The village of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, is a tiny hamlet located just north of Detroit on the shores of Lake St. Clair. The area was first settled by farmers, and it later became a resort area for Detroit's wealthy. Many of these families built sprawling mansions along Lake Shore Drive. Several of the estates still stand, and serve as community landmarks.
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
- The only son of Henry Ford, Edsel, and his wife Eleanor built their estate on the shores of Lake St. Clair. Located at 1100 Lake Shore Drive, the estate remains beautifully maintained for public enjoyment, with several cultural displays for visitors. Tours of the house and grounds run regularly. An exhibit showcasing the role of women in the development of automobiles will be on display beginning in the spring of 2014. Art exhibits are rotated throughout the estate, and the Cotswold Cafe serves lunch and dinner.
Lake Shore Drive
- Grosse Pointe Shores is a small community, encompassing only 1.1 square miles. You can best get a feel for the area by driving along Lake Shore Drive. In addition to the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, several other mansions line this street. Residents take pride in their immaculately kept gardens and architecturally significant dwellings. With stunning estates on one side of the road and sweeping views of Lake St. Clair on the other, this drive defines the area.
Grosse Pointe Yacht Club
- The bell tower at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club has been a landmark in this community for almost a century, notes the yacht club's website. It towers over Lake St. Clair like a beacon to boaters out enjoying the water. The yacht club provides many amenities for members and their guests, including a swimming pool, tennis courts and a bowling facility. Several on-site dining rooms serve food throughout the day and cater many of the special events hosted here.
Lake St. Clair
- Together with the St. Clair River and Detroit River, Lake St. Clair connects Lake Huron and Lake Erie. This large lake is considered international waters because it borders Canada. It's a favorite recreational spot for Grosse Pointe Shores residents, who go boating, swimming and fishing here. The shores of Lake St. Clair are kept primarily undeveloped in this Grosse Pointe community so residents can enjoy unobstructed views of the water.
