This place was awesome. I had never visited before, but my husband and I took a tour today of the…read moremain house. Tours are $20 and you're welcome to walk the grounds after, plus stop by the Playhouse (tiny house that was for the Ford's 7-year-old granddaughter) and the garage, where five antique vehicles are housed. The tour lasts an hour, our tour guide was Dan and he was great. My husband works for Ford so I thought he'd find the tour interesting, too. There's another tour, called Nooks and Crannies, that dives deeper into the house and it's history, and I'd like to take that one next. The grounds themselves are beautiful and there is a lot to see, including the displays in the Visitors Center, Bird Island, and the places I mentioned above. The Visitors Center also has a gift shop. I've heard they do concerts here in the summer, and I saw on Instagram that they will have a butterfly house, too, so I'll have to come back another time for that. Overall, I really enjoyed Ford House and hope to come back for the other tour at some point too.

Gilded The Edsel…read moreand Eleanor Ford House is, on the surface, a spectacular estate.The architecture--a refined lakeside Cotswold-style manor--is stunning. The grounds are immaculate. And yet, the overall experience left me with one word: tacky. Not tacky in the sense of bad taste, but tacky in the way a museum can be when it doesn't trust its audience. The message throughout is clear: Please, middle class, come see how the well-to-do lived--but on our terms, at our pace, behind our ropes. You arrive, eager to explore, only to find the doors locked until a specific tour time. So you wait. Outside. Like a guest at a party no one's ready to let you into. Once inside, you're sorted: self-guided vs. those who paid more for a guided tour. I could only imagine if a self-guided were to stand close and eavesdrop! Then come the barriers. Physical and psychological. You can see how the ultra-rich lived, but do not step deep into most rooms. Velvet ropes whisper stay back. Much of the art has been replaced with copies--originals long ago donated to the DIA (how generous, but also how convenient for security). Even the books are brazenly zip-tied together, presumably to deter mischief or theft. A low point? The kitchen. There, plastic, shiny faux-food--maybe straight from Target's preschool toy aisle--sits arranged to show what a prep area might have looked like. A plastic ham! A plastic cake! Oh, in a prep area! You crane your neck into an ahead-of-its-time bathroom like a zoo visitor spotting a rare animal. Yes, this very bathroom. The one someone used. Then you learn it wasn't ahead-of-its-time bathroom--this was what wealth bought for you! There's the playhouse--charming, yes, with electricity. Oh, it's a house. The Ford's philanthropy, parenting, and perfection are woven into every communication: nannies were present, but they were involved. Citizens, yes. Philanthropists, absolutely. Divine beings, apparently. The whole thing feels less like history and more like hagiography--a shrine to benevolent gods who once walked among us, now preserved in amber and zip ties. Verdict: Tacky. See it on your own if you must, but honestly, try an online tour first. It probably has more dimension, access, and interesting details than what you'll get on foot.

This is another fantastic MUST SEE Frank Lloyd Wright home…read more After seeing this one, my fiance and I have decided that we will try our very best to go and tour all of Frank's houses. When you pull up to this house, there is a neighborhood that is built around it. Everything preserved though that is on the property, so no need to worry. Sadly, it was raining when we went, but we still were able to have a great experience. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and went quite in depth for each part of the house. I think the tour was about an hour or so. These types of houses are very interesting because while you are being told about how the room was built, how it was used or something else related to Frank or the house, you can truly picture yourself as a member of the family that lived in the house. The tour is so great I'd do it again! Photos attached are from online. No phones allowed so I left mine in the car. Only posting pictures from the outside. See for yourself for the inside!

We were lucky to arrange a private tour--it was off-season and the house was normally closed for…read moretours. Our guides were Harvey and Steve, who took us through every part of the house and answered all of our questions. Steve was a patient and knowledgeable guide, and Harvey provided a wealth of stories and anecdotes that added to our appreciation of the house. As an early Wright Usonian, Affleck is well worth a visit, especially in understanding how these houses and plans evolved over time.

This is one of the must see buildings on the historical detriot tourist list! The Guardian Building…read moreis one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It was completed in 1929 during the city's automotive boom. It is also often referred to as the Cathedral of Finance. It's a breathtaking Art Deco design inside and out. Make sure to take time to appreciate the detail, that makes it so special. The bold colors, the amazing tile work, and vaulted lobby are stunning. It history and beauty makes it so much more than "office building". We lucked out and found street parking but would have paid for a garage. It is absolutely worth stepping inside to look around. Website: www.guardianbuilding.com

It opened in 1929 as the world's tallest masonry structure. It was a cathedral of finance, a 40…read morestory red brick building with green & white accents. The interior is a colorful explosion of marble, mosaic & murals that draws from the Aztec, Art Deco & local influences.

This unique landmark standing in the median of Hall Rd. between Hayes and Schoenherr in the Golden…read moreCorridor of Sterling Heights has become the talk of the town by both the locals and visitors to our area. From its early beginnings when some were scratching their heads at the thought of this round object sitting in the median and then finally it's construction, it has become a conversation piece as it's sits along the busy thoroughfare. It's definitely growing on the residents who drive past it everyday. At night it is illuminated in colorful hues of purple/pink or blue and during the holidays, in green and red. It's even referenced in some Pure Michigan spoofs, as being called "The Golden Butthole". Although some have said it's an eyesore and would only consider it worthy of one star, others say it's kind of quirky, which would bump it up to two. The title of 'unofficial' landmark could possibly qualify it for three. Having our own conversation piece in the middle of one of the busiest thoroughfares, bumps it up to four. Last but not least, some would say it's originality and uniqueness is worthy of five stars. So, as expected opinions differ widely. While some remain neutral on how they feel, others either love it or hate it. In fact, it's sometimes the 'butt' of jokes and others 'pooh pooh' the design. However you look at it, it's here to stay and it's ours to embrace. I choose to look on the positive side, especially in today's uncertain world. It stands strong and proud as it grabs the attention of everyone driving past. Beauty is and always will be in the eye of the 'behole-der'. Check out the other Pure Michigan spoofs on YouTube. Sterling Heights isn't alone in it's head tilting, eyebrow raising piece of art. But we can definitely say for sure that it's home to a 'golden' ring surrounded by 'Sterling' (Heights). If you're driving along M-59 in Sterling Heights, remember it's real name.... The Halo. Our quirky little landmark in our small corner of the world. #PureMichigan

I like the design of Hall Road and the inclusion of this structure. I think it definitely offers…read moreelegance to something that would otherwise be mundane.

Delicious ! One of the best fish fries. Lake perch is fantastic. Nice touch with warmed plates and…read moresilverware set at the tables.

Best fish fry in the area hands down!! They feature perch, cod and shrimp along with combo plates,…read moretake out and eat in! Very friendly people at this post! We have been coming here for at least the last 7 years every year!

A historical home that is maintained and cared for by a very kind group of women. They open to the…read morepublic every second Saturday of the month and may open more frequently than that - you can check their schedule posted on their website. The women will welcome and offer you a tour of the home or you can simply shop in their second hand vintage "store" in a dedicated room. They sell items both old and a couple new. The items are fairly priced but I still ended up passing on a beautiful gravy boat with a tray and I will regret it forever haha. They very welcoming to littles and offered a cookie after our permission. Just such a thoughtful gesture. They also have a restroom in case needed. In the back of the house there's a cabin from the late 1800's with a tombstone. The energy was really great so that's always nice. Definitely worth visit, even if you just have a few minutes. The house itself is very unique and beautiful. They are donation based but are not pushy whatsoever.

From the owner: The Society works to make the history of our exceptional community vital, relevant, and accessible…read more Through our public programs, facilities, and gala events, we bring history to life and protect historic artifacts so that we all can experience the past first hand. We are involved in helping promote historic preservation of architecture and artifacts. We offer a Michigan State approved curriculum for grades 2, 3, 4 and 5. School groups are welcome to visit the Provencal-Weir House One-Room Schoolhouse all year long. We manage a significant historical archives and library. Also, we provide a gift shop stocked with interesting, tastey and fun items for all ages. Come visit us!

This unassuming fountain has been wrapped in wired fencing during the massive RO park and…read morerenovation rehaul, which moved and developed all new buildings for the police station and the city hall to place them closer to the 44th District court and built a massive parking structure to support all of the staff and guests at the Henry Ford offices and walk-in clinic on the other side of the fountain. I don't recall how long the fountain has been shrouded in fencing, but it's been quite a while and yet it sits quietly every day and month that passes for the wire fences to be removed and for all passerby's to take notice of the star statues at the base and the ever defying gravity couple at the top. I pass by this statue at least twice a day or more. It used to have a line of trees along the pathway to the fountain and smatterings of old trees surrounding it too. I do hope the city will reinstall that picturesque walkway I have come to love every holiday season on my evening walks in town, it will be a huge blemish to the city, if the beauty of the fountain and surroundings are lost during this renovation.

I haven't seen many lighthouses in Canada, but once I realized there was one not far off of our…read moretravel route, we made a detour to see this light. Circa 1818, this is the second oldest light in Ontario. After restoration in the 1970s, it has been well kept. There is a small parking area next to the light and you can walk on the grounds. Thames River Range Light is leased to the Coast Guard as a search and rescue station.

From the South Lyon, Michigan website:…read more Witch's Hat Depot HOME RESIDENTS COMMUNITY WITCH'S HAT DEPOT Sub Menu About the Witch's Hat Depot Museum and Historic Village The Witch's Hat Depot Museum and Historic Village represents the joint efforts of the City of South Lyon, the South Lyon Area Historical Society, the South Lyon Historical Commission, local service clubs and a great number of volunteers. This community effort has resulted in a fine museum and charming, historic village that attracts many visitors, weddings and events. The Museum is open Saturday and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Special tours can be arranged by contacting the Historical Society at (248) 437-9929. The Witch's Hat Depot in Historic Village Depot The Witch's Hat Depot functions as a museum and the gathering place for the South Lyon Historical Society. It's distinctive roof line gives the building it's name: The Witch's Hat. The building was moved from the original location on East Lake Street to McHattie Park in 1976 as a bicentennial project and it now serves as the focal point for the historic village. The interior of the depot has been preserved to show what a turn-of-the-century train depot would look like. The Historical Society uses the Depot and the nearby Freight Building to store historic documents. The Depot is an excellent resource for railroad buffs or those who simply want to know more about the history of South Lyon. This website gives a more comprehensive history of the building, including its role in the state railroad system and a photo of the depot under construction in 1909 as well as a photograph of the depot in the 1970s before it was moved to its current location in McHattie Park. Historic Village Depot Caboose The caboose is fun for all, railroad buffs, children and the simply curious. It is a Chesapeake & Ohio caboose dating from 1926. The interior is furnished as much as it might have been when in daily use by the rail road workers. The caboose was moved to the museum site in 1982. Freight House Historic Village The freight house was built in 1984 to provide a much needed community meeting area as well as additional museum display areas. The basement is the museum's archive. The building design compliments the Depot. Funding for the freight house was provided by the City and the Historical Commission. In addition, all of the interior finish work was done by volunteers both amateurs and professional, making this truly a community building. It is an attractive, comfortable place to hold meetings and special events. Historic Village Washburn School Washburn School District #5 in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, was built in 1907 to replace a log school building. It served the families in the area until 1953 when the district consolidated with South Lyon Schools. The building was donated to the City of South Lyon in 1984 by the Gordon Wood Family. In the interim, it was used as a church and for a short time as a home. The City, in conjunction with the South Lyon Area Historical Society moved the schoolhouse to its present site in McHattie Park where is serves the community as part of the museum and the historic village. School children hold day-long classes in the building giving them a "one room school house" experience. The school is open for tours as part of the museum complex and is available for meetings and other community needs. Little Village Chapel in the Historic Village The Little Village Chapel is the most recent addition the Historic Village. This 1930's era "kit building" was donated to the City by the congregation of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The building was moved in 2001 from East Liberty Street to its current site. Historic Village Gazebo The gazebo in the McHattie Park Historic Village was built in 1991 to compliment the circa 1900 village. It is used by the community for band concerts and other entertainment. It is a welcome shelter for these wanting some shade or just a comfortable place to sit while visiting the Historic Village. Recognized as a lovely setting, many wedding ceremonies have been held there. The gazebo provides a pleasant interlude on a summer afternoon. © 2016South Lyon, MI335 S. Warren Street, South Lyon, MI Telephone: (248) 437-1735 / Fax: (248) 486-0049 Site use and Linking Policy, Title VI Non-discrimination Plan munetrix logo1logo2 Powered By Revize LOGIN