Henry Ford Village, a historic site, was built on the birthplace of legendary automaker Henry Ford. The community is also home to more than 100 groups and clubs to join, restaurants, a fitness and aquatics center, and much more.

Anyone with a desire to see the sights of the city of Dearborn in their free time, though, won’t be disappointed. The community is located just a few miles from many hot spots to explore, including museums, performance venues, and restaurants.

Dearborn Historic Tours
Wes and Helen Pelling have lived in Dearborn for many years, even before they moved to Henry Ford Village. They are so enthusiastic about the city’s offerings they serve as guides for weekly “Dearborn Historic Tours” from May to September for community members.

“There is so much to see in Dearborn!” says Mr. Pelling.

The two-hour tour passes by three local colleges including the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Henry Ford Community College, an old armory and museum, the Fairlane home of Henry Ford, Greenfield Village and the IMAX Theatre, the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Ford Airport, and the Dearborn Inn.

Other places passengers can observe include the Ford Rouge Plant, the Dearborn Library, Ford Headquarters, and Dearborn City Hall. The Pellings offer informational tidbits about many of the places they pass by, such as the Dearborn Inn.

“The Dearborn Inn was the first completely air-conditioned building in the United States,” Mr. Pelling notes.

Eat your heart out
Dearborn also features numerous restaurants offering every cuisine imaginable and is located just a few miles from Henry Ford Village.

A few of the Pelling’s favorites include Ciao Ristorante (1024 Monroe Street) and The Early American Room at The Dearborn Inn (20301 Oakwood Blvd.).

“There are also many Mediterranean and Arabic restaurants as well as steak houses,” Mr. Pelling says. He and his wife look forward to hosting the next set of historic tours at Henry Ford Village in May.

“We enjoy doing it. It’s Henry Ford’s hometown,” he says.