Welcome to a short drive around Ford’s Facilities. You are now driving by the site of the historic Ford Rotunda. Get a glimpse into the brand's storied past. Built for the 1934–35 World's Fair in Chicago, Illinois, by architect Albert Kahn, it later became a popular visitor center and tour starting point for the nearby Rouge plant. Hosting celebrities and heads of state, the Rotunda drew millions of visitors annually until a fire tragically destroyed it in 1962.
Though no longer standing, the Rotunda remains an iconic symbol of Ford's innovation and automotive history. The site later became home to the Michigan Technical Education Center in 2000, but Rotunda Drive still bears the name of this once-remarkable structure.

Now you're approaching the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on your right. Founded by Henry Ford himself, the museum showcases fantastic artifacts that tell the stories of America's greatest minds and their contributions to the world. These include the chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated, the presidential limousine that carried John F. Kennedy on the day of his tragic death, and the very bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, sparking the Montgomery bus boycott and the civil rights movement.

Now on your left, the trackside at Ford's Development Center, the DDL is known for its advanced testing capabilities, featuring state-of-the-art acoustic chambers, hybrid test environments, and autonomous technology labs. The DDL's strategic location fosters collaboration between product engineers and test technicians, who work together to enhance vehicle performance, durability, and safety.
Beyond its modern features, the DDL's design pays homage to Ford's history on the site, which was once home to Ford Airport in the early 20th century. Salvaged items from the airport, like a wind tunnel nose cone and wooden roof planks, are prominently displayed, linking the facility's past to its future as an automotive innovation hub.

Detroit, Michigan, earned its nickname, the "Motor City," because of its early 20th-century dominance in the automotive industry. Visionaries like Henry Ford and Ransom Olds started their pioneering companies here, attracted by Detroit's strategic location and abundant natural resources. Positioned between the East Coast and Chicago, Detroit's strong manufacturing capabilities fueled the rapid growth of the auto industry, setting it apart from other cities aspiring to become "motor cities" and solidifying its reputation as the Motor City. 
You have now reached this route’s destination. Have a pleasant stay and safe onward journey!