Skip the main exhibit hall if you're short on time and head straight for the open-air Greenfield Village. You can actually step inside the Wright brothers' shop and Edison’s lab, which beats reading stale plaques. Wear comfortable sneakers because the site is massive. Budget at least four hours to avoid feeling rushed. Avoid the overpriced cafeteria food and walk into Dearborn instead. It’s an American history nerd’s playground, just don't expect a quick walkthrough.

