Washington Township, MI Area Guide

Few local landmarks carry as much architectural curiosity as the Historic Octagon House, built by Loren Andrus between 1858 and 1860. Its eight-sided design stands out against the more conventional suburban homes that now surround it, and it remains a tangible link to the township's 19th-century roots.

The name Washington Township traces back to George Washington, and the former Village of Mount Vernon, once a small settlement within the area, reinforces that connection. William Austin Burt served as the village's first postmaster in 1832. Westview Orchards, established around the same time the township was taking shape, represents the agricultural foundation that defined the community for well over a century before suburban development arrived.

Dining here draws from a mix of local staples and orchard-driven experiences. Romeo Family Restaurant has served the community for more than 30 years, offering breakfast plates like chocolate chip pancakes and a farmhouse skillet alongside pub-style lunch options including homemade chili and fish and chips.

Westview Orchards and Winery doubles as a destination for food and drink, with fresh baked goods, seasonal produce, and tastings of locally made wines and hard ciders. Route 53 is also home to Georgio's Apple Orchard Inn, a gathering spot for American-style meals that regularly hosts community fundraising events.

Getting around Washington Township means relying on a car for nearly every errand. Route 53, also known as Van Dyke Avenue, runs alongside the township and serves as the primary corridor connecting residents to surrounding communities and, for those commuting the roughly 30 miles to Detroit, to the city itself. The 26 Mile Road corridor handles east-west travel.

Sidewalks in residential neighborhoods allow for comfortable on-foot movement close to home, and the six-mile paved trail at Stony Creek Metropark offers a dedicated route for cyclists. No local bus or rail service operates within the township; the nearest Amtrak station is in Troy, about 25 miles away.

Stony Creek Metropark, just over four miles from the township, is the area's outdoor centerpiece. Eastwood Beach on Stony Creek Lake draws swimmers in summer, while a six-mile paved trail accommodates walkers and cyclists throughout the warmer months. Anglers can fish for bass, pike, and walleye, and boaters can launch canoes, kayaks, or small motorized craft directly onto the lake. Winter brings sledding and cross-country skiing to the same grounds.

Golf is a defining recreational draw, with three courses accessible to residents. The Orchards Golf Club offers a public 18-hole layout. Stony Creek Metropark Golf Course and Glacier Club round out the options. Wolcott Mill Metropark is also within a short drive, adding more trails and natural space to an already well-stocked outdoor scene.

Washington Township does run higher than the state average. Available two-bedroom rentals average around $2,047 per month, while three-bedroom units average approximately $2,331 per month. Both figures sit notably above comparable rents in neighboring communities like Shelby Township and Romeo.

The intersection of Van Dyke Avenue and 26 Mile Road anchors the township's everyday retail needs, with Kroger, Meijer, and Target all positioned there for groceries and general merchandise. Peach Tree Plaza and Eastview Plaza, both within two miles, add more options nearby.

Westview Orchards functions as a seasonal farm market, offering fresh-picked produce, baked goods, and decorative items alongside its winery. For broader retail variety, the Village of Romeo and nearby suburban corridors fill the gaps.

Washington Township pairs Michigan orchard heritage with outdoor recreation at Stony Creek Metropark, championship-level golf at the Orchards Golf Club, and a spacious suburban setting about 30 miles from Detroit. The Historic Octagon House and Westview Orchards, founded in 1813, give the community a sense of place that goes well beyond a typical suburban address.