Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site
A site rich in Detroit’s automotive history. Established in 1927 by The Packard Motor Car Company, this unique site hosts multiple Albert Kahn designed buildings, located on 17 acres. It’s a lovely venue for weddings, car shows, plus corporate & social events.
Proceeds go to the Packard Motor Car Foundation and help with the restoration of the grounds. The Packard Proving Grounds is owned by The Packard Motor Car Foundation & is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It is funded by foundation grants, individual & corporate contributions, service groups & events. All donations to The Packard Motor Car Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
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Photography on Location
If you’d like to schedule a specific time and date for a photo session and have a PPG volunteer meet you onsite to open buildings for indoor and outdoor photos with classic Packard cars, etc., we ask for a $100 per hour donation to the foundation. We allow photography onsite at no cost if you want to use the front part of the site – (in front of the gates) – any time is fine. We just ask that you be respectful of the historic grounds. Learn more.
Site Tours
We offer free historic tours at 11am every Saturday May through October during the Shelby Farmers Market which is held on the front lawn of the site. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the site and feel free to bring along family and friends. If you would like to schedule a private tour or tour during off season of the farmers market schedule a site tour here.
Classic Packard Cars
We have eight Classic Packard Cars that have been donated to the site. It’s an option to include them in your event either as an indoor static display, or you can elect to hire a car & driver* to drive you around the site (*drivable cars). The Classic Packard Cars must stay on the site. Cost is $50 per car as an indoor static display. Cost is $100 per hour for car & driver. Learn more.
Packard Weddings
It’s a unique venue for weddings & all sorts of social events. This lovely 14 acre site is on the National Registry of Historic Places and features rustic, vintage circa 1928 buildings designed by Albert Kahn for the Packard Motor Car Company. Learn more.
Shelby Farmers Market
Established September 2010, the Shelby Farmer’s Market is an outdoor market held on the front lawn of the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site. Half of the proceeds from the market go to the Packard Motor Car Foundation to help fund the restoration work onsite. Learn more.
Packard Motor Car Foundation
The Packard Motor Car Foundation is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the preservation of the products, history, and properties of The Packard Motor Car Company. Learn more.