Warrendale - Hines Drive

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Warrendale-Hines Drive is a scenic parkway located in Wayne County, Michigan.


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Summary

It stretches through the cities of Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, and Inkster, offering visitors a variety of attractions and natural beauty to enjoy. Here is a summary of some key aspects to consider when planning a visit to this area:

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Drive: Warrendale-Hines Drive is renowned for its picturesque scenery, offering a relaxing and enjoyable drive along the Huron River.
2. Outdoor Recreation: The area is home to several parks and recreational facilities, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching.
3. Historic Sites: Visitors can explore historical landmarks, such as the Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, which provide insights into the region's rich automotive history.
4. Wildlife Viewing: The parkway is a haven for wildlife, including various species of birds, deer, and other animals, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
5. Family-Friendly Activities: With several playgrounds and open spaces, the area offers ample opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor activities together.

Points of Interest:
1. Henry Ford Estate: This historic mansion was once the home of Henry Ford and is now open for guided tours, showcasing the lavish lifestyle of the automotive pioneer.
2. Fair Lane: Another historic estate built by Henry Ford, Fair Lane features beautiful gardens, a greenhouse, and an opportunity to learn about the Ford family's philanthropic efforts.
3. Dearborn Hills Golf Course: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round or two at this picturesque 18-hole public golf course, which offers challenging fairways and scenic views.
4. Hines Park: A large park along the parkway, Hines Park features picnic areas, trails, fishing spots, and a splash pad, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
5. Rouge Park: Situated at the western end of the parkway, Rouge Park offers nature trails, a golf course, sports fields, and picnic spots, providing a great family-friendly environment.

Interesting Facts:
1. Warrendale-Hines Drive is named after Edsel Ford's wife, Eleanor Clay Ford, whose maiden name was Warren.
2. The parkway stretches for approximately 17 miles, offering ample space for leisurely drives and outdoor activities.
3. Warrendale-Hines Drive is part of the larger Hines Park system, which encompasses over 20 miles of parks, bike paths, and recreational areas.
4. The parkway was designed to offer a scenic route along the Huron River, providing a peaceful and relaxing experience for visitors.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Warrendale-Hines Drive is during the mild seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-November), when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. The parkway is also particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season when the surrounding trees display vibrant colors. However, Michigan summers offer warm temperatures and opportunities for various outdoor activities, making it a popular time for visitors as well.

It is always recommended to verify the information provided by conducting further research from multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy and up-to-date details.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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