Visitors enjoy watching a steam locomotive during the “All Aboard Adventure” day May 16 at Greenfield Village.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Whether one yearned to ride the rails or get behind the wheel of a large piece of industrial equipment, “All Aboard Adventure in Greenfield Village” offered vicarious fun for all.
With the cancelation of a visit from Thomas the Tank Engine, The Henry Ford developed an alternative train experience to appeal to all ages.
A steam locomotive and diesel train circled Greenfield Village May 16, offering unlimited rides from the Smith Creek Station on the north side of the village.
Visitors had a chance to work in small groups to operate a handcar railroad repair device on actual tracks, while a non-passenger Edison steam engine traveled short distances in front of fascinated onlookers near the railroad turntable.
Nearby, The Henry Ford took “touch a truck” to a whole new level as the city’s department of public works took bulldozers, Vactor trucks and other heavy equipment to the village for guests to explore from a stationary perspective.
The band “Picks and Sticks” entertained guests with live music at the Detroit Central Market, while lawn games and other amusements took place on the village green, with story times and other activities scattered throughout the village for guests to discover at their own pace.
For more information about upcoming events at The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, go to THF.org.
Visitors learn to operate a handcar railroad repair device during the “All Aboard Adventure” day May 16 at Greenfield Village.
“Picks and Sticks” entertains guests at the Detroit Central Market during the “All Aboard Adventure” day May 16 at Greenfield Village.
Above and below, the Dearborn Department of Public Works provided some of its work trucks for attendees to explore at the “All Aboard Adventure” day May 16 at Greenfield Village.
Visitors enjoy watching a steam locomotive during the “All Aboard Adventure” day May 16 at Greenfield Village.