Return to Rouge Reborn index 

Monday, May 3, 2004

Ford's Rouge Virtual Tour

If you go

The Ford Rouge manufacturing complex reopens for public tours of Ford's new Dearborn Truck Plant today after a nearly 25-year hiatus.

Visitors take a bus from The Henry Ford museum and view historic sites along the route before entering the Ford Rouge Factory Tour visitor center, then see two presentations -- a 12-minute film made from historic photos and films, and the "Art of Manufacturing." Before entering the truck plant, visitors can observe the Rouge site from an 80-foot high observation deck overlooking the complex.

Where: All tours require a timed-ticket and begin and end at The Henry Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn.

When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Buses depart the museum for the Rouge every 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: $14 for adults; $13 for seniors, $10 for youths age 3-12. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. Museum member ticket prices: $10 for adults, $8.50 for children.

Group and school tours: Call (313) 982-6049 for bookings, discounts and other arrangements.

What to expect: Visitors should plan to spend 2-3 hours on the tour. Following the two films, the tour is self-guided. Daily attendance is limited to 825 visitors. Because production varies by vehicle demand, The Henry Ford does not control when trucks are being produced. Depending on when you visit, you may be touring the assembly plant during nonproduction periods -- primarily weekends, holidays and the first two weeks of July.

Handicapped access: All facilities are accessible to the handicapped. At The Henry Ford, rentals are available for people with special needs, such as motorized wheelchairs. Each bus can accommodate two wheelchairs. Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge at the Visitor Center.

Ticket info: Call (313) 982-6001 or log on to www.TheHenryFord.org.

General info: (313) 982-6100 or www.TheHenryFord.org

Bus tour route

The Rouge Plant Tour experience begins with a 15-minute bus tour. Buses depart from The Henry Ford and wind past important landmarks in the plant's history before arriving at the Visitor Center.