Hebard – Ford Summer House

The Hebard-Ford Summer House is a two-story residential building with white clapboard siding and a low gable roof situated on the shore of Lake Superior. It contains eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, French doors opening onto a veranda, and separate living, dining, and office spaces.

Daniel Hebard built this lodge in 1914 as a private retreat, and Henry Ford purchased it in 1923 to use as his summer residence. Ford owned and occupied the property until 1941 while timber operations supplied materials for his manufacturing ventures.

The residence reflects how wealthy industrial leaders lived in the early 1900s, with its spacious design meant for extended family stays and social gatherings by the lake. The large veranda and multiple sitting areas show the importance placed on outdoor entertainment during that era.

The property sits directly on the lakeshore, making waterfront access straightforward and offering scenic views throughout the visit. The location is somewhat remote, so visitors should plan to spend adequate time exploring both the house and its lakeside surroundings.

The house served as the centerpiece of a former logging town that manufactured wooden components for Ford station wagons from 1923 to 1942. This direct link between the residence and industrial production made the property a hub of Ford's economic activity in the region.

Location: Michigan

GPS coordinates: 46.85917,-88.39722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22