Mark your calendars! The Haven Hill Festival is happening on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10am to 3pm at Highland Recreation Area in White Lake, Michigan — and this year, you can explore real history while you're there.

Over a hundred years ago, the Haven Hill section of Highland State Recreation Area was a country home to Edsel and Eleanor Ford. Edsel was the son of Henry Ford, the man who created the Ford Motor Company and changed the way cars were made. Edsel and Eleanor built a beautiful country estate here called Haven Hill, where they could relax and enjoy nature away from the busy city. Today, the old buildings from their estate are still standing, and during the Festival, you'll get the chance enjoy the inside of each building and learn their stories. AND free shuttle buses will be provided that can transport you to every historic site!

Here's what will be open for you to explore:

• The Gatehouse (Above) – the entrance to the estate, where visitors once passed

• The Barn (Above) – once used to care for sheep and cattle and store equipment

• Hill Road (Above) – the road from the bottom to the top of Haven Hill, the site of the Carriage House, and the site of the Lodge.

• The Carriage House (Above) – where the Ford family cars were stored and a chauffeur sometimes resided

• The Lodge Site (Above) – the spot where the Ford family's large estate home once stood

At every location, friendly volunteer docents from the Friends of Highland Recreation Area will be there to answer your questions and share fun facts and history you won't find anywhere else. They love talking about Haven Hill, so don't be shy — ask them anything!

Walking through these historic sites is like opening a window into Michigan's past. Whether you're into history, architecture, nature, or just love a good story, Haven Hill has something for you.

We hope to see you there on September 26th. Come explore, come learn, and come discover the story of Haven Hill for yourself!