The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores is highlighting its waterfront landscape with an Autumn Shoreline Guided Tour along Ford Cove and Bird Island.
The 50-minute outdoor walk combines stories about Eleanor and Edsel Ford with the landscape principles of Jens Jensen, according to the Ford House tour page.
The route explores the estate’s shoreline, seasonal foliage and lake views. Visitors should confirm upcoming departure dates and ticket availability with Ford House before making plans, as its calendar and individual tour page currently display different dates.
Jensen designed the estate’s grounds around the existing terrain and lakefront environment, according to the estate’s grounds page. The 87-acre landscape includes woodlands, meadows and wetlands arranged to appear natural.
Bird Island is a manmade peninsula Jensen formed from a sandbar in Lake St. Clair. He planted seed-bearing shrubs to attract the songbirds Edsel and Eleanor Ford enjoyed. The peninsula helped shelter Edsel’s boats and now provides habitat for migrating birds, according to Ford House.
The shoreline has undergone extensive restoration. A $7 million grant awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2023 supports a multi-phase project to restore shoreline and wetlands, according to Ford House’s project page.
The Historic Core Restoration phase restored about a mile of coastline, Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle reported. Work included removing concrete placed along the waterfront and introducing natural materials and native plants.
“We care for grounds that are truly a part of Michigan history,” project manager Kevin Drotos told the publication.
The full project remains separate from the completed shoreline improvements. Ford House’s published timeline anticipates additional planting and restoration work through November 2027.
The estate became a National Historic Landmark in 2016, recognizing the combined contributions of Jensen, architect Albert Kahn and the Fords. It is at 1100 Lake Shore Road.
The tour includes uneven woodchip and gravel paths that may be challenging for visitors with mobility limitations. Ford House recommends sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
For current tour dates, tickets or accessibility questions, visit the tour page, call 313-884-4222 or email [email protected].
