Automobile enthusiast? It’s where the Ford Motor Company is headquartered. History buff? Dearborn is well-known for its historical attractions. Affinity for the maize and blue? UM Dearborn welcomes visitors to its campus year-round. Spend a day visiting the museums or venture out to any of the area parks and restaurants.
Home to a large concentration of Arab Americans, there is a rich history and culture to experience within this diverse community, especially through the many culinary delights.
Here are some of the things to check out next time you are there!
Getting there:
Dearborn is an easy drive no matter where you are starting. From Detroit, hit I-94W, exit 210A, Michigan Avenue.
Eat
Al-Ameer
Address: 12710 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn
Known for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, Al-Ameer features an extensive menu of favorites, including shawarma, grape leaves, fattoush, hummus and so much more.
Avenue Brunch House
Address: 22075 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Serves breakfast and brunch in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Ford’s Garage
Address: 21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Fuel up at this auto-themed restaurant – a neighborhood burger and beer joint where everyone is welcome. The menu features popular American comfort food entrees.
Milkster Nitrogen Creamery
Address: 22079 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Flavors are rotated seasonally. Choose one of the liquid-nitrogen ice cream flavors and have it mixed with any of the available flavors and fruit toppings. Try the Dragon Breath Puffs (liquid nitrogen cooled puffs)!
Shatila
Address: 14300 W. Warren Ave., Dearborn
Coined America’s Best Baklava, Shatila has a long-standing reputation for high-quality, authentic Mediterranean sweets. Pick up a tray of pastries, cookies or even a custom cake for any occasion.
Unburger Grill
Address: 22018 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Plant-based goodness for all. This vegan restaurant features burgers, hot dogs and lots of other palate-pleasing dishes garnering many accolades – all made without any animal products.
Shop
The Dearborn Shop
Address: 21906 Garrison St., Dearborn
Commemorate your day in Dearborn with a shirt, hat, mug, hoodie or other accessories that rep the city. The shop hosts pop up shopping events and includes products from local business owners in their storefront retail space.
Blick Art Materials
Address: 14339 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Find supplies for every artist, including the little ones. Whether you are in search of a specialty item for a specific medium or just need to grab a few basics, they have you covered.
Play
Speckles and Splatter
Address: 22471 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Ready for some creative fun? Reservations are preferred or call ahead to check walk-in availability for pottery painting, wood signs and mosaics. Pottery wheel sessions and painting classes are available for booking online.
Kidcadia Play Cafe
Address: 13939 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
A space the entire family can share and enjoy. Children can let their imagination run free on the expansive play structure that takes up 4,500 square feet of the 10,000-square-foot facility. The cafe area spans two levels with a barista menu and a kids menu.
Parks and Splash Pads
Visit the parks and rec website for details on the city’s many parks, splash pads and pools.. Outdoor enthusiasts will especially want to explore the Rouge River Gateway Corridor that runs through Dearborn. The trailhead can be accessed by foot or bike from Ford Field Park.
Explore
Arab American National Museum
Address: 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
The first and only museum in the United States devoted to documenting and sharing Arab American contributions that shaped the economic, political and cultural landscapes of American life – telling the Arab American story through the voices and experiences of Arab Americans.
Dearborn Historical Museum
Address: 915 Brady St., Dearborn
Learn all about Dearborn’s local history through tours of the Commandant’s Quarters (Dearborn’s oldest building at its original location), the Ross House and the Gardener House (Dearborn’s oldest standing home). View exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the area, long before it became known as the “Home of Henry Ford.”
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
At the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, past innovations fuel the imagination, allowing you to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories through a wide array of exhibits. Then journey into America’s past at Greenfield Village and explore seven historic districts for an inspirational experience. Several dining options are available, including: A Taste of History, Eagle Tavern, Lamy’s Diner and Plum Market Kitchen.
Fair Lane Home of Clara and Henry Ford
Address: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn
See the historic home of Clara and Henry Ford where they lived from 1915 until their deaths, 1950 and 1947, respectively. The main house and powerhouse are closed for restoration, but you can explore Fair Lane’s gardens and grounds free of charge 8 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week.
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