Michigan Visionaries Henry Ford & Frederick Meijer

Day 1: Detroit

The adventure begins as we board our comfortable private motorcoach, greeted by a licensed driver and a professional Tour Director who will accompany us throughout the journey. As we travel eastward, wide fields give way to the industrial heartland - landscapes that once hummed with the machinery that helped modernize America.

Throughout the day, we pause for our usual stretch and comfort breaks, allowing time to refresh and enjoy the surroundings.

By late afternoon, we make a special stop in the charming town of Marshall, Michigan, known for its beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture and warm Midwestern character. Here we enjoy an early dinner at a beloved historic restaurant, where timeless woodwork, cozy dining rooms, and classic recipes offer a delicious and nostalgic introduction to Michigan hospitality.

After dinner, we continue to Dearborn and check in for our two-night stay at the Hampton Inn (or similar). The evening is yours to unwind, stroll the neighborhood, or settle in comfortably for the night.

Day 2: Detroit

Today we step directly into the stories that shaped modern America. At the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the spirit of American creativity surrounds us. Gleaming automobiles from every era line the floors, large locomotives rise like monuments to industry, and the familiar outlines of household inventions evoke memories of how daily life transformed over the decades. Inside the quiet interior of the Rosa Parks bus, one can almost feel the courageous stillness that helped change a nation. This remarkable museum offers not only history, but the emotional resonance of the people behind the ideas. There will also be time to enjoy the museum's exceptional shops, known for their beautifully curated books, historical replicas, handcrafted goods, and Ford-themed treasures - perfect mementos for remembering the experience.

Lunch today is on your own, with many excellent choices available both inside the museum and throughout Greenfield Village. Depending on what appeals to you, you might enjoy the comforting flavors of Stand 44, the historic dishes served at A Taste of History, the period ambiance of Eagle Tavern, the fresh offerings at Plum Market, or the cheerful, nostalgic setting of Lamy's Diner. Each location offers its own delight, whether you're craving a hearty plate, a lighter bite, or a step back into culinary history.

In the afternoon, we wander into Greenfield Village, an outdoor tapestry of American life where the sights, sounds, and scents of the past still breathe. Coal smoke drifts gently from the roundhouse. The rhythmic clink of tools fills the machine shop. Horse-drawn carriages and vintage vehicles move down tree-lined lanes. Homes, workshops, and storefronts once touched by Edison, the Wright brothers, and countless artisans offer a vivid glimpse into early American innovation. It feels as though time slows here, allowing us to truly appreciate the roots of the modern world.

Tonight, we enjoy a group dinner at a local favorite. We return to our hotel inspired and enriched by the day's journey through invention and imagination.

Day 3: Grand Rapids

This morning, we visit the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, a lakeside estate that is much more than a home - it is a living testament to early 20th-century design, art, and American elegance. Built in 1927 by architect Albert Kahn for Edsel Ford, the house blends European-inspired architecture with modern American functionality. Inside, rooms are filled with original furnishings, artwork, and decorative details reflecting Edsel and Eleanor's refined taste and social vision. As we stroll through the sunlit rooms, we can almost hear the conversations, laughter, and plans for innovation that once filled these walls. Outside, the gardens designed by the famous landscape architect Jens Jensen feature naturalistic plantings, winding paths, and tranquil water features, providing a multi-sensory experience that combines art, history, and nature.

A delicious lunch is included, allowing time to relax and savor the surroundings before continuing our afternoon exploration.

Next, we step into history at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, birthplace of the iconic Model T. Built in 1904, the plant was Ford Motor Company's first large-scale factory and is a living museum of early automotive ingenuity. Walking the original wooden floors, sunlight streaming through tall factory windows, you can almost imagine the engineers and craftsmen at work, experimenting and perfecting techniques that would revolutionize transportation worldwide. Here, the Model T and other historic vehicles are on display, offering visitors an intimate view of the engineering and determination that helped define modern mobility.

By late afternoon, we begin our journey to Grand Rapids, arriving at the Drury Inn Grand Rapids for a two-night stay. This evening, we gather for a memorable Italian dinner at a local favorite, where hand-rolled pastas, savory sauces, and warm ambiance create a cozy, celebratory meal to end the day.

Day 4: Grand Rapids

After breakfast, we visit the extraordinary Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where artistry and nature blend seamlessly. A narrated tram ride carries us through monumental outdoor sculptures, lush gardens, and tranquil water features. Indoors, tropical warmth, vibrant flowers, and peaceful conservatories create a multi-sensory retreat.

Lunch today is on your own in the scenic café, where large windows overlook verdant gardens and winding paths.

This evening, we enjoy one final shared experience with a festive group dinner at a beloved local brewery, complete with regional flavors, hearty dishes, and warm conversation - a perfect way to celebrate the journey and each other and Grand Rapids historical brewery scene!

Day 5: Home

After breakfast, our final morning, we travel toward Chicago for a guided visit to Pullman National Historical Park, a landmark of American industrial ambition and thoughtful urban planning. The park preserves the story of luxury railcar craftsmanship, the model industrial community of Pullman, and the laborers who powered it. Walking its historic streets, one can almost hear the hum of tools, the hiss of steam, and the cadence of an industrious era.
As we journey back home, we pause for our usual stretch and comfort breaks, offering time to relax and reflect on the experiences of the trip.

We return home carrying the inspiration of American ingenuity, innovation, and the remarkable people who shaped a century of progress.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner