Greenfield Village Opens Its Gates

DEARBORN (WWJ) - The Henry Ford will open the gates to Greenfield Village this Friday, April 15 for another spectacular summer season filled with one-of-a-kind experiences and world-renowned signature events.

Greenfield Village springs to life this Friday with the sights and sensations from America's past. Visitors can return to the bustling streets filled with horse-drawn carriages and roaring Model Ts.

The newest additions to the village, wrinkly Merino lambs, can be found at Firestone Farm while older residents like the majestic Percheron horses will be waiting in the fields.

All 83 historic structures will be opened for business once again including Henry Ford's birthplace, Daggett Farmhouse and the Susquehanna Plantation, where costumed presenters will be ready with a welcome and the aroma of an amazing authentic recipe prepared in the kitchens that are still in operation and found in many of the homes.

Visitors can tour the village either by foot, by train, by carriage or by sitting in the back of an authentic Model T. If a ride on a frog or a chicken is more to your liking, the 1913 Herschell-Spillman carousel can certainly take you for a spin. 

The first big event weekend starts with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends as they return for Day Out With Thomas T: Leader of the Pack 2011, April 30-May 1 and May 7-8 and 14-15. All Thomas fans are invited to come spend the day with their favorite No. 1 engine and storybook-characters and take a 20-minute ride on a train pulled by Thomas. Additional admission is required for the train ride.

This year also marks the sesquicentennial, the 150th anniversary, of the American Civil War and Greenfield Village's Civil War Remembrance program held over Memorial Day Weekend. With more than 450 re-enactors of Union and Confederate soldiers, spread throughout the village recreating authentic encampments, this tribute is filled with parades, artillery and Calvary demonstrations, special exhibits, dramatic presentations and hands-on activities.

Tickets are $22 adults, $21 seniors (ages 62 and up), $16 youth (ages 5-12); children under five and members are free. For more information, call (313) 982-6001 or visit www.thehenryford.org.