Two Metro Detroit homes have been named on a list of the best historic holiday home tours in the country.
Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester and the Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores have ranked on USA Today’s 10Best list of Best Holiday Historic Home Tours for 2025.
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Here’s what to know about the two homes that made the list:
Meadow Brook Hall
The 1926, 110-room Tudor mansion ranked at No. 3 on the list.
Matilda and Dodge Wilson built Meadow Brook Hall, and the home has many of their family’s original art and furnishings.
During the holidays, guests can take self-guided tours through the historic home, and during the nighttime event, Winder Wonder Lights, it transforms into a light show with music and seasonal treats.
The 110-room Tudor mansion, completed in 1926, earned the No. 3 spot on the list.
Built by Matilda and Dodge Wilson, Meadow Brook Hall still showcases much of the family’s original art and furnishings.
During the holidays, visitors can wander the historic estate on self-guided tours. It’s nighttime Winter Wonder Lights event turns the grounds into a stunning display of lights, music and seasonal treats.
“It is exciting to see our efforts recognized and look forward to welcoming the community to our holiday attractions—running through Dec. 30," according to a social media post. “Thank you to everyone who voted to support us!”
Meadow Brook Hall is located at 350 Estate Drive in Rochester.
For more information about the self-guided tours and the Winter Wonder Lights event, visit here.
Ford House
The historic residence of Eleanor and Edsel Ford along Lake St. Clair was built in 1928.
During the holidays, guests can walk through the gardens decked with lights and take a self-paced tour through the main residence, where Eleanor and Edsel raised their children. The home is decorated in Eleanor’s “signature style of understated elegance, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that resonates with generations of visitors,” according to a release from the home.
The Home for the Holidays tour at the Ford House is in its fourth year and welcomes approximately 7,500 visitors each year, connecting people to the area’s automotive roots.
“Families return year after year because the experience feels personal and connected to our region’s history,” said Tommy Karr, Director of Communications and Engagement. “People often tell us it reminds them of holidays with their parents or grandparents.”
Each guest gets a free cup of hot cocoa.
“Ford House is very grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for us,” said Mark J. Heppner, President & CEO of Ford House. “Being recognized as one of the top holiday historic home tours in the nation is a meaningful honor for our team and community. To be named alongside remarkable places such as Meadow Brook Hall, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and Graceland is especially gratifying. Our work is driven by a commitment to connect people with the Ford family’s legacy in a way that feels welcoming, thoughtful, and rooted in history and culture, and it is wonderful to see that spirit shine through for visitors during the holiday season.”
The Ford House is located at 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores.
For more information on purchasing a ticket for the holiday tour, visit here.
Full list
Here’s the full list of homes that ranked among the top 10:
- Graceland (Memphis, Texas)
- Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron, Ohio)
- Meadow Brook Hall (Rochester, Michigan)
- Ford House (Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan)
- Merrehope (Meridan, Mississippi)
- Staatsburgh State Historic Site ( Staatsburg, New York)
- Glensheen Mansion (Duluth, Minnesota)
- Brucemore (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)
- House from A Christmas Story (Cleveland, Ohio)
- Winterthur Museum Garden and Library (Winterthur, Delaware)
To learn more about these historic homes and their holiday tours, visit here.