Westland is a city located in southeastern Michigan, part of the Metro Detroit area. With a population of over 80,000, Westland offers visitors plenty of things to see and do. From historic sites that provide a glimpse into the past to family-friendly attractions perfect for making memories, Westland has something for everyone.
| Activity Number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the Westland Historical Village & Museum. |
| 2 | Tour the Robert & Janet Bomber Municipal Building Murals. |
| 3 | Spend a day at Attwood Park. |
| 4 | Learn about sustainability at Greenmead Historical Park. |
| 5 | Catch a show at the Westland Center for the Arts. |
| 6 | Tour The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
| 7 | Shop & dine at Westland Center. |
| 8 | Enjoy nature at Westland’s parks. |
| 9 | Experience hands-on learning at The Michigan Aviation Center. |
| 10 | Catch a movie at The Milan Theatre. |
| 11 | Grab a bite in Westland’s Koreatown. |
This article will highlight 12 of the top attractions and activities in Westland that you won’t want to miss on your next visit. We’ll cover museums, parks, entertainment venues, and more to help you plan the perfect Westland itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or just looking for great things to do with the kids, you’ll discover it all right here in Westland.
1.Visit the Westland Historical Village & Museum
Name and Location: The Westland Historical Village & Museum is located at 857 N. Wayne Road, Westland, MI 48185, just north of City Hall.
History and Significance: Opened in 2004, this 12-acre outdoor museum recreates 19th century life with restored historic buildings and shops staffed by costumed workers demonstrating pioneer crafts, trades, and lifestyle from Westland’s early farming days.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore over a dozen buildings including houses, a carriage shop, print shop, church, schoolhouse, mills, barns, and gardens. Special events like antique fairs, civil war re-enactments, and car shows held seasonally.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4pm, April-November. Closed Mondays and in winter. Admission is free.
For those interested in the history of the area, the Westland Historical Village & Museum should be at the top of your list. Spread across a 4-acre site, the village aims to preserve the 19th-century history of Westland and surrounding communities.
The main attraction is a collection of historic buildings that provide a glimpse into the past. Structures like a one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, church, barn, train depot, and more have been relocated and restored. Inside you’ll find artifacts and exhibits that further bring the history to life. Costumed docents are also available to answer questions.
In addition to the historic buildings, the village hosts many events throughout the year like antique fairs, living history days, exhibit openings, and seasonal activities. Take a guided tour or explore at your own pace – either way, the Westland Historical Village & Museum lets you discover local history hands-on.
2.Tour the Robert & Janet Bomber Municipal Building Murals
Name and Location: The Robert & Janet Bomber Municipal Building at 36300 Warren Road features expansive murals depicting Westland history.
History and Significance: These vibrant murals were a Bicentennial gift in 1976-77 from hometown champions figure skaters Janet and Robert Bomber. They showcase key events and people spanning more than 200 years of local history across Westland.
What to Expect: Visitors can view the episodic history murals highlighting things like native wildlife, pioneering farmers, Ford’s Wayne Assembly Plant, parks, homes, and more as interpretive public artwork displayed along first floor corridors.
Visitor Information: Murals available for public viewing weekdays 8am–5pm when City Hall open. Also visible when attending various municipal meetings and functions.
Within Westland’s City Hall complex, you’ll find a set of beautifully restored art deco murals by Hungarian artist Stephen Mako. The intricate 1940 paintings adorn the walls and ceilings of the Robert & Janet Bomber Municipal Building council chambers and lobby areas.
Subjects featured include transportation, commerce, industry, education, and more – illustrating various aspects of American life. Bold colors and style define Mako’s work. The murals were recently thoroughly cleaned and restored to their original vibrancy.
Free guided tours provide fascinating details about the works and the artist. Or visitors can independently view the murals Monday through Friday. For a dose of culture and art deco design, be sure to take in this Westland attraction.
3.Spend a Day at Attwood Park
Name and Location: Attwood Park spans 96 acres at 31900 Park Lane just south of Cherry Hill Road.
History and Significance: For over 50 years, Attwood Park has provided premier athletic facilities, trails, fishing, playgrounds and open space hosting youth sports, city events and casual gatherings for Westland families and residents to connect through recreational pursuits.
What to Expect: Visitors enjoy ball fields, soccer pitches, volleyball, playgrounds, walking paths around a scenic pond, fishing access, picnic grounds and space for community events both organized and casual across its sprawling landscape.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn-to-dusk without fees. Some amenities like athletic fields require reservations via Westland’s Parks & Rec Department for organized events and team sports.
For recreational opportunities, Attwood Park is a prime destination. The 75-acre park includes woods, wetlands, and prairie areas with plenty of amenities for visitors. Spend the day hiking and biking on miles of trails – keep an eye out for diverse wildlife along the way.
Further park features include playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts, baseball and football fields, a skate park, picnic shelters, grills, and more. Special seasonal activities may also be offered. Whether you want to play sports, walk the trails, have a picnic, or let the kids burn off energy at the playground, Attwood Park makes for a perfect daytrip.
4.Learn About Sustainability at the Greenmead Historical Park
Name and Location: Greenmead Historical Park is located at 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48152, just over the Westland border.
History and Significance: Opened in 1975 by the Livonia Historical Commission, Greenmead preserves eight historic buildings showing early 19th century life in the region once populated by the Potawatomi before European settlement.
What to Expect: Visitors tour the 1848 Joshua Simmons House, 1860 Greek Revival Tillman House, functioning water-powered sawmill, log barn, railcar, schoolhouse, and church amid farm grounds, heritage apple orchards, and flower gardens to glimpse sustainable past life.
Visitor Information: Open Thursday & Sunday 1pm-4pm, May-October or by appointment. $3 admission goes towards preservation.
For a bit of green space and an intriguing look into historic agricultural practices, visit the Greenmead Historical Park. Spread over 20 acres, the park aims to preserve local history while also serving as a model for current sustainability efforts.
The heritage site includes an 1867 farmhouse, 1880 carriage house and barn, one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, windmill, and more. Display gardens, agricultural exhibits, and farm animals further bring Greenmead’s history to life. Alongside the heritage preservation, the site also focuses on sustainable practices – like solar power, rain gardens, and community agriculture.
Interpretive displays, workshops, classes, and community events educate visitors about both historical and sustainable practices. Walking trails allow you to explore Greenmead at your own pace. For a beautiful natural site and a look at sustainable stewardship, Greenmead Historical Park is a must-visit.
5.Catch a Show at the Westland Center for the Arts
Name and Location: The Westland Center for the Arts is located at 33455 Warren Road adjacent Westland City Hall.
History and Significance: Established in 1981 as a 501c3, this multidisciplinary arts facility serves Westland and western Wayne County providing visual and performing arts education, exhibitions, events and entertainment for all ages and skill levels across a variety of mediums.
What to Expect: Visitors can view art exhibits in the galleries, attend musicals, plays and concerts onsite, take classes through the Community Arts School or participate in programs like summer youth camps. Rentals spaces also available.
Visitor Information: Hours vary by exhibit, performance and class schedules. Call 734-893-7120 or visit Online for calendar details. Admission ranges $0-$25 depending on event.
Whether you love music, theater, dance, comedy, or more – the Westland Center for the Arts offers it all. As a premier performing arts venue and cultural hub for Westland, the center aims to enrich the community through the arts. The intimate 400-seat multipurpose theater provides the perfect setting.
Throughout the year, the center presents a diverse lineup of talented local, national, and international artists. Find musical genres ranging from rock to country to jazz and more. Theater productions span dramas, comedies, and musicals. Dance performances highlight styles like contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and tap. Comedy shows, lectures, children’s programs, and private events further fill the calendar.
For a complete schedule and ticket information, visit the Westland Center for the Arts website. Support the local arts scene while enjoying some fantastic live entertainment.
6.Tour The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Name and Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is located at 1250 New Jersey Ct. Canton, MI 48188, just over the Westland border on Michigan Ave.
History and Significance: Dedicated in 2003, this meetinghouse for the Mormon faith is open weekly for public tours to explain beliefs and practices plus the genealogy resources available to trace family histories and connect with ancestors using the church’s expansive global archives.
What to Expect: Guides detail the faith’s origins, doctrines and temple rituals during the meetinghouse walkthrough plus provide overviews tracing personal heritages and family trees using public computers accessing the church’s vast ancestral records database.
Visitor Information: Tours Saturdays 10am-1pm or schedule groups weekday evenings by appointment at 248-737-6349. Free admission and parking. Not suitable for ages under 12.
While you may not expect it, Westland is actually home to one of the largest churches in Michigan. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shines brightly along Wayne Road – the steeple tower visible from far away. And while it may seem an imposing and mysterious site to outsiders, visitors are actually welcome to come inside and learn more.
Free tours provide overviews of the church’s architecture, symbols, and beliefs. You’ll also have the chance to see one of only four remaining Casavant pipe organs in the state. Whether you simply admire the beautiful church design or take a tour to understand more, it’s worth taking a drive down Wayne Road to check out this Westland landmark.
7.Shop & Dine at Westland Center
Name and Location: Westland Center is a shopping mall located at 35000 West Warren Road with over 100 stores and eateries.
History and Significance: Opened 1965 as one of Michigan’s first shopping malls, Westland Center remains the premier retail destination in western Wayne County spanning 1+ million square feet with anchor stores like Macy’s, JC Penney and Value City.
What to Expect: Shoppers browse apparel, footwear, beauty supplies, jewelry, electronics, books, sporting goods, homewares, specialty boutiques and more. The food court and restaurants provide convenient dining options for mall patrons.
Visitor Information: Westland Center open Monday-Saturday 10am–9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm with extended holiday hours.
As one of Westland’s longstanding shopping centers, Westland Center offers visitors over 80 stores for a full day of retail therapy. Department store anchors like Macy’s and JC Penney bring major brands while inline tenants provide unique boutiques. When you’ve shopped your fill, the center’s adjacent Westland Mall provides even more options.
Once your appetite follows your shopping momentum, Westland Center also delivers plenty of quick-service and sit-down dining options. With national chains like Panera Bread, Chipotle, and Red Robin or local eateries like Bd’s Mongolian Grill and Canton Cooks, it’s easy to take a tasty lunch break between stores. With acres of stores and restaurants all in one spot, Westland Center makes for a perfect shopper’s paradise.
8.Enjoy Nature at Westland’s Parks
Name and Location: Westland’s park system includes over 40 public parks with diverse amenities all across the city.
History and Significance: For over 50 years, Westland’s expanding park system has offered city families and residents access to both active and passive recreational facilities helping build community bonds through play and leisure pursuits that promote health, wellness and quality of life.
What to Expect: Westland parks range from vast grounds like Central City and Attwood Parks with athletic fields/courts and walking paths to quaint neighborhood playgrounds and pocket parks ideal for taking kids. Shelters available to reserve for gatherings.
Visitor Information: All Westland parks are open daily year-round from dawn to dusk without admission fees. Some require reservations for shelters and sports facilities.
In addition to Attwood Park, Westland boasts many other outdoor recreation spaces that allow you to enjoy the tranquility of nature. One top pick is Central City Park – spanning 130 acres with diverse landscapes and features. Along with open fields, wooded areas, and wetlands, you’ll find hiking trails, picnic spots, playgrounds, ball fields, a canoe livery and more.
Another gem is Tattan Park with 20 acres centered around a fishing pond. Designed sensory park components here make it wheelchair accessible. Rotary Park also charms visitors with floral gardens, fountains, gazebos and a picnic area circling its lake. To connect with nature amid Westland’s urban setting, be sure to spend time outdoors at one of these top parks.
9.Experience Hands-On Learning at The Michigan Aviation Center
Name and Location: The Michigan Aviation Center is located at 35750 Marquette east of Wayne Road near Glenn Curtis Elementary School.
History and Significance: Opened 2022 as part of Westland’s Mongoose Aviation specialized STEM programs, Michigan Aviation Center provides students aviation and aerospace focused hands-on learning utilizing a Boeing 727 classroom, flight simulators, drone obstacle course and more.
What to Expect: Visitors can tour this customized educational facility purpose-built for students exploring aviation and aeronautics through interactive exhibits, technology tools, mechanic training aids plus various aircraft like the fully intact 727 secured specifically for local youth education/enrichment.
Visitor Information: Tours available Monday-Friday by appointment only due to active student schedules. Call Westland Public Schools Mongoose College & Career Center at 734-419-2100.
Those interested in air and space will find the Michigan Aviation Center a can’t-miss attraction. As an initiative of the Westland Public Library, this innovative center offers a creative, hands-on way to learn. Interactive multimedia tables allow virtual experimenting with aircraft design, flight principles, space travel, and more STEM concepts. Flight simulation software lets you virtually pilot planes and drones.
Actual flight simulators provide an even more realistic aviation experience. And displayed artifacts like aircraft engines, boarding passes, uniforms, and memorabilia further immerse you. Classes, programs, summer camps, birthday parties, and events further the center’s immersive education. If you’ve got budding astronauts or engineers, they’ll absolutely love discovering here.
10.Catch a Movie at The Milan Theatre
Name and Location: The Milan Theatre is located at 15789 Manchester Road in The Village shopping plaza.
History and Significance: Built 1945 as a single-screen neighborhood cinema, The Milan Theatre operated over 70 years screening films for generations of Detroit families through the decades until closure in 2017. Saved from demolition in 2018, its currently being restored.
What to Expect: Once renovations finish in 2023/2024, visitors will again enjoy a historic single-screen moviegoing experience with Milan Theatre’s Art Deco architecture and neon marquee signaling the continued tradition of affordable films, food and community bonding.
Visitor Information: Renovation updates provided via Facebook @TheMilanTheatre. Donations towards restoration costs welcomed on their GoFundMe.
For an evening out on the town, consider catching the latest box office hit at the Milan Theatre. As one of the last remaining original theaters in the area, the Milan holds over 85 years of history screening films. While staying true to its art deco architectural roots, the space also delivers modern updates – like enhanced sound, 3D capability, cushy seating, and expanded concession options.
Playing both mainstream and limited-run indie films, the movie selections run the gamut from family-friendly animations to action thrillers and more. Special events like concert films, interactive audience participation nights, and classic revivals add to the fun. For an evening of cinematic entertainment, the Milan offers both quality films and historic ambiance.
11.Grab a Bite in Westland’s Koreatown
Name and Location: Westland’s Koreatown occupies approximately 30 small businesses near and along Michigan Avenue between Wayne Road and Newburgh.
History and Significance: Since the 1980s, several waves of Korean immigrants have established businesses in Westland. Today over 30 small markets, shops and eateries mark the unofficial “Koreatown” district along Michigan Avenue offering authentic cuisine and imported goods.
What to Expect: Vietnamese/Chinese grocers, acupuncturists and other specialized small businesses mingle among prevalent Korean establishments providing imported wares plus food/drink like kimchi jjigae stew, bibimbap bowls, Korean fried chicken, pocha teas and more amid signage mixing English and Hangul scripts.
Visitor Information: Koreatown spans primarily from 7706 Middlebelt Rd. north to 32901 Michigan Ave. Most businesses open daily with varying hours.
Along a stretch of Wayne Road lies Michigan’s very own Koreatown district. Here you’ll find over 20 Korean restaurants, markets, and shops all in one condensed area. The Asian businesses attract locals and visitors alike with authentic cuisine, imported groceries, gifts, and culture.
Korean BBQ spots like Seoul Garden let you grill meats right at your table while Noodle House offers classic comforting noodle soups. H Mart provides hard-to-find Korean pantry essentials so you can try cooking at home. Shops like Han Mi and Dear Korea deal in gifts, beauty products, home goods and more. For a taste of Korea without even needing your passport, Westland’s Koreatown offers convenient cultural immersion.
Conclusion
From historical sites to family attractions, entertainment venues to nature spots, Westland truly offers a well-rounded selection of things to see and do. No matter your interests – be it history, culture, arts, recreation, shopping, or dining – you’re sure to find activities that fit the bill. Conveniently located near other Metro Detroit destinations, Westland makes the perfect home base while exploring Southeast Michigan.
With this list highlighting 12 top attractions, your Westland itinerary can now easily take shape. Use it to plan your schedule before your visit or as a reference during your trip when looking for the next spot. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with a family, these various sites and activities promise to enlighten, entertain, and engage visitors of all ages and interests.