The Henry Ford is launching a new family-friendly event centered on motion, machines and hands-on play – complete with train rides.
All Aboard Adventure, debuting Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, will transform Greenfield Village into a hub of railroads, vehicles and open-air activities for all ages. The event highlights the village’s historic transportation roots with expanded train experiences, including two-train service at Smiths Creek Depot, a hand-car ride from the Water Tower to Firestone Farm and live demonstrations of steam-powered equipment.
Visitors will be able to push a discovery railcar, help operate the historic turntable near the Detroit, Toledo & Milwaukee Roundhouse, climb into the cab of a 1897 locomotive and watch a working crane in action. Emergency and construction vehicles will also be on display at Detroit Central Market, offering up-close looks at how everyday machines work.
Beyond railroading, the Village green will host lawn games and old-fashioned amusements such as sack races, carnival games, a straw-bale maze and maypole demonstrations.
The event replaces Thomas the Tank Engine’s annual visit. The museum earlier announced that the popular children’s train would not return to Greenfield Village, saying it didn’t fit with the historic theme of the facility.
The event is free for members and included with Village admission. Train rides are free throughout the weekend and available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available at thf.org.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Thomas is gone, but Greenfield Village hosting a new train event
Reporting by Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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