12 Things to Do in Dearborn, Michigan

From world-renowned museums and historical sites to family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreation and excellent dining and shopping options, Dearborn makes for a great weekend getaway or longer vacation.

This article outlines 12 of the top attractions and activities in Dearborn that should not be missed. From exploring the world’s largest assembly line to strolling through stunning gardens, enjoying interactive science exhibits and taking in local history and culture, Dearborn offers something for travelers of all ages and interests to enjoy.

1.The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village

No visit to Dearborn is complete without a stop at the famous Henry Ford complex, containing both the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and nearby Greenfield Village historic site.

The Henry Ford is one of the city’s most famous attractions. Inside this sprawling indoor-outdoor venue, you’ll discover a world of exhibits detailing 300 years of American history through the lens of innovation and invention.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the sweeping exhibit halls inside the museum building. Here you can check out the Rosa Parks bus, climb aboard the famous presidential vehicles like JFK’s limo, gaze up at pioneering aircraft that hang from the ceiling, and so much more. Interactive, hands-on displays let you truly immerse yourself in the stories behind great American icons.

Just outside, Greenfield Village transports you back through American history. This 80-acre outdoor site features historic homes and buildings collected and restored by Ford, including Thomas Edison’s famous Menlo Park laboratory. Hop into a Model T and take a spin, grab a bite at a working restaurant or watch a craft demonstration at sites like the glassblowing workshop. From turn-of-the-century America to colonial times, the stories of ingenuity and innovation come alive at The Henry Ford.

2.Automotive Attractions

With Dearborn’s claim to fame being the hometown and global headquarters of the Ford Motor Company, it’s no surprise that automotive attractions abound. At the flagship Ford Rouge Factory Tour, visitors can glimpse Ford’s famous assembly line process first-hand from elevated walkways. This insider’s look at Ford’s state-of-the-art and environmental-award-winning Rouge plant complex brings Ford’s fascinating production story to life.

Car buffs will also love the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, birthplace of the legendary Ford Model T and the world’s first mass-produced automobile. See the room where Ford and his team designed and developed this iconic car that would go on to change history. The on-site museum contains multiple Model T’s, experimental vehicles and exhibits detailing this pivotal time in automotive history.

And at the Ford House, you can tour the magnificent lakeside mansion estate of the Ford family. This historic home where Henry and Clara Ford lived contains impressive art and furnishings as well as stunning gardens.

No matter your level of interest in cars, Dearborn offers a wealth of automotive history, industry lore and insights into one of the titans of American industry, Henry Ford himself.

3.The Arab American National Museum

For a uniquely Dearborn experience, don’t miss the acclaimed Arab American National Museum (AANM). Located in Dearborn’s vibrant East Downtown district, this one-of-a-kind museum documents and celebrates Arab American history, heritage and culture. Exhibits, art installations, artifacts and personal histories showcase the major waves of early Arab immigration and the ongoing contributions and customs carried forth today through Arab Americans across all walks of life.

Interactive exhibits let visitors better understand Arab history and cultural commonalities. Don’t miss the striking community mosaic mural titled “I Am Arab American,” containing over 200 individual painted panels celebrating locals’ diverse ancestral origins. The Children’s Gallery offers plenty of hands-on play and discovery for kids through activities like testing gravity on a zoetrope, playing Arab instruments like the oud, and exploring themes like architecture and poetry.

The AANM also hosts rotating temporary exhibits, guest lectures, dance performances, films and cultural celebrations year-round. The Museum Café offers casual Middle Eastern fare while the Mediterranean-style garden and piazza provide a tranquil setting to relax.

Allow at least 90 minutes to absorb the museum’s core exhibits along with time to explore special events and performances on select days.

4.Dearborn Historic Districts

Soak up Dearborn’s early 20th century heyday through its collection of lovingly preserved neighborhoods dotted with beautiful homes, churches and community buildings. Three key historic districts within Dearborn contain over 700 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

First up is West Downtown Dearborn, located near Henry Ford College. Stylish Craftsman, Tudor and colonial revival homes characterize this district, which contains over 450 historic structures. Next, East Downtown Dearborn’s historic district borders the AANM museum. Here you’ll find many classic Queen Anne Victorian homes along with churches, storefronts and auto row buildings holding court along Michigan Avenue.

Finally, the St. Sarkis Historic District near Ford campus holds over 50 historic homes centered around the landmark St. Sarkis Armenian Church, established in 1922. Lovely residential streets contain a mix of bungalows, Arts and Crafts homes and Mediterranean villas built predominantly for Ford management personnel in the 1920s and 30s.

Maps and guides to the districts are available through the Dearborn Historical Museum, allowing for self-guided walking tours of these architectural gems. Be sure to notice the diverse architectural details as you admire these charming neighborhoods lost in time.

5.Dearborn Historical Museum

Speaking of the Dearborn Historical Museum, this campus makes another must-see attraction for history buffs. Operated by the Historical Society of Dearborn, the museum complex consists of multiple buildings each holding unique stories and artifacts of early Dearborn history.

Start at the 1936 Commandant’s Quarters to grab a map and browse rotating exhibits. Then head to the beautiful Italian villa-style AFL Memorial Building, which contains additional exhibits plus beloved memorabilia collections. Other buildings hold early furnishings from prominent local families, vintage toys and dresses, while one hall hosts an impressive model railroad diorama.

The Museum also operates the Dearborn Inn and Colonial Homes Tours. This guided tour lets you explore four centuries of architecture through six historic homes neighboring Ford’s estate. Knowledgeable docents share stories while you view furnishings, fixtures, clothing and photos original to each striking home.

6.U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Next up on the list of top things to do in Dearborn is experiencing the natural beauty and peace of the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. These sprawling gardens located near the UM-Dearborn campus provide a scenic backdrop enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

The outdoor gardens contain numerous themed areas like perennial borders, flowering trees, woodland walks, wetlands and water features across 150 lush acres. The covered tropical conservatory holds a balmy 85+ degrees all year, letting you soak up tropical plants and flowers indoors even during a Michigan winter.

The Matthaei is also home to one of the largest bonsai collections in the Midwest within its elegant glass Nichols Arboretum. Guided tours are available along with exhibits, classes, family programs and seasonal events like bulb shows or origami displays throughout the year. Guests will love snapping photos of vibrant blossoms, water lilies, seasonal color and tranquil scenery during a leisurely stroll.

The University Inn offers an upscale dining option with expansive patio seating overlooking the gardens. Perfect for a special lunch or afternoon tea break surrounded by nature’s beauty during your time at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

7.The Henry Ford Giant Screen Experience

Film buffs won’t want to miss the chance to take in an IMAX film at The Henry Ford Giant Screen Experience inside the Henry Ford Museum complex. Billed as Michigan’s largest screen at five stories tall and three city blocks wide, the 600-seat theater truly immerses viewers through its colossal size and crystal-clear images.

Enjoy both 2D and 3D Hollywood films on topics like space travel along with nature documentaries filmed across exotic global locations. Favorites like National Parks Adventure allow you to hike the slopes of Glacier Point in Yosemite or peer deep into Marble Cave without leaving your plush seat.

Upcoming science, history and kid-friendly selections play throughout the week. Many titles tie into other Henry Ford or Greenfield Village exhibits like the thrilling Apollo 11 First Steps Edition honoring the 50th anniversary of the 1969 moon landing. This beyond ultra-high def film lets viewers ride along in exhilarating fashion aboard the Saturn V rocket and Apollo 11 command module for an unforgettable cinematic adventure.

8.Dearborn Farmers Market

No visit to Dearborn is quite complete without experiencing its bustling Downtown Dearborn Farmers Market, considered one of the best farmers markets in Michigan. Running from June through October each year, the Wednesday and Saturday open-air markets draw vendors and visitors from across the region.

Browse colorful fruit stands and farm tables brimming with the season’s freshest locally grown produce. Artisanal bakers, syrup makers, cheese crafters, spice blenders and more offer samples of their small-batch goodies like warm bread, crepes, jams, pickles and sweets.

Ethnic fare vendors dish out tempting street eats from cuisines spanning Lebanese, Greek, Thai, barbecue and classic hot dogs to cream puffs and elephant ears sprinkled in powdered sugar. Plus shop handcrafted items from candlemakers, woodworkers, painters and jewelry designers stationed alongside outdoor dining nooks and live music stages.

The vibrant scene buzzes with conviviality and that authentic farmers market energy visitors travel near and far to soak up. Arrive with an empty tote bag ready to fill plus plenty of small bills so you can taste your way through Dearborn’s incredible market bounty.

9.Dearborn Restaurant Scene

Of course no trip would be complete without digging into Dearborn’s diverse and delectable dining scene. With its prominent Middle Eastern population along with all variety of ethnic enclaves and American favorites, you’ll find menus running the global gamut in Dearborn.

Start your culinary explorations in East Downtown along bustling Warren Avenue. Here longtime Lebanese eateries like Golden Bakery serve up scratchmade pita, meat pies and sweet staples patrons line up for. Neighboring Al Ameer dishes steaming platters of shawarma and kebabs amid vibrant décor.

Venture to West Dearborn near the historic districts to discover Polish pot sticker havens like Polonia Restaurant. Or sip espresso at cozy cafes like Dearborn Baking Company known for elaborate custom cakes. Family-owned taverns like Miller’s Bar pile the plates high with meaty cheeseburgers, while the warm décor at powder blue Nancy’s Airfield Café recalls mid-century airport diners.

Foodie favorites continue with Sicilian slices from Shield’s Midtown neighborhood icon or fresh Mediterranean fare at perennial favorite La Pita. Trendy new hotspots include burger and bourbon joints Dearborn Tavern and nature-inspired farm-to-table plates at fine dining magnet Town Tavern.

With new eateries constantly mixing in with decades-old fixtures, Dearborn’s eclectic, multicultural dining scene keeps hungry visitors happy morning, noon and night.

10.Science Center

The Henry Ford National Historic Landmark centered in Dearborn contains a wealth of landmarks, attractions, exhibits and historical artifacts preserved for modern generations. Among the highlights is the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, containing a wealth of displays dedicated to American history and accomplishments in industry, technology, science and invention.

Within this sprawling museum complex are additional attractions like the IMAX Giant Screen Experience cinema featuring larger than life size films. There’s also the Henry Ford Academy of Manufacturing Sciences high school, allowing students to pursue vocational training in engineering and design tied into Ford’s legacy.

Another beloved attraction is the Henry Ford Museum Science Center, focusing specifically on interactive STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) exhibits to engage and educate visitors of all ages. Powered by innovation sponsors Microsoft and Bosch, the 5,000 square foot Science Center contains over 25 hands-on displays. Covering core concepts in physics, chemistry, biology, electricity and more, this playful museum within a museum sparks wonder and discovery for kids and kids at heart.

Visitors can experiment creating giant bubbles and air vortexes. Build functioning electronic circuits that really light up and buzz. See cosmic rays and gravitational pulses visualized. Compose musical robotic orchestra compositions. And so much more across two themed Tech Labs and Think Labs.

The Science Center makes science exciting and enjoyable through these action-based installations designed to promote experimentation. The Contemporary Science stage hosts daily science shows,cryogenics demos and engaging Q&A sessions with staff reinforcing core concepts. This 21st Century museum upgrade makes on trend STEM principles relatable while sparking inspiration for future scientists and innovators.

11.Dearborn Performing Arts Center

Enrich Dearborn sightseeing adventures through experiences at its exceptional 1300 seat proscenium style theater facility. The elegant Michael A. Guido Theater inside the Dearborn Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway plays and musicals, concerts, dance ensembles, comedy shows and guest speakers year round.

Touring Broadway productions straight from New York stops like Disney favorites and serious dramatic Tony winners keep the marquee lit. Talent competitions, rock tribute bands, jazz ensembles and orchestral offerings further bolster the eclectic calendar beloved by culture vultures across metro Detroit.

The Renaissance-style Louis Kamperow Concert Hall offers an additional opulent space for musical performances seating 350 guests with refined appointments. Monitor the DPAC show schedules online prior to visits to check great add-on options during your stay. With affordable ticket prices in an architecturally stunning setting, consider taking in a spirited show while enjoying what Dearborn has to offer travelers.

12.Shopping Destinations

Shoppers can get their retail therapy fix at several distinct shopping centers and districts scattered around Dearborn. Start along Michigan Avenue heading west from downtown where you’ll find dozens of antique stores, boutiques, galleries and emporiums.

The wildly eclectic collection includes Dearborn Music, packed with instruments, Mid-West largest comic book shop Vault of Midnight, the Boydell Bookshop featuring rare new/used books, vintage posters at Posterworks, gearhead haven Model Cave and many more intriguing indie retailers.

At the other end of Michigan Avenue just past the Southfield Freeway lies a mile long corridor known as Auto Mile. All the major auto brands like Ford, GM, Toyota, Suburu each have dedicated showrooms here. Even if not buying, visitors can browse models and concepts while dealerships may have brand history displays.

Neighborhood concentrated retail can be found in East and West Dearborn. The West Downtown district near Henry Ford College contains the early 20th Century-style Dearborn Market shops with apparel and gifts.

Mile-long Schaefer Road south of Ford headquarters holds dozens of national big box stores and chains for everyday shopping needs. And vacant Crowley’s Department Store has entered a new era with the East Dearborn Downtown Development. Slated to hold new restaurants and community spaces, it complements the Arab American National Museum’s nearby draw.

With such retail diversity in store design and offerings, Dearborn lets visitors pick their own shopping adventure from hip handmade to mainstream conveniences.

Conclusion

With iconic attractions, automotive roots, scientific wonders, culture, cuisine and community spirit, Dearborn makes an unforgettable Midwestern destination. Captivating museums like The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village bring American stories past and future to life. Heritage comes alive strolling historic districts and the acclaimed Arab American National Museum.

Unique shopping, dining and recreation further bolster Dearborn’s offerings showing why it earns kudos topping best Midwest travel lists year over year.

Whether visiting the legendary Rouge Factory Tour highlighting Ford ingenuity or grabbing a cream puff listening to live bands at the bustling Downtown Farmers Market, Dearborn delights with quality experiences for travelers of all tastes each season of the year. Use this guide to begin planning your own adventures within Michigan’s “Town Where Transportation Began” gem known as Dearborn.