Detroit Tours and stuff to do

[MOTROIT]

Me and the wife are looking for buiding, factory, city tours to take this spring/summer. She wanted to go out of state to do things [[went to Chicago last summer) I told her I want to support our local business'.
So if you know of any good tours or places we should visit please tell me. Thank you p.s I know theres a lot

[Kathleen]

The Preservation Wayne summer walking tours run May through September: http://www.preservationwayne.org/tours.php
[[currently our 2009 offerings are listed; the 2010 tours are in the works so will be posted in the next couple months).

Also our annual Theatre Tour is August 14:
http://www.preservationwayne.org/tours_theater.php

[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

[Kathleen]

The Detroit Historical Society also offers a wide variety of tours, museum programs, and special events. Here are links to their current Winter offerings:

Behind the Scenes Tours: http://www.detroithistorical.org/mai...nd_scenes.aspx

Special Events:
http://www.detroithistorical.org/mai...al_events.aspx

Museum Programs:
http://www.detroithistorical.org/mai..._programs.aspx

Look for the Spring schedule in late March.

[milt721]

Don't forget the Rouge factory tour. Plus Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford are right there. Plan for an entire day for all three.

[bigtreble]

Does BetterMade & Faygo offer public factory tours?
Does Penobscob ever have rooftop viewing tours any more?
Or even better yet, what does it take to get a peek at the salt mines?

[preserve]

Corktown Historical Home Tour, Sunday 6/6/10 - noon - 5
Details to be announced on tickets sales & prices -

[filup]

inside detroit offers a lot of different tours

http://www.insidedetroit.org/public-tours/

[Kathleen]

Some ideas for exploring Windsor...

Walkerville Walking Tour
http://www.citywindsor.ca/DisplayAttach.asp?AttachID=320

CanadianClubBrandCenter Tours.
Guided tours of the Brand Center feature turn-of-the-century Italian architecture [[the Hiram Walker-founded Headquarters office was designed by Mason & Rice, with Albert Kahn-designed interiors), formal whisky information session and tasting, complimentary C.C. souvenir, film of whisky making process, and a visit to our Canadian art gallery with original works from the Group of Seven. The one-hour tour concludes with a visit to the gift shop.
January through April: Tours run 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00 Friday and Saturday.
May through December: Tours run at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 Wednesday – Saturday; 12:00 and 2:00 on Sunday.
http://www.canadianclubwhisky.com/HeritageTour.asp


Willistead Manor, Windsor.
Willistead Manor was built in 1906 for Edward Chandler Walker, the second son of Detroiter Hiram Walker, founder of the world-renowned distillery. Willistead is the creation of Albert Kahn, the noted Detroit architect of the day. Kahn built three buildings on the 15-acre estate: the manor house, the coach house and the gatehouse. Tour one of Windsor’s most elegant mansions all decked out in its holiday finest. Admission: $5 Adult; $4 Senior; $3 Child [[under 13). The Willistead Manor Complex is located at 1899 Niagara St. [[at Kildare St.), Windsor. Phone: 519-253-2365. Public tours available on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4pm. Full details may be found at: http://www.citywindsor.ca/000227.asp

Then spend the afternoon walking along the Windsor Riverfront, enjoying the view of Detroit, the boats on the river, and all of the wonderful monuments and sculptures.

The Art Gallery of Windsor is right off the river front too.

[Kathleen]

The Diamond Jack Boat Tours are wonderful!!

Two tours to choose from: Detroit River and Wyandotte/Grosse Isle/Boblo

http://www.diamondjack.com/

[Kathleen]

The And Still They Prospered: Living through the Great Depression exhibit at the Lorenzo Cultural Center is totally geared towards Detroit in the 1930s. We attended the opening presentation by Jack Lessenberry today and spent some time in the exhibit area, but there is so much to see and you get caught up talking to other visitors that we will have to go back again to take it all in.

The exhibit runs through May 8.

Details and events schedule at: http://www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com/schedule/index.asp

[LodgeDodger]

T-PLEX ANNOUNCES
GREATLY EXPANDED SCHEDULE

The Model T Automotive Heritage Complex will be operating the Piquette Avenue Plant, the Birthplace of the Model T, on a five days per week schedule beginning April 1, 2010.

The T-Plex Board of Directors has adopted the expanded schedule to make it easier for visitors to enjoy the opportunity to see the plant, the vehicles on display, and the exhibits which help visitors to explore the roles of Henry Ford, the Model T, and other vehicles of the era in automotive history.

The T-Plex will be open for visits and tours from April 1st to November 21st in 2010.
Wednesday thru Friday 10 AM to 4 PM
Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM to 4 PM


A variety of theme days will be announced which are being developed to be of interest to many visitors.

http://tplex.org/1_whatyouwillsee.html

[LodgeDodger]

Another shameless plug--

Preservation Wayne Auto Heritage Tours
First & Third Saturdays, 10 AM
May - September [[Special tours by appointment)
Meeting Location: T-Plex, Piquette & Beaubien
$15 per person

Walk in the footsteps of Henry Ford, Henry Leland, and the Fisher Brothers as knowledgeable guides bring Detroit’s rich automotive history to life. Tours begin at The Model T Automotive Heritage Complex, a new interactive museum, workshop, and event facility at the birthplace of the Model T. From there, the tour takes you through the area around Detroit’s Piquette Street and Woodward Avenue to trace the place where innovation began.

T-Plex is located four blocks south of Grand Boulevard and three blocks east of Woodward. Parking is free on the street, and tour guides will meet you in front of the building.

Tickets:$15 per person; $12 for Preservation Wayne members, seniors and students. Payment by cash, check, and MasterCard or Visa is accepted. All proceeds from this tour go to ongoing restoration work at T-Plex.

Please note: Tours usually last between two and three hours. Tours depart rain or shine, so please check ahead and dress appropriately. Tour group size is limited and space is available on a first come first served basis. For tour groups of 10 or more, reservations are required. Call us at [[313) 577-7674 for more information.

[exmotowner]

Question about the theater tour. I am coming up for it and I seen on the site that I need to get the ticket early but I could not find where I order it from. Help Please. I sure dont want to drive all the way from Nashville to be told the tour is full.

[LodgeDodger]

Question about the theater tour. I am coming up for it and I seen on the site that I need to get the ticket early but I could not find where I order it from. Help Please. I sure dont want to drive all the way from Nashville to be told the tour is full.

Call Preservation Wayne and purchase your tickets: 313-577-7674

preservationwayne.org