Detroit Tours and stuff to do

[Kathleen]

Here's a list of historic homes that offer tours:

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Tours.
Experience what being a guest of the Fords was like on a tour of this traditional, 60-room English Cotswold home, designed by one of the country’s greatest architects, Albert Kahn. Painstaking attention to authenticity and quality hand craftsmanship were skillfully blended with modern conveniences and contemporary design to make Ford House one of America’s true classic historic homes. When visiting Ford House, you will not only marvel at the diverse décor and furnishings, which reflect the Fords’ lifelong love of art in its many forms, you’ll also get a rare and wonderful insight into the family, their activities and interests, business responsibilities and concern for the local community.
February-March: Tours are available Tuesday-Friday, noon and 1:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, Noon-4pm. April through December: Tours are available Tuesday–Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, noon–4 pm.
Ford House is also open for certain Monday holidays; call 313.884.4222 to see if tours are being given.
http://www.fordhouse.org/Plan+Your+V...+Hours-10.html

Henry Ford Fair Lane Estate Tours.
Visit the home of automotive pioneer Henry Ford, enjoying the spacious rooms where Henry and Clara Ford entertained some of the world's most influential people.
January through March: Tours of the Residence and Powerhouse are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 1:30pm only.
April through December: Tours of the Residence and Powerhouse are available Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30pm. Closed on Mondays.
$12; $11 Seniors and Students with ID; $8 Children 6-12. http://www.henryfordestate.org/publictours.htm

Meadow Brook Hall Tours.
Tour Meadow Brook, the home of Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of John Dodge and wife of Alfred Wilson. Built in 1929, designed by William Kapp, featuring the work of Corrado Parducci. The guided tours last about 90 minutes and include the three main floors of the hall.http://www.oakland.edu/?id=3102&sid=87

[Kathleen]

Ongoing Guided and Self-Guided Tours of Historic Sites

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory [[Belle Isle).
The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is located on Detroit’s Belle Isle in the Detroit River, nestled between the city’s near East side and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. In operation since 1904, the Conservatory features five distinct horticultural houses showcasing plants indigenous around the globe as well as an outside Lily Pond Garden and formal perennial gardens. The Conservatory is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge. The phone number for the Conservatory is 313-821-5428. http://bibsociety.org/

Historic Elmwood Cemetery Tours
The cemetery is steeped in history, art and natural beauty. Elmwood tours have been developed to explore specific themes, including: Michigan Governors, Michigan Senators, Detroit Mayors, Civil War Generals, Black Heritage Leaders, Underground Railroad, Memorial Art and Symbolism, and Detroit’s Who’s Who. Retired Cemetery Director Chancey Miller regales tour participants with the interesting stories of those laid to rest at Elmwood. Tours are held in all weather and are walking tours. Bus tours of forty individuals or less can also be accommodated. Advance reservations are required for all tours. $5; free to Historic Elmwood Foundation members, depending upon their level of support.
http://elmwoodhistoriccemetery.org/pages/calendar.html

The Heidelberg Project.
Armed with a paintbrush, a broom, and neighborhood children, Tyree Guyton and family began by cleaning up vacant lots on Heidelberg and Elba Streets. From the refuse they collected, Guyton began to transform the street into a massive art environment. Vacant lots literally became “lots of art” and abandoned houses became “gigantic art sculptures.” Guyton not only transformed vacant houses and lots, he integrated the street, sidewalks, and trees into his mammoth installation and called his work, "The Heidelberg Project", after its location on Heidelberg Street, east of downtown Detroit. Despite numerous awards, the city demolished parts of the Heidelberg Project installation in 1991 and again in 1999. Still, the Heidelberg Project continues to exist, evolve, and grow - providing hope and inspiration to the local community and the community of the world. Today the Heidelberg Project is recognized as one of the most influential art environments in the world. http://www.heidelberg.org/

Motown Historical Museum.
The museum exhibits trace the roots of Motown’s remarkable story and chronicle its impact on 20th century popular culture and musical styles. The story begins with Berry Gordy, Jr. and a small house in Detroit that he christened Hitsville USA [[now the Museum’s home), continues as Motown evolves into a major entertainment enterprise that was among the most diverse and influential in the world. Exhibits include a fascinating collection of historical photographs, artwork, music, costumes and other memorabilia from this booming musical era. Take a step back in time as they walk through the fully restored apartment that was once home to Berry Gordy, Jr, and stand in the original recording studio “Studio A” where Motown’s greatest hits were recorded. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm; closed Sunday and Monday. $10; $8 seniors and children.
http://www.motownmuseum.com/mtmpages/index.html

Renaissance Center Tour, Monday through Friday at 10am, 12 noon, and 2pm. Free. Includes a stop at the Coach Insignia restaurant for a bird’s eye view of the city.
http://www.gmrencen.com/Tours/tabid/65/Default.aspx

Wayne State University Artwalk.
Developed by the Women of Wayne Alumni Association, this self-guided ArtWalk features 27 pieces from the university’s art collection, which includes works by Tyree Guyton, Sergio De Giusti and Giacomo Manzu. The university’s enduring philosophy is that pieces in the Wayne State Art Collection appear throughout the campus — in signature buildings and on the university’s malls and lawns. This tradition of art in public places is most prominently upheld by the number, variety and excellence of outdoor sculptures across Wayne State’s grounds. These works embrace and enhance the everyday lives of people on campus and in the surrounding communities and reinforce Wayne State University’s and Detroit’s standing as a center for artistic expression. For questions, call [[313) 577-2300. For parking information, visit www.parking.wayne.edu or call [[313) 576-PARK. Printable brochure: http://www.alumni.wayne.edu/uploaded...0619215043.pdf