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EXPERIENCE DETROIT
Attractions
& Self-Guided Tours
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Historic Hines Drive
Tour Overview
Cruise through the western
suburbs of Detroit along beautiful Hines Drive, a 17-mile long road that follows
the path of the Rouge River from Dearborn to Northville. Prior to European settlement of the area,
the Rouge served as the road through this country for local Indian tribes and
for French and English trappers.
Later, the river was a pathway for escaped slaves on their way to
Canada along the Underground
Railroad. Hines Drive was
built in 1949 with land donated by Henry
Ford and was named after Edward Hines, head of the Wayne County
Road Commission. Along the way there
are a number of historic mills, some of which Henry Ford used to make
automobile parts. In addition to
mills, Hines Drive is lined with baseball and soccer fields, hiking and
biking paths, fishing docks, and picnic areas. Exploring the cities of Dearborn, Plymouth,
and Northville is an added bonus when traveling this multi-faceted parkway.
Note: Sections of Hines Drive are located in a
flood plain, which means the drive may be closed during periods of heavy
rain. Ann Arbor Trail can be used as
an alternate route and will take you along generally the same, though less
scenic, path.
Skip To…
Tour Map
Related Tours
Resources &
Links
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 Henry
Ford Estate -- Fair Lane [A]
4901 Evergreen
Rd., Dearborn
Website
Though not directly on Hines Drive, the Henry Ford
Estate is a stone's throw away and an appropriate start to your journey when
you consider Ford's role in the creation of the roadway. This Great
Estate and National Historic Landmark was the home of Clara and
Henry Ford for over thirty years.
Construction began in 1914 with between 500 and 800 masons, wood carvers, and
artisans working under the direction of architect William Van Tine to
complete the estate. Tour the 31,000 square foot, 56-room residence, where
the Fords entertained some of the world’s most influential people, including
President Herbert Hoover, the Prince of Wales, aviator Charles Lindbergh, and
lifelong friend Thomas Edison. Explore
the spacious rooms with original furnishings and eight intricately designed
fireplaces. View the six-level working
powerhouse, research laboratory, and 12-car garage with some of Ford's
personal vehicles. And follow Ford’s
favorite walk down to the pond hidden in the woods. The meadow and cascade were designed by
renowned landscape designer Jans Jensen and are
acknowledged to be two of the greatest examples of landscape in America. Last but not least, do not forget a bite to
eat in the mansion's unique swimming pool room. An unforgettable experience all around!
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 Nankin Mills [B]
33175 Ann Arbor Trail,
Westland
Website
This building dates back to 1842 when
it operated as a grist mill and was the catalyst for the development of a
thriving community that sprung up around it.
In 1918, Nankin Mills was purchased by Henry
Ford who made major changes to the mill to transform it into a small
automotive factory. Despite the
renovations, Ford worked hard to maintain the integrity of the historic
building, including the original tongue and groove hardwood flooring fastened
to the support beams with wooden pegs.
Nankin Mills now serves as an interpretive
center that tells of the area's cultural and natural history. A great
historical stop!
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 Plymouth
[C]
Vicinity of Main Street and Ann Arbor Trail
Website
Plymouth is one of the oldest communities in Michigan, settled in 1825
and incorporated as a city in 1867. It
has a vibrant downtown with a variety of shops and restaurants surrounding a
beautiful park. The park is the focal point of the city and hosts major
community events such as the popular Fall Festival, Ice Sculpture
Spectacular, and Art in the Park. In
addition to a beautiful downtown, Plymouth has a number of well-preserved
historic homes within walking distance.
Do not pass up a visit to this quaint city!
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 Northville
[D]
Vicinity of Main Street and Center Street
Website
This distinctive community was incorporated as a city in 1867 and is
known for its rolling hills and attractive countryside. The city retains a small-town atmosphere
with stately Victorian-era architecture in its Historic District and
well-kept older homes built before the 1930s.
A "walk to" downtown boasts of old-fashioned street lamps,
benches, specialty shops, galleries, theaters, restaurants, businesses, and
preserved landmarks. Points of
interest in the area include the Northville Downs Racetrack, Northville Cider
Mill, Mill Race Historical Village, art festivals, the Victorian Festival,
holiday celebrations, and nearby Maybury State
Park. Without a doubt one of the
Detroit area's most charming communities!
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Tour
Map
Number of Destinations: 4
Overall Tour Time:
1 day
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Click
Me to Rent a Car!!!
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Related
Tours
African
American Heritage
Automotive
Heritage
Historic Sites
Mansions & Great
Estates
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Resources
& Links
Wayne County Parks
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