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Westland is a city of about 85,000 people in western Wayne County, Michigan, roughly 20 miles west of downtown Detroit. It grew from Nankin Township and incorporated in 1966, taking its name from the Westland shopping center that had opened a year earlier and quickly became the area's main draw.
The city's green heart is Edward Hines Park, the long Wayne County parkway that follows the Middle Rouge River. Inside the park, the historic Nankin Mills, a 19th-century gristmill later used by Henry Ford's village industries, is now a nature and history interpretive center. Holliday Nature Preserve protects woods and wetlands along Tonquish Creek, and the city's historic village park keeps early farmhouses from the township days.
Westland is a practical, friendly suburban stop with shopping, ice rinks and sports facilities. Downtown Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn and Ann Arbor are each about a half-hour drive away.
A 19th-century gristmill on the Middle Rouge River that Henry Ford later converted into one of his village industries. Wayne County Parks runs it as an interpretive center with exhibits on local history, the mill and river wildlife. Check opening days, then walk the riverbank paths outside.
A small city-run historic park that preserves buildings from the old Nankin Township, including early farmhouses moved to the site and furnished in period style. Volunteers of the local historical commission open them for tours and seasonal events. Check the schedule ahead, as hours are limited.
A long, narrow Wayne County park that follows the Middle Rouge River through several suburbs, with Hines Drive winding along it. A paved trail runs much of its length for biking, running and skating, with picnic areas and ponds on the way. Some Saturdays in summer part of the drive closes to cars.
A large nature preserve along Tonquish Creek with hardwood forest, wetlands and meadows crossed by unpaved trails. It is a quiet place for birdwatching, wildflowers in spring and fall color. Trails can be muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes and use insect repellent in summer.
The enclosed shopping mall that opened in 1965 and gave the city its name when Nankin Township incorporated as Westland. It has department stores, specialty shops and a food court. It is the main indoor stop for shopping on a cold or rainy Michigan day.
A memorial garden near Westland City Hall honoring local residents who served in the armed forces, with monuments, flags, plaques and landscaped walkways. It is the setting for Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. A peaceful short stop; benches make it a good place to pause.
Westland's municipal ice arena, named for NHL Hall of Famer Mike Modano, who grew up in the area. It hosts youth hockey, figure skating and public open skate sessions. Skate rentals are usually available; check the public skating schedule before you go.
Westland's public library, a modern building with a large children's area, study rooms, computers and a busy calendar of story times, classes and author events. Visitors can use the reading areas and Wi-Fi. A good rainy-day stop for families, with programs listed on its website.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: PeRshGo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PeRshGo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: PeRshGo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: PeRshGo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Notjohnny1987, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dave Parker, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: PeRshGo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Saul Vielmetti, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Saul Vielmetti, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Saul Vielmetti, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Saul Vielmetti, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
