Pittsfield: Parks, Trails and History

When planning a trip to Pittsfield, nature, trails, and history in the associated Pittsfield Township offer different points of interest. The township has 17 parks covering a total of 1,017 acres. A paved Greenway section, a historic farmstead, and offerings at the Farmers Market add to the topics to consider when planning your trip.

Nature and Parks in Pittsfield Township

Wildlife is associated with specific locations: turtles can be seen at Duck Potato Pond in Lillie Park, and red-winged blackbirds are found in Prairie Park. Pittsfield Preserve is home to a colony of Great Blue Herons with more than 40 nests. Threatened species are found in a Buttonbush Swamp in the preserve. This large public natural area belongs to Pittsfield Township and is managed by the township.

Throughout the township, the parks include meadows, wetlands, and wooded areas. Wildflower blooms, butterfly gardens, and a nursery are also among the parks' features. Specific wildlife at individual locations is complemented by a broader description of the park landscapes.

The Platt Road Greenway

The first phase of the Platt Road Greenway is a ten-foot-wide paved multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. It runs along the east side of Platt Road from Ellsworth Road to Textile Road. Its width, surface, and route describe this section, making it a distinct trail highlight alongside the parks' nature-focused attractions.

Planning a Park Visit

Plan your trip to Grewal Park carefully: there is no parking on site. As a neighborhood park, it is intended to be accessed on foot or by bicycle. Parking in nearby private lots or in the surrounding residential areas is not permitted. Check current local restrictions before your visit.

History and Tours

On November 16, 2000, Pittsfield Township acquired the Sutherland-Wilson Farmstead at 797 Textile from the family, on the condition that it be preserved as a historic site. The Pittsfield Township Historical Society and Pittsfield Township restored the buildings to their 19th-century condition. The farmstead serves as an educational resource for the community.

Free tours of the Sutherland-Wilson Farm are scheduled for the third Sunday of each month from May through October, from 2 to 5 p.m. Check the dates before your trip. The farmstead offers a historical highlight distinct from the parks' nature and wildlife attractions.

The Pittsfield Salt Trail near Pittsfield Township is associated with the history of early animal trails and Indigenous trails.

Farmers Market and Products

For 2026, Kapnick Orchards is listed as a vendor at the Pittsfield Township Farmers Market. Kapnick Orchards offers fruit, vegetables, nut spreads, baked goods, and apple cider. Since participation may change, check whether the vendor will be there before visiting the market.

Discover more destinations: Ypsilanti, Milan, Ann Arbor.

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