Tips & Policies

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What is the Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is a self-guided, five-part tour that puts you in the center of one of America’s most famous manufacturing complexes. The five tour “stations” include: The Legacy Theater, showing a short film about the fascinating history of the Rouge; The Manufacturing Innovation Theater, a multisensory film experience about the making of the Ford F-150 truck; The Observation Deck Tour, where you can see the world’s largest “living roof”; The Assembly Walking Plant Tour, which takes you along an elevated walkway to see the final assembly of the Ford F-150; and, finally, The Legacy Gallery, which showcases some of the most famous cars manufactured at the Rouge, including the Model A and Ford Mustang.

When is the Ford Rouge Factory Tour open?

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour hours are Monday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please note that buses depart from Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to the Ford Rouge Factory Visitor Center every 20 minutes, 9:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  See Non-Production Dates.

Can I drive directly to the Rouge in my own vehicle?

Private vehicles are not allowed at the Rouge Complex as there is no public parking on the grounds. A limited amount of school and group bus parking is available at the Ford Rouge Factory Visitor Center. Group tour operators may request direct-arrival and bus parking arrangements through our Call Center. Group arrivals are scheduled between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

How early should I be at the bus stop?

All buses to the Rouge Complex depart from the circle drive in front of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Buses depart regularly throughout the day (Monday-Saturday) from 9:20 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Buses are loaded on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will be seated on the first available bus.

Is photography permitted on the tour?

Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited in both theaters and the Dearborn Truck Plant. Photography is allowed in the Legacy Gallery and Observation Deck.

Are there places to eat at the Rouge?

Currently there are no eating establishments at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Visitors are encouraged to use the Michigan Café at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation prior to or following their visit to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. There are limited beverage and snack vending machines at the Factory Tour.

Do you need a Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation admission to go on the Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

No, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour is accessible without entering the main floor of Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

How long does it take to see all the attractions on the Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

The tour is self-guided and you are encouraged to move at your own pace. We recommend a minimum of two hours to visit Ford Rouge Factory Tour to enjoy the variety of experiences on site. In addition, you will want to plan for the time it takes to travel on the bus to and from Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation to the Ford Rouge Factory Visitor Center. While the trip each way only takes about 15 minutes, we suggest you plan for an hour total travel time.

Do you need advanced reservations for the Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

Advanced reservations are recommended for groups of 15 or more. Please purchase your tickets either on our website or by calling our Call Center at 313-982-6001 between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

How do I find out what special events are happening during my Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

Visit the “Events” section of this site for a full listing of events at the Rouge and across The Henry Ford campus. You may also contact the Call Center at 313-982-6001 for more information.

Are pets allowed at the Rouge?

The Henry Ford abides by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and allows service animals — that is, animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability — into all public areas. Dogs and miniature horses are the only animals recognized as service animals by federal and state law. Service animals are required to be under control at all times by their owners. This means they must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the owner’s disability. In such cases, the owner must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.

The owner of a service animal may be asked to remove the animal from the premises if the animal is out of control and the owner does not take effective action to control it or if the animal is not housebroken. If the animal’s behavior warrants its removal from The Henry Ford, the animal’s handler can stay without the animal. Please note that service animals will be in close proximity to animals in Greenfield Village, including horses, sheep and chickens.

The Henry Ford abides by the ADA regarding the admission of service animals because they perform a specific job. However, animals such as “comfort animals,” “therapy animals,” “companion animals" or “emotional support animals” are not service animals as defined by the ADA because they are not trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. Therefore, they are not allowed into The Henry Ford.

What do I need to know about accessibility at Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

Go to The Henry Ford's accessibility page to find answers to common questions about accessibility at Ford Rouge Factory Tour.

Will I see production on the Ford Rouge Factory Tour?

Because production varies by vehicle demand, you may be touring the Dearborn Truck Plant when we are not building vehicles. Production hours are inconsistent, and The Henry Ford does not control when trucks are being produced. While we cannot guarantee you will see the assembly line in full operation, you will still be able to visit the assembly line area temporarily suspended in mid-operation. We will not be building vehicles during daily breaks, shift changes, Sundays, holidays, and during the first two weeks of July. Either way, the tour offers unique experiences with full walking access above the factory assembly area. See the Dearborn Truck Plant non-production dates and Ford Rouge Factory Tour closure dates. (Please remember the assembly area is only one part of this five-part tour; all other parts of the tour remain unaffected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.)

What will I see when final assembly is in production?

When final assembly is in production, you will encounter a multisensory experience with heat and noise at more extreme levels as F-150s are in final assembly below you.