Detroit
I started listening to an audiobook written by Arthur Hailey “Wheels". I love this author and read almost all of his books. He always has the ability to develop an entertaining plot, precisely describe the production environment, specific details of a job, and occupations. I really like to read his book.
In this novel "Wheels", Arthur Hailey takes readers to Detroit, inside the auto industry. Of course, the book is not only about cars; it is also about people's lives and their dramas, jobs, careers, powerful unions, and dealerships.
While I listen to a book, I recalled my trip to Detroit. We were heading to Niagara fall, and had a stop in Detroit for a couple of days. The main reason for it was the Henry Ford Museum. Second: Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which is an International highway tunnel that goes under water and sits right on the bottom of the Detroit River. The tunnel connects Detroit, Michigan, USA, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This is the first international vehicle tunnel, the second-busiest crossing between the USA and Canada over the Ambassador Bridge, and the world's third tunnel between two nations. I was very curious and yes, we use it.
Detroit, Michigan - photo taken from Canada
Windsor, Ontario - photo taken from USA
Detroit is a significantly big city and also known as Motor City or The Automotive Capital of the World. “Big three" auto manufacturers GM, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler headquartered in Detroit. The fascinating glass Renaissance Center (RenCen) built on the Detroit International Riverfront and is owned by General Motors.
RenCen is a group of connected glass skyscrapers. The central tower and tallest one is the 73-story Detroit Marriott. The complex has Wintergarden, structural glass entrance lobby that provides panoramic views of the visible Windsor skyline. The modern complex includes offices, a hotel, shops, restaurants and the GM World exhibit inside the Renaissance Center.
It is a notable tourist attraction and the most recognizable landmark in Detroit, but you have to take a photo of it from Windsor, Ontario.
Also, the Renaissance Center is featured in the films Action Jackson, Bird on a Wire, crime thriller Killshot, Renaissance Man, The Upside of Anger, Need for Speed and many more. It was a primary filming location for the movie Real Steel, starring Hugh Jackman and Eminem used the RenCen in the background for the album cover Recovery.
We didn't have enough time to explore the whole city, but were wondering around RenCen and walk along the riverfront promenade. Architecture is absolutely fascinating, and I can feel the power of modern buildings. Needless to say, we took lots of pictures of Detroit and Windsor skylines from both sides of the two countries.
The Henry Ford Museum
We spend the whole day at the Henry Ford Museum and I never regretted that we went there. First, I was thinking the automobile museum would be more interesting for men, so I went there for my husband. Later, I was really surprised that the exhibitions captivated me as well. I found it very fascinating and enjoyable.
The Henry Ford Museum is a large historical museum and national landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It contents vast collections of artifacts from American automotive industry. There are three parts of the museum: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, and Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Henry Ford had a big personal collection of historic objects, which he started collecting as far back as 1906 and this passion lead to the opening of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Today, the museum exhibit unique collection of antique machinery, pop culture items, automobiles, locomotives, aircraft, and other artefacts. The museum contains the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy which he was riding and assassinating, the chair from Ford's Theater in which President Abraham Lincoln was shot, an incredible collection of several fine 17th and 18th-century violins including Stradivarius, 1950 Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Fokker Trimotor airplane that made the first flight to the North Pole, Byrd Arctic Expedition exhibit, 1896 Ford Quadricycle, the bus on which an American activist Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat leading to the Montgomery bus boycott and there many others historical exhibits.
Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village is part of the Henry Ford Museum complex. The village includes historic buildings from the 17th century and shows how American people have lived and worked there. Costumed artists demonstrate how local people made pottery and glassblowing, explain how they farming, sewing and cooking there. Tell stories and give information about the attractions. Greenfield Village has a Wright Brother's bicycle shop, and Henry Ford prototype garage where he built the Ford Quadricycle.
The Ford Rouge Factory Tour
The Ford Rouge Factory Tour takes you behind the scenes of a modern automobile factory. People can observe the industrial complex where Ford has built, created, and invented the most progressive concept of cars.
It was fun and entertaining, a whole day adventure for both of us. We absolutely loved the museum.
Note for travelers
To be sure, with all these COVID-19 situation gather more information about crossing the boarder. Also, please check the visiting hours and specific protocols for the museum as well.
Henry Ford Museum address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, United States
