giant game of tic-tac-toe using miniature pumpkins as tokens. A family is dressed as Disney characters. A cardboard cutout of Moss the Goose Dog wearing a witch's hat. A child dressed as Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas Children enjoy a straw bale maze. A family takes their picture under the Pumpkin King. A tractor is pulling a trailer filled with people for a hay ride.

 

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