STAEBLER FARM | Michigan Folk School

About Staebler Farm County Park

Staebler Farm County Park is located in Superior Township, Michigan, a few miles east of the city of Ann Arbor. It is owned and managed by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. Staebler Farm is representative of the type of late nineteenth through early twentieth century farmstead that once sustained Washtenaw County. This unique park will help to ensure that the region’s agricultural heritage remains relevant and applicable to the coming generations. Visitors to the park will appreciate the natural landscape and historic charm, while enjoying new amenities.

See below for the park hours a list of amenities on site, and peak times to visit the park.

Peak Times to Visit and Park Hours

The natural setting of Staebler Farm County Park ensures that there is always something to see for new and repeat guests alike. Visit us year-round to see beautiful snowfalls, wildlife, or the amazing fall colors.

Plan to visit between dawn and dusk.

Amenities

Staebler Farm is still under development. At the park, you can expect to find natural surface walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and both historic and contemporary structures. The park is situated on both sides of Plymouth Road; however, only the park south of the road is open to the public.

Public South Side of Plymouth Rd.

Private North Side of Plymouth Rd.
NO ADMITTANCE.

Staebler Farmhouse

Commemorative Lena and Donald Staebler Victory Garden
Michigan Folk School Studios in the Historic Workshop
Chicken Coop
Blackbird Lodge

Prairie Apiary

Public Restrooms

Dairy Barn (Big Barn)

Loafing Barn (West Barn)

Horse Barn (East Barn)

Hog House

Corn Crib

Silo

Milk House

Well House

Peaceful Pond (No Admittance)

Pasturelands

Staebler Farm County Park Mission

Staebler Farm County Park, a community resource, fosters sustainable, healthy living and celebrates the rich farming traditions of Washtenaw County through historical collections, interpretive programming, agricultural uses, and a variety of recreational opportunities.

History

Prior to European settlement, the land that is now known as Staebler Farm County Park is thought to have been a camping spot for Indigenous travelers making their way between the present cities of Ann Arbor and Detroit. An archaeological survey conducted in 1976 helped experts determine that the land has been occupied for more than eight thousand years. Situated near an abundance of natural water, upon fertile soil, and along an established Indigenous route, Staebler Farm County Park has a long agricultural history of wider significance to the area.

This official history began in 1826, when the land was initially purchased from the Federal Government. The property transferred from owner to owner for a few decades until after the Civil War, the first evidence of farming on the site dates to 1854. In 1912, Albert Staebler purchased the farmstead and settled his family on the site.

Under the ownership of the Staebler family, the historic farmstead was updated with modern amenities. In their first few decades on the farm, the Staeblers added phone lines, electricity, and indoor plumbing to the property, all while running a successful dairy farm operation. In the early 1950s, Albert’s son, Donald, purchased the farm from his mother and converted it into a beef cattle farm. For Donald, rural life on the farm was what he knew. His consistent and detailed documentation of life on the farm helped make the case for its preservation.

Through compiling his own histories, Donald recognized the historical significance of the land and sold it the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) in 2001. He was granted a life-lease on the property. Don worked closely with WCPARC employees to further document the history of the property and to ensure that the land remains dedicated to preserving Washtenaw County’s agricultural heritage. He lived on this property with few breaks from the time of his father’s purchase until his death in 2017, at the age of 106.

Since 2017, WCPARC has worked with community members and professional consultants to develop a site plan for Staebler Farm County Park that addresses the want for sustainable agricultural education and preservation of historic farmland.