I just came back from probaly the best vacation I have ever had. I flew from NJ to MI for the weekend to visit all the auto attractions in and around Dearborn and Detroit. The highlight was going to the Rouge Factory in Dearborn where I am sure most of you know the amazing F150 is assembled. The tour starts out with a short film about the history of Henry Ford and the Rouge. Then you go to another theatre and there is an interactive show where you go though the process of assembling an F150. It feels like you are really there beause they have all the smells, sounds, and sparks going on in the theatre. Finally, (the best part) you get to take a 1/3 mile tour of the factory and you can watch the workers assemble the trucks. You get a birds eye view of the freshly painted cabs getting interiors done, you see the door panels and the emblems being put on and eveything thing you would expect to see. The most interesting thing was how immaculate this factory is. Everything is neat, clean and bright. After the tour, hearing all the history and seeing the dedication of these workers and the way they built the truck I was darn proud to be a ford owner. Even though I don't have an F150. If anyone has the opportunity to venture out to Michigan I strongly reccommend it. There are also many many other auto attractions. Also, don't forget the beautiful sight of seeing hundreds of brand new f150s' all around. One more thing; It was nice being in the Dearborn area because the vast majority of cars there were ALL FORD. I saw more Ford trucks there then anything. Its definetly "Ford Country"

 

Man!!! I want to go!!! I would LOVE to see how they build our trucks!!! I keep looking on the internet trying to find pictures of plants bulding the f150's but can't find any pictures of inside the plants. Maybe someone else knows? Your tour sounds great and I wish I was there!

 

I have some digital pictures. I still have to load them up. If they come out alright I can send them to you if you like.

 

I would LOVE to see pictures!!! :-)

 

What a great idea for a vacation. Entertaining and educational at the same time. When my son gets a little older, that sounds like a nice family vacation. Thanks for the idea!

 

Create your gallery and post the pictures for all to see. I think lots of folks would like to see the pics.

 

I would also love to see the pictures

Kenwoski, get those baby's posted and I am sure we can all chip in and make it worth your trouble........ I think I speak for everyone when I say we will pay your FTE subsription for the rest of the year

Hope to see them sone, thanks

 

I was also to go there in Nov. I didn't get a chance to take the tour but I did go through the Henry Ford Museum and it was awesome. If anyone gets a chance it's well worth going to, along with the village.
I'd have to also say that is it definitely Ford counrty. I was suprised that almost all the cars and trucks I saw on the road were Ford, that is quite different than here in California where it seems 3 out of 5 cars are either German or Japanese.

 

I took an assembly plant tour about 10 years ago. I can tell you all this: if you EVER get the opportunity, DO IT. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen, and look forward to the day when I can get to Dearborn and tour the Rouge.

 

just loaded the pics up but they are very blurry for some reason i will see what i can do and try to get them up

 

I am going to make it a point to see that place someday. That would be a great trip. The whole town off Dearborn revolves around the Ford Motor Company from high schools to hospitals,libraries.streets. The Ford name is stamped all over town. As Ford goes so goes Dearborn the town Henry Ford made famous. Ford field in Detroit. The home off the Detroit Lions.

 

The Detroit / Dearborn area is Ford country. There is a lot to see and do. It is a great place for Ford fans.

 

Ken,
I am glad you enjoyed your weekend in my home town, "Ford Country". I live 15 miles South of Dearborn, MI. I work as a UAW-Ford Millwright at the Ford Research and Engineering Center in Dearborn (for 10 years). The Detroit / Dearborn area is improving. We have a bad image in the national media.

Ford employees take great pride in the hard work we put into Ford cars, trucks, SUV's and vans. The new Dearborn Truck Plant is one of the most advanced plants in the world.

Your post made my day. I will be sharing your experience with my coworkers. Make sure you come back and visit "Ford Country" again.

 

For the past three years, my website (CrownVicdotNet) has sponsored a visit to the ST Thomas Assembly Plant in Ontario. It has been a great time for all. In 2004, Ford also invited us to the Dearborn Proving Grounds for additional activities, and some of us also toured the Rouge plant. Ford has been a great host.

 

Edman04,

I am glad you are able to share my experience with you co-workers. The dedication of Ford workers is amazing. What I saw was something I will never forget. The trip to Dearborn is something any Ford fan should do. I can't put the excitement into words. I am only 18 and being able to take this trip sealed the deal. I want to work for Ford Motor Co. As soon as I got home I started researching internships for the summer at ford. I am in college now and I plan to apply as soon as I am eligible. Someday maybe I will be working along side you and the thousands of other dedicated ford employees. Any advicve would be appreciated. I look up to anyone who works at that amaizing place in Michigan.