Top Attractions for Families
Dearborn is packed with family-friendly attractions that both kids and adults will enjoy. Start your visit at The Henry Ford Museum. This indoor and outdoor history museum contains an unparalleled collection of Americana, including the bus where Rosa Parks took her stand against segregation and the theater where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The adjacent Greenfield Village features historic homes and sights straight out of the past, like Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory. Your family can watch craft demonstrations by costumed interpreters and even take a ride in a real Model T! Finish up your history tour with a visit to the Rouge Factory Tour and see Ford trucks being built before your very eyes at Ford’s massive River Rouge Complex.
If you need a break from education, spend a day at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center. This NHL regulation-size ice arena offers public skating, skating lessons, hockey leagues, and special events throughout the year. Skate rentals are available, and concessions like hot chocolate will warm you up after time out on the ice. Or check out the Dearborn Hills Golf Course, offering an 18-hole course, pro shop, lessons, and a full bar and grill. Families will love mini golfing at Park N Play, with two 18-hole mini golf courses complete with thrilling obstacles. Grab a bite together at Park Place Coney Island, a local favorite known for their freshly-made coney dogs. Finish up your family fun with a show at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. Catch comedy acts, musicals, dance performances, and more at this historic theater. With so much to do, your family trip to Dearborn will make memories that last a lifetime.
Top Attractions for First-Timers
If this is your first time in Dearborn, you’ll want to hit all the highlights that make this city a Michigan treasure. Start your visit at The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village as mentioned above—this complex is so expansive, you could easily spend an entire day wandering its grounds. Next, check out the Arab American National Museum to learn about Arab culture and heritage. Marvel at art exhibits, watch cultural performances, and hear perspectives from Arab Americans at this one-of-a-kind institution.
History buffs will want to see the Dearborn Historical Museum. Housed in a beautiful former bank building, this museum will teach you all about Dearborn’s past through engaging exhibits and displays. And you can’t visit Dearborn without seeing the massive Ford Rouge Factory. Take the behind-the-scenes tour to observe F-150 production and learn about the plant’s storied history. While you’re there, stop into the Legacy Gallery to view classic Ford vehicles from over the years. Foodies will enjoy the Midtown neighborhood, home to Detroit-style pizza joints, bakeries, international cuisine, and trendy coffee shops. Burn off your big meal with a walk through the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s sprawling natural campus or along the trails of the stunning Hines Park. Whether you’re an arts lover, history enthusiast, or nature fan, Dearborn has something for every first-time visitor.
Top Attractions for Wine & Beer Connoisseurs
Dearborn is home to several destinations perfect for satisfying your craving for craft beverages. Beer lovers will want to visit the Dearborn Brewing Taproom, where you can taste experimental small-batch brews while relaxing in their lounge. Just down the street lies the maker of the world-famous Vernors Ginger Ale. Tour the Boston Cooler—aka the “Vernors Experience”—to see where this iconic Michigan soda was invented. While Vernors focuses on non-alcoholic drinks, Dragonmead Microbrewery creates beloved beers like the Final Absolution Belgian-style tripel. Sip this and other handcrafted brews in their Castle of Beer.
If wine is more your speed, don’t miss a visit to Les Saj, Dearborn’s first urban winery. Sample their wines in a sophisticated tasting room located in a reconverted firehouse. You can also head just outside city limits to Cherry Creek Cellars, nestled in a scenic rural setting. Savor award-winning wines as you take in views of rolling vineyards and farmland. And wine lovers and beer connoisseurs alike will enjoy Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room. This shop allows you to purchase and drink beer, wine, cider, and spirits on-site or take them to-go. With this fantastic selection, every Dearborn visit is an opportunity to discover new flavors.
Top Attractions for Sports Fans
Sports fans will feel right at home in Dearborn thanks to its exciting local teams and proximity to Detroit’s professional sports scene. Football fans will want to catch a game at Fordson High School’s brand new stadium, Dearborn High School’s Sheiko Field, or University of Michigan-Dearborn’s crowded UM-Dearborn Field. These venues host thrilling high school and college football matchups throughout the fall season.
Hockey nuts should head to Dearborn Ice Skating Center, home of the Dearborn Divine. This minor league hockey team brings fast-paced action to the ice from October through March. The rink also hosts college club hockey teams, high school teams, youth leagues, and more. Baseball lovers can cheer on the Dearborn Heights Mickey’s, part of the United Shore Professional Baseball League with games from May through August. Auto racing buffs can get their speed fix at nearby Michigan International Speedway or Detroit Grand Prix on Belle Isle. And just a quick trip east brings you to downtown Detroit’s professional teams like the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons. With this all-star lineup of local Dearborn teams and access to major league showdowns, sports fans will always find a game to attend.
Top Attractions for Foodies
From locally-owned eateries to international cuisine, Dearborn offers fantastic dining for foodies. You’ll find the best of Detroit-style pizza at Park Place Coney Island, Shield’s Restaurant, and Tomato Brothers. Brewer’s Fare Restaurant & Pub serves up craft beers and elevated pub grub. Experience farm-to-table dining at The Grove Dearborn Heights or cheekily named The Office Pub & Grill. Dearborn Meat Market is a local favorite butcher shop, while Shatila Bakery crafts legendary Lebanese sweets.
West Downtown Dearborn offers a high concentration of excellent restaurants to try. The Arab American National Museum hosts Mahrajan, an annual festival celebrating Arab culture with live music, dancing, shopping, and tons of food vendors. You can try Yemeni cuisine at Sheeba Restaurant, chow down on shawarma at Bucharest Grill, or indulge in Syrian ice cream from Shatila Bakery. Dearborn is also paradise for food truck fans, with trucks serving everything from pizza to po’ boys. And don’t forget to refuel at beloved institutions like Leo’s Coney Island, a staple for hot dogs and Greek specialties since 1949. With this amazing culinary variety, Dearborn is a must-visit for adventurous eaters.
Top Attractions for Shopaholics
From vintage finds to major malls, Dearborn offers great shopping for all interests. Start your retail therapy at City Place, an open-air neighborhood with charming boutiques and salons. Nearby, Midtown Dearborn’s walkable shopping district contains art galleries, used book stores, and more. Vintage junkies will love Dearborn Antique Mall with its 200+ dealers under one roof. The massive Westland Shopping Center and Fairlane Town Center mall provide big name stores for one-stop shopping.
Food lovers should spend time browsing Eastern Market, a public market operating since 1891. This space contains produce stands, butcher shops, spice merchants, and street food galore. Seasonal outdoor markets like Dearborn Fresh offer even more local goods. Retail giants like Target, Walmart, and Kroger provide everyday shopping convenience across Dearborn. Treasure hunters will have a blast rummaging the enormous Midwest’s Largest Garage Sale spanning Dearborn and Allen Park. With huge sales at local retailers and one-of-a-kind shops throughout the city, Dearborn is a shopper’s dream.
How to Get Around Dearborn
Navigating a new place is part of the adventure of travel. Dearborn’s layout and transportation options make it easy to explore everything this city has to offer. Here are some key things to know as you journey through Dearborn:
The Light Rail – Dearborn’s light rail system connects to Detroit and surrounding communities. Catch the rail at one of Dearborn’s 19 stations for a quick, affordable ride to top destinations.
Taxis and Rideshares – When you need a lift, utilize Dearborn’s plentiful taxi and rideshare options like Lyft and Uber. Great for shorter point-to-point trips and small groups.
Charter Buses – For ultimate comfort and convenience, Charter Bus Dearborn offers private charter bus rentals for groups of all sizes. Our buses come equipped with amenities like WiFi, entertainment, and luggage storage. Customizable routes and schedules based on your itinerary. Contact us today for a fast, free quote!
Dearborn is very drivable, with main drags like Michigan Avenue and Outer Drive taking you across town. The city spans just under 50 square miles, making it easy to navigate top sites by car. Avoid driving in busy downtown areas when possible. Parking is available at garages and most major attractions.
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this guide has you excited to explore incredible Dearborn! With world-class museums, historical sites, performing arts, delectable dining, and great shopping, Dearborn offers unforgettable experiences for first-timers and longtime visitors alike. At Charter Bus Dearborn, our goal is to make travel comfortable, safe, and easy. Contact us today at (313) 209-8424 for a free, no-obligation quote on buses that can take your group anywhere you want to go. From airport transfers to day trips to custom excursions, we have the fleet and expertise to create a one-of-a-kind Dearborn getaway. Can’t wait to help you and your fellow travelers take in the very best of this fantastic Michigan destination. Let’s get rolling on planning an amazing Dearborn visit!