Pittsfield Township, MI Area Guide

Long before the subdivisions and shopping plazas arrived, Pittsfield Township was already putting down roots. George Noyes made the first recorded land purchase here in 1824, and the following year the county's first school, McCracken School, opened its doors within the township's borders, establishing Pittsfield as an early center of community life in Washtenaw County.

Several small settlements once dotted the landscape, each with its own identity. Lucerne operated a post office from 1837 to 1853, while Mallett's Creek, named for the stream that still runs through the area, had its own post office as early as 1834. The community of Nebraska took shape in 1878. These former villages are long gone, but their names persist in local lore, and the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, located within the township and operating around the clock, stands as a working reminder of the area's ongoing role as a regional hub.

Dining in the township leans toward convenience, with fast-food chains and locally owned spots clustered near the big-box retail corridors along Washtenaw Avenue and Carpenter Road. The most distinctive culinary landmark in the area is the Zingerman's complex, situated in the industrial plaza near Costco. Zingerman's Bakehouse turns out artisan breads, pies, and cakes from a building marked by giant whisk sculptures out front, while Zingerman's Creamery offers handcrafted cheeses and gelato, and Zingerman's Coffee Company rounds out the trio with specialty roasted coffee.

For a broader range of sit-down options, downtown Ann Arbor is only 4 miles north and draws township residents for everything from date nights to weekend brunches.

Interstate 94 and U.S. Route 23 intersect directly in Pittsfield Township, placing the Detroit metro roughly 23 miles to the east and Toledo to the south -- making regional travel by car straightforward. Downtown Ann Arbor is only 4 miles north, a commute that many residents make daily for work or weekend activities.

The Ann Arbor Amtrak Station is about 5.52 miles away, offering Wolverine line service connecting the region to Chicago and Detroit. For those who prefer two wheels or walking, the Lohr-Textile Greenway provides a dedicated 4-mile paved path running from the township straight into downtown Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, located within the township, handles general aviation around the clock, while Detroit Metropolitan Airport is accessible in roughly 33 minutes via I-94.

Lillie Park serves as the township's flagship green space, with soccer and lacrosse fields, a playground, a lake, two ponds, a boardwalk, and walking trails that wind through the dense woods of the Johnson Nature Preserve. Just across the street, Swift Run Dog Park gives dogs a dedicated off-leash area to roam. For quieter natural escapes, the Pittsfield Preserve and the Lloyd and Mabel Johnson Preserve offer clusters of dense woodland that feel worlds away from the surrounding suburbs.

The Lohr-Textile Greenway threads 4 miles of paved pathway through the township, passing parks and natural areas before connecting into downtown Ann Arbor -- making it a practical route for both recreation and commuting by bike or on foot. County Farm Park sits about 3.77 miles away, and Nichols Arboretum is reachable in under 6 miles, adding even more green variety.

Big-box retail anchors most of the township's shopping scene, with Target, Meijer, and Costco all within easy reach along the main commercial corridors. Stone Plaza, Inglewood Park, and several other neighborhood shopping centers are scattered within a couple of miles, covering everyday errands without requiring a long drive.

For a different kind of retail experience, downtown Ann Arbor is 4 miles north and hosts a farmers market, city-sponsored events, and a denser mix of independent shops and boutiques that township residents frequently visit on weekends.

Pittsfield Township pairs parks-rich suburban living with immediate access to Ann Arbor's universities, dining, and cultural scene. Signature draws include Lillie Park's trails and boardwalk, the Zingerman's culinary complex, the Lohr-Textile Greenway, and quick connections to both downtown Ann Arbor and Detroit via I-94.