Explore the Village

Explore the Westland Historic Village Park

Discover the historic buildings, exhibits, and stories that make the Westland Historic Village Park a unique place to experience local history. Each structure in the Village helps tell the story of the people, places, and traditions that shaped Nankin Township and the City of Westland.

Step into the past and explore the buildings and stories of Westland’s heritage.

Photo Gallery

A Walk Through Local History

The Village is home to several historic buildings and exhibits that reflect everyday life, farming, education, and community history in the area that became Westland. From homes and barns to exhibits and artifacts, each stop offers a different piece of the story.

FELTON FARMHOUSE

The Felton Farmhouse helps visitors imagine daily life in an earlier rural community. As you step inside, you can picture the routines, work, and home life of families who helped shape the area long before modern Westland developed.
The farmhouse is one of the Village’s most important links to the agricultural past of the community.

CARRIAGE SHED

The Carriage Shed was permitted on September 22, 1980 and built on site by over 40 students of John Glenn High School’s Building Trade I class. It was completed June 1981. It houses a 1922 Ford Model TT Fire Engine (on loan from Wayne County). Future home of the Police and Fire Department collection.

Collins House

The Richard D. Collins House was built on sight in 1940, with small additions added in 1945 and 1948. The Collins House displays our military collection, schools display, and local history display.

Gutherie Octagon House

One of the most distinctive structures in the Village, the Octagon House is a rare example of an eight-sided home. Its unusual design makes it one of the most memorable landmarks in the park and a favorite for visitors and photographers alike.
This building reflects both architectural curiosity and the creativity of an earlier era, offering a glimpse into the kinds of homes that once stood across the region.

Eloise Hospital Museum at the Rowe House

The Rowe House, a Greek Revival, was built in the 1830's on Ford Road in Canton, MI. The Museum's administrative office and the historical archives. The Archives include historical books, newspaper clippings, and other records pertaining to Nankin Township, Westland and Eloise Hospital. The Rowe Family Gift Shop is also located here.

The Eloise Exhibit in the Rowe House explores one of the most widely recognized and historically significant institutions in the region. Through exhibits, stories, and artifacts, visitors can learn more about the history and legacy of Eloise and its connection to the surrounding community.

McKee Barn

The barn represents the farming traditions that were once central to life in this area. It helps tell the story of a time when fields, livestock, and seasonal work shaped the rhythm of daily life.
Together with the other structures in the Village, the barn reminds visitors that Westland’s roots are deeply connected to agriculture and rural heritage.

Norris Well

NORRIS WELL - John Norris and his wife, Azubah Phelps, settled in Nankin in 1826 on a farm they purchased in 1821. Their son, Philetus W. Norris grew up to be a politician, trapper, adventurer and the second superintendent of Yellowstone Park. Read more here. The well was built on their property some time after that. In early 1988, the well’s stone portion was brought intact to the WHVP. The upper wooden structure was built on sight and dedicated in October 1988. Repairs to the well and the replanting of the surrounding butterfly garden were completed on 16 June 2018. Local volunteer group, Friends of the Gardens maintains this picturesque addition to the Park.

Gardens in the Park

GARDENS IN THE PARK - In addition, to our beautiful Butterfly Garden around the Norris Well, we will have a few other gardens with a touch of history. Historic Commissioner, Cassie Smith brings a world of gardening expertise. In 2020, the plan is to re-establish a traditional herb garden behind the Felton Farmhouse, our anchor building. Stop by sometime this summer to visit and marvel at our progress! A special thanks to the generous support of the newly established Friends of the Gardens.

Gutherie Outbuilding

Bert Ott's Farm Windmill

GUTHERIE OUTBUILDING - This outbuilding was moved from the original Gutherie property to its current location in 1988. It was decommissioned as an outhouse.

The windmill is a visual reminder of the Village’s agricultural history and the practical tools that supported farm life. It adds character to the park while helping visitors understand the importance of self-sufficiency and rural technology in earlier generations.

Wnuk Garage

WNUK GARAGE - This building used to sit where the MJR Theatre (formerly Showcase Theatre), near the corner of Wayne Road and Hunter Road, now resides. The Westland Department of Public Service moved it to its current location in 1988. In 2021, electricity was restored to the garage and plans are to use it as a museum workshop.

Perrinsville Schoolhouse (offsite) (appointment only)

The schoolhouse offers a look at how children once learned in a much different time. It represents the value early communities placed on education and the simple but meaningful spaces where students gathered to read, write, and prepare for adult life.

Artifacts, Displays, and Historic Markers

Throughout the Village, visitors will also find exhibits, markers, and displays that add context to the buildings and the people who lived, worked, and learned in this area. These details help bring the past to life and make every visit an opportunity to discover something new.