By: Bound2explore              September 28, 2016

Less than 10 miles away from Detroit, Dearborn can be easily reached by a short drive. Wondering about things to do in Dearborn, Michigan? How about if I tell you that  Dearborn is probably the best place to eat the most scrumptious middle eastern food in Unites States.   You can easily find authentic middle eastern food here due to concentration of Arab population in this part of Michigan. To my surprise, this small city offers more than just an authentic middle eastern food. There are many other things to do in Dearborn, Michigan.

For a start, it  houses a mighty industrial complex which is the Ford Rogue Factory. Not to mention other museums such as  Henry Ford Museum and Arab American Museum. So if you  plan to visit Dearborn or Detroit,  make sure to check out all of these sites.  Here are my favorite things to do in Dearborn, Michigan.
Go to Henry Ford Museum

This place is definitely for you if you have a strong affinity toward car. Here, you can learn and explore the history of the car. You can browse a collection of antique cars and learn how Henry Ford started the company that shaped America. You can also see a collection of beautiful old mustangs and President’s Limousine. Don’t forget to check out the Wright flyer replica.

Inside Henry Ford Museum

Take the Ford Rouge Factory Tour

Rouge Complex is strategically located between waterways and transportation network. The Ford had transformed  a wetlands into the mightiest industrial complex ever known. Ford Rouge Factory  offers a self- guided tour that includes theaters, observation deck, and a truck Plant. At Legacy Theater, you can learn about the triumphs and tragedies surrounding the Rouge, much of it told through rare, never-before-seen historic footage. While Art of Manufacturing Theater lets you experience 360-degree look at how automobiles are made.

Then there is an Observation Deck that offers you a view of the ground breaking living roof.  Still curious about all Ford has to offer? Walk through the Dearborn Truck Plant where you can see how the new Ford F-150s are assembled in a lean and flexible manufacturing plant and the Legacy Gallery where you can view five historic vehicles made at the Rouge. This is definetely one of cool things to do Dearborn, Michigan.

Explore the Greenfield Village

Greenfield   Village is a village of American inventors. This village is located right behind the Henry Ford Museum in the same complex. You will get a discounted price if you buy a combo ticket for both. While exploring this village, hop onto the old steam train that goes around the village and take a walk on the covered bridge. Visit each inventor’s original house from Firestone’s house to Webster’s house.  You will learn interesting fact about each famous inventors in America. Since not all of inventors lived in Michigan during their lifetime, some of the houses were actually transported piece by piece from another state and rebuilt inside the Greenfield Village. Check here for ticket and hours.

Greenfield Village

Visit Arab American National Museum

Other things to do in Dearborn, Michigan is visiting the Arab American National Museum. This museum is located on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. The museum houses three permanent exhibits, divided into three galleries; coming to America, living in America and making an impact. You will learn the history of Arab American and their contributions to American society.

Eat Authentic Middle Eastern food

There are many Middle Eastern restaurants to choose from in Dearborn.  Different restaurant offer different kind of Middle Eastern cuisine, from Yemeni food, Iraqi food to Lebanese food. As you browse their menu, you can see different dishes such as shish kabob (grilled cube beef on skewer), kofta kabob (grilled ground beef on skewer), and shawarma (similar to gyro).   If you are not in the mood for a heavy meal then you can check the bakery and café where you can taste baklava, cheese pie and guava juice. The option is endless.   Make sure you stop at Al-Ameer Restaurant, the food is divine.

Middle Eastern Food

Experience the Drive-in /Outdoor Movie Theater

Wanting to reminisce in the past? Then try this drive-in movie theater on Ford Road. This drive-in movie theater will definitely take you back in time. For a nominal fee, you can see double screenings, two movies back to back while sitting comfortably in your own car.

Stop at The Largest Shia’h Mosque in United States.

The architecture itself gives you enough reason to stop at this Mosque to admire it. This place is perfect if you are looking for  spiritual things to do in Dearborn, Michigan. If you have time to go inside, walk around the mosque and you will see the names of the twelve Imams (the successors after the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad PBUH) and some pictures on the wall. You will learn a brief history about Islam and if you are feeling spiritual, say some prayers while you are inside. Keep in mind, proper clothing attire is required for anyone who wants to enter the mosque. Modesty is a must and female visitors will need to wear a headscarf. You can borrow one from the receptionist’s desk.

Mosque

Smoke Hookah

Where else can you find the best place to try hookah and enjoying the Lebanese’s favorite past time but in Dearborn, Michigan?  You can try different flavors of hookah at different hookah cafés. Depend on your preference, the city offers many hookah cafes with different atmosphere, from a tiny comfy hookah café to a pretentious one that offers valet parking.