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Monday 9am - 3pm Tuesday 9am - 3pm Wednesday 9am - 3pm Thursday 9am - 7pm Friday 9am - 3pm Saturday 9am - 3pm Sunday 9am - 3pm

Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site

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Shelby Township, MI
Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site

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A 17-acre automotive history site with Albert Kahn-designed buildings dating to circa 1928. Located in Shelby Township, Michigan.

The Packard Proving Grounds is a Michigan Historic Site and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. The site hosts a variety of car shows, events & weddings - call (586) 739-4800 to inquire. PPG is also the site of a weekly farmer's market in the summer months.

11/05/2026

History comes alive with a dash of wonder: Join us at the historic Packard Proving Grounds on Saturday, November 28, 2026, for our annual Model Train Show!

This year, we are thrilled to debut a featured exhibition crafted entirely by the youth of local Cub Scouts Pack #92! These young scouts have poured months of dedication and imagination into building their very first display—and we cannot wait for you to see their hard work take the tracks.

Set against the timeless backdrop of our historic campus, the show brings together roaring miniature locomotives and a bustling marketplace of vintage vendor swap tables. It is the perfect blend of holiday weekend excitement, local craftsmanship, and heritage for hobbyists and families alike.

Event Details:
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- 10am - 3pm
- Tickets: $5 | Free for 11 & under with paid adult

Email [email protected] for more information!
PackardProvingGrounds.org/TrainShow

11/03/2026

Did you know that some of the deepest, most foundational roots of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen were planted right here in the Detroit area?

Most history books will tell you about their heroic battles in Europe, but they often leave out the incredible local chapters of their story—including their time right down the road at Selfridge Field.

For this week's sneak peek, we are highlighting our guest speaker, Detroit native William "Tony" Stevenson. As President of the Detroit Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Tony won't just be reciting dates and facts. He is bringing the deeply personal, human stories of these pioneering Black military aviators to life.

If you love local history, aviation, or stories of incredible resilience, you won’t want to miss this afternoon lecture.

📅 Sunday, November 15
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site | Tank Test Center
🎟️ $5 for general admission / FREE for members

Click the link below to read more about Tony's background and secure your seat.
PackardProvingGrounds.org/Nov15-HSS-PPG

11/02/2026

October 1953: Naval Inspection of Packard’s V12 Diesel Minesweeper Engine

Naval personnel visited the Packard plant in October 1953 to inspect Packard’s new non-magnetic minesweeper engine. Packard’s genius staff of engineers answered our government's call for help in battling a whole new type of mine warfare provided by Russia to the North Korean’s. America needed a wooden minesweeper ship that was completely undetectable by magnetic mines, and this behemoth Packard-built engine answered the call.

To learn more about this engine and its development, please read PPG Curator Kim Parr’s blog here: https://packardprovinggrounds.org/engineered-to-vanish/

10/29/2026

This year's Fall Open House was an INCREDIBLE success! A record-breaking turnout for our car show, historical speaker program and overall attendance! Thank you to all of the staff, volunteers, vendors and donors that helped make this possible. We'll see you next year to celebrate 100 years!

(Special thanks to Dominique Gammage for the video!)

Speaks

10/28/2026

Meet Denae Rusk.

When Denae first offered to volunteer at the Packard Proving Grounds, she thought she'd just be scanning a few documents. A few months later, she has tried her hand at a little bit of everything—from helping with the Packard Farmers Market and working weddings, to capturing beautiful event photos and even offering to jump on a riding mower if an extra hand is needed. For Denae, volunteering isn't about fitting into one strict role; it's about the flexibility to give back, connect with a welcoming team, and see where each new opportunity leads.

We're sharing Denae's story and highlighting how a simple willingness to pitch in can turn into a deeply meaningful way to stay active and involved in the community.

https://packardprovinggrounds.org/volunteer-spotlight-denae-rusk/

Subscribe to the Packard Pulse here: PackardProvingGrounds.org/newsletter

10/27/2026

Get ready to shop local!

This Sunday, November 1st, Harvest Holiday Market is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday checklist and take home beautiful, one-of-a-kind seasonal decor.

We are bringing together an incredible lineup of local bakers, makers, and artisans. Whether you are looking for delicious seasonal treats or searching for unique, handcrafted gifts, you will find something special while supporting small businesses right here in our community.

Start crossing items off your holiday gift-shopping list early and enjoy an afternoon exploring the historic grounds! Admission is just $1!

Find all the details here: packardprovinggrounds.org/harvestholiday

10/26/2026

40th Anniversary Present: A 1950 Packard Super Eight Sedan!

Packard employee Milton Tibbetts joined Packard in 1907 and served as Packard's Vice President and collector/protector of patents. He managed thousands of patents that were owned by Packard to secure a competitive edge and monitor the market to ensure competitors were not infringing upon the company’s collection.

On his 40th work anniversary, he was rewarded with a beautiful 1950 Packard Super Eight Sedan in front of the timing tower at the Packard Proving Grounds.

Mr. Tibbetts retired in 1952 after 45 years of service.

10/25/2026

The gates are open and fall is here! Stop in today from 1-5pm for our Annual Fall Open House!

10/20/2026

UPDATE: We're expanding!

Due to popular demand, we are opening up the Tank Test Center for our Wedding Garage Sale on November 22nd!

What does this mean?
More space = more sellers = MORE INCREDIBLE DEALS for future couples!

Got a closet full of post-wedding decor? Clear out your space, make your money back, and help another couple create their dream day. Tables are officially open for booking in our new section!

PackardProvingGrounds.org/WeddingGarageSale

10/19/2026

1948 Packard Standard Eight Club Sedan Prototype at the Packard Proving Grounds

This Packard Standard Eight Club Sedan was introduced on September 8, 1947, and was the lowest-priced model available that year. Still recovering from the war, Packard managed to rush out its new designs. The “fat” rounded sides without definitive fender sides caused detractors to label the models “pregnant elephants.”
The 1948’s were now all equipped with 8-cylinder block engines. 12,803 of this model were produced and sold for $2,275.

Address

49965 Van D**e Avenue
Shelby Township, MI
48317

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 3pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 3pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 3pm
Saturday	9am - 3pm
Sunday	9am - 3pm

Telephone

+15867394800

Website

http://www.packardprovinggrounds.org/

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