The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
5
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Experience the Original Model T Factory Visiting the Piquette Avenue Ford Plant is a unique experience-it's the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building. Each floor is divided into sections by the original metal fire doors, complete with the shadows of Henry Ford's "Positively NO Smoking" stencils. The old plank floors are worn from the 12,000 Model Ts built on them, so wear appropriate shoes for your visit. The plant is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site. Walk the worn wood floors and touch the brick walls where Henry Ford and his team of automotive pioneers developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. See Henry Ford's office as it was in 1908 when he was on the cusp of fame. And learn why it still matters today. See a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century and learn their fates.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: North End
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
564 within 3 miles
Attractions
217 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Gilbo02543 contributionsA must see historical time capsuleAmazing place with amazing people! Our tour guide Tom was fantastic. If you like cars and history, it is a must do. It gives an incredible insight into the beginnings of not only Ford Motor, but also the whole automotive industry. Great value and 2 hours very well spent.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 12, 2023
- Dream17472724 contributionsThis was a fantastic little gem.This was a fantastic little gem. I'm surprised that the Ford family doesn't incorporate this within the Henry Ford Umbrella. We had a great tour from a former Ford employee who had a wealth of knowledge and stories to share. This is the only location with a version of all the cars Ford made up to and including the Model T.Visited June 2023Written June 21, 2023
- Brendan SArlington, Virginia1,575 contributionsFamous auto history siteThis Plant is the first significant factory of the Ford Motor Company and the birthplace of the legendary Model T. Cars were hand assembled here until production moved to an assembly line. There is little left of that operation other than the building itself, but Henry Ford’s office and the Secret Engineering Room where the Model T were designed have been reconstructed. There are also dozens of antique Fords and a few other brands’ cars on display, most in excellent condition. There is a lengthy (90-minute tour) by a docent who explains the history, the Plant and even how to drive the cars. Unlike many air and car museums, it doesn’t get too bogged down in the technical details, providing just enough information for visitors with general interest.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten September 1, 2023
- Anonymous8551,680 contributionsWow! What a terrific experience and I know DetroitWe had a terrific docent and a small group. He was so knowledgeable that our tour ran over but the guys hung in there and a couple of us sat and waited comfortably. Parking was right across from the structure and it was good to see renovation happening in that building and the neighborhood. The cars are exceptional and it tells that epoch of our history very well. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour!Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 28, 2023
- rgobenGrand Junction, Colorado620 contributionsVery Interesting to get some accurate information about Ford's first auto plant.We actually liked this Ford Museum the best. We really got to see how Ford Autos Progressed over the eary years. Also lots of interesting information about how the first plant came about.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
572 reviews
Excellent
462
Very good
95
Average
10
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Ashok B
New York, NY6 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
This is a magical wonderland of automotive history. I spent about 3 hours there yesterday. Highly recommend the guided tour. Jerry's tour was filled with rich history and stories, I asked plenty of questions and he had damn near every answer.
At one point I blurted out the title of this review, "more people need to know about this!!" He seemed to enjoy that.
This is the birthplace of American automotive ingenuity, and it DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.
At one point I blurted out the title of this review, "more people need to know about this!!" He seemed to enjoy that.
This is the birthplace of American automotive ingenuity, and it DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
auditor_g-s
Paris, France243 contributions
Feb 2020
Really enjoyed the tour of the Ford Piquette museum, this is the historical place where the Ford adventure started, and the museum is fully maintained by passionate people. You will learn a lot on cars and history even if you are an old time addict. The museum is huge, you can really spend 3 hours there. I will definitely come back when the whole museum is converted to show the production lines and also has a roof opening view! Thank you for such a great tour !
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don M
Grosse Pointe, MI69 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Walk the floors that automotive pioneers walked.
This building is an amazing tribute to the automotive industry.
Even the structure is an engineering tribute of an earlier era.
Henry Ford would be proud to see the Piquette Plant today.
The collection of cars rotate, but each vehicle has a story of its own. Anyone interested in architecture, history or automobiles this is a must see.
This building is an amazing tribute to the automotive industry.
Even the structure is an engineering tribute of an earlier era.
Henry Ford would be proud to see the Piquette Plant today.
The collection of cars rotate, but each vehicle has a story of its own. Anyone interested in architecture, history or automobiles this is a must see.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbentleyinkc
Kansas City, MO25 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Do not miss a tour of this amazing place! It is both a remarkable preservation story of an important building in American industrial history, and a fascinating story of how Ford’s early cars were invented and produced in this building, which would have been demolished if not for dedicated volunteers & Ford History Junkies & Collectors. The enthusiasm of our guide, retired Ford engineer Tom Genoa, is contagious. He is a living encyclopedia of Ford history and is a joy to learn from.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela S
1 contribution
Jun 2021
Tom gave THE BEST tour of the plant. He was both extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. It looks like a small museum but gives the full history not just of the start of Ford but of the automotive industry in general. It also has every ford from the Model A to the Model T on display so you can really see and appreciate all the progress and history. The tour lasted two hours but we easily could have spent at least another hour with Tom (they do encourage you take some time to look around on your own afterwards too). This is a must do in Detroit.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brent W
Windsor, Canada5 contributions
Feb 2020
The tour begins with a 15 minute documentary of the Ford Piquette Plant which sets the stage for the tour with a docent. We were fortunate to have Tom as our docent and he shared tons of trivia and information about the Fords and the activity of the plant in the early 1900's. Even if you're not a car enthusiast, you'll appreciate the historical and cultural events that are part of the whole story. The entire tour was a bit over an hour; well worth it and I highly recommend it! It was extremely cold the day we went and the factory is not very warm. This was the only downside.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobx77
Florida2,353 contributions
Aug 2022
It’s only $ 17 for the guided tour.
There is this one guy giving all the tours of today, but unfortunately I don’t remember his name (but it was something short eg Tom…):
But this guy is awesome! He literally knows ALL about the Ford history, legacy and the cars in this museum.
Some of these cars are very rare !
So don’t miss the guided tour!!!
You could book over the internet at least one day in advance…
There is this one guy giving all the tours of today, but unfortunately I don’t remember his name (but it was something short eg Tom…):
But this guy is awesome! He literally knows ALL about the Ford history, legacy and the cars in this museum.
Some of these cars are very rare !
So don’t miss the guided tour!!!
You could book over the internet at least one day in advance…
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,646 contributions
Apr 2022
After visiting the magnificent Ford museum of American innovation the day before, we drove here on purpose next day to see where it all began in automotive industry.
I was greatly disappointed finding the space closed.
As I learnt there they're only open for few hours and only Thu-Sun, very strange.
I was greatly disappointed finding the space closed.
As I learnt there they're only open for few hours and only Thu-Sun, very strange.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brendan S
Arlington, VA1,575 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
This Plant is the first significant factory of the Ford Motor Company and the birthplace of the legendary Model T.
Cars were hand assembled here until production moved to an assembly line. There is little left of that operation other than the building itself, but Henry Ford’s office and the Secret Engineering Room where the Model T were designed have been reconstructed. There are also dozens of antique Fords and a few other brands’ cars on display, most in excellent condition.
There is a lengthy (90-minute tour) by a docent who explains the history, the Plant and even how to drive the cars. Unlike many air and car museums, it doesn’t get too bogged down in the technical details, providing just enough information for visitors with general interest.
Cars were hand assembled here until production moved to an assembly line. There is little left of that operation other than the building itself, but Henry Ford’s office and the Secret Engineering Room where the Model T were designed have been reconstructed. There are also dozens of antique Fords and a few other brands’ cars on display, most in excellent condition.
There is a lengthy (90-minute tour) by a docent who explains the history, the Plant and even how to drive the cars. Unlike many air and car museums, it doesn’t get too bogged down in the technical details, providing just enough information for visitors with general interest.
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJmom
washington dc1,849 contributions
Jul 2022
What a wonderful museum and such an informative docent!
This museum is small. It has all the old Ford models. This visit was the best museum experience because the docent was very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. He was a retired engineer who had worked at the Ford plant and knew all the history behind each car model on display.
A must visit when you are in Detroit!
This museum is small. It has all the old Ford models. This visit was the best museum experience because the docent was very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. He was a retired engineer who had worked at the Ford plant and knew all the history behind each car model on display.
A must visit when you are in Detroit!
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PJRTUG
Boiling Springs, PA38 contributions
Hi,
I thought the Ford Rouge plant was the original Model T plant but Trip Advisor says the Piquette is. Please clarify.
Thank you,
PJ
exkwzit
Cedar Rapids, IA14 contributions
Piquette is the oldest existing plant for the Model T. The original manufacturing plant has been demolished.
bobca1947
home661 contributions
Please tell me more about the cars. Are they mainly Model Ts and Model As? Are there very many newer cars from the 1950s on?
Please tell me more about the movies? The length and the topics.
Many thanks,
Bob
Tom G
Wayne, MI3 contributions
Hello, thank you for asking! We have approximately sixty automobiles on display. The collection covers early 1903 to 1915 Ford brass-era vehicles, later Model Ts & their commercial variants and a section devoted to Milwaukee Junction area non-Ford vehicles. We have all the Ford "alphabet" cars that preceded the Model T and a few Ford Model As. With one exception, we do not have any newer cars into the 1950s and beyond. The focus is on the early years of Ford Motor Company.
Rachel A
Holland, Michigan, United States44 contributions
How long is the tour?
francisn0lan
Barnsley, UK13 contributions
An hour to hour and a half but once tour finishes your free to stay and walk around till it closes. We spent three hours there.
mcdconst
Quincy, IL
Is this museum kid friendly,(ages 6-12)?
pinkiesplace
48 contributions
Yes, I think that most kids (especially if they like cars) would enjoy this place as it is full of old cars, offers a lot of information on the evolution of the automobile industry, and is all jam-packed in a historical building.
natalieandmonkey
Hertfordshire97 contributions
Hi! We're going to be in Detroit in August on a Tuesday and Wednesday and I know my Dad would absolutely love this museum- as its the summer, will the museum be open then?
michellerg521
Harper Woods, MI58 contributions
I agree with the others. It is staffed by volunteers so I would check the website or call in advance. It is worth the visit
Joe Z
Cleveland, Ohio68 contributions
Are there significant stairs on the tour? One of my group has some mobility issues.
Harry N
Los Angeles, California, United States17 contributions
There is a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor at the main entrance. During the tour itself, you utilize the car elevator and do not need to climb/descend stairs.
Joe Z
Cleveland, Ohio68 contributions
Do I need to reserve a tour in advance if I'm visiting in the winter?
Tom G
Wayne, MI3 contributions
Hello,
You do not need to reserve a tour in advance in the winter (or any part of the year) --- unless --- you have a large group of people planning to visit, such as a tour bus or company event.
As a courtesy, and to aid the scheduling of docents, it is appreciated if you give us a heads-up when more than 15 or so people will arrive at once. Otherwise, just come visit -- tours are at 10AM, Noon and 2PM. Please dress warmly in the winter months as the building is not heated. Looking forward to seeing you!
Staff Member, Tom
Wayne R
Stockholm, Sweden29 contributions
Is there a place to park close by? How much do they charge for tour and parking?
Tom G
Wayne, MI3 contributions
Hello! Parking is free, there is no additional charge for a guided tour. Prices are: $12 for each adult, $10 for seniors (65 older), and $5 for students. Group tours (ten people or more) are $8 per person. We are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Parking during week days is in the lot directly across from the plant, or on the street (no parking meters to deal with). On weekends, there is parking inside the enclosed courtyard. This additional parking becomes available because the business next to the plant is closed on the weekend. No parking fees for visitors in either case.
Piquette staff member, Tom! We look forward to your visit!
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingThe Ford Piquette Avenue Plant - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
- The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant:
- (0.51 mi) The Inn on Ferry Street
- (2.40 mi) Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney
- (0.06 mi) This loft is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Detroit, MI.
- (0.07 mi) This loft is a 2 bedroom(s), 1 bathrooms, located in Detroit, MI.
- (0.08 mi) This loft is a 4 bedroom(s), 2 bathrooms, located in Detroit, MI.
- Restaurants near The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant:
- (0.60 mi) Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails
- (0.26 mi) Oak & Reel
- (0.30 mi) Z's Villa
- (0.26 mi) Freya
- (0.33 mi) Subway
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Information
Excellent Reviews | 461 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 95 |
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Photos | 583 |