Henry Ford Museum

Lonely Planet review

Few could ignore the historical impact of one of earliest artifacts of the 20th century: the first ever Henry Ford automobile. The museum remains much as Ford originally planned and is - surprise! - a massive shrine to the automobile and its impact on America. The Wienermobile used in 1936 by Oscar Meyer hot dogs is a particular knockout.

Henry Ford and 11 associates opened the Ford Motor Company in 1903. They kicked off their tiny operation in a converted Detroit wagon shop and employed 10 people. Today, Ford is the second largest car and truck maker in the world, with a staff of 370,000.

Ford was born and raised in Dearborn, a small town not far from Detroit. In 1915, he moved himself and parts of the company back to his home town and a decade and a half later opened the doors to this sprawling museum complex dedicated to the 'the spirit of innovation in America'. Here the cult and culture of the car is beaten to a pulp; the museum's grounds are congested with full-size highway billboards, fast food neon signs, a gas station, diner and other roadside attractions.