Cultural Amenities

There are dozens of cultural amenities within Shiawassee County. We’ve picked out just a handful to whet your appetite.

Contact the Shiawassee County Convention & Visitors Bureau for more trip ideas.

Curwood Castle Museum

Located in Curwood Castle Park
224 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso
989-725-0579 * owossohistoricalcommission@gmail.com

Curwood Castle stands on the banks of the Shiawassee River near the home of James Oliver Curwood, one of America’s foremost authors of adventure novels and an early advocate of environmental conservation. This replica of a Norman chateau was built in 1922 and served as James Oliver Curwood’s’ writing studio. Curwood Castle was used by Curwood until his death in 1927. The castle is open to the public February-December, Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5pm. Curwood Castle is available for group tours and special event rental.

Durand Union Station & Michigan Railroad History Museum

200 Railroad Street, P.O. Box 106, Durand
989-288-3561 * www.durandstation.org

The Durand Union Station recaptures the golden years of railroading. The Michigan Railroad History Museum features photos, artifacts, displays and articles of Durand’s rich railroad history. See displays from the Ann Arbor History Society and the Grand Trunk Western Historical Society. For a firsthand look at railroading of yesterday, Durand Union Station is an interesting educational place to visit. The depot has also gained prominence as one of the most photographed train stations in America. You may visit Durand Union Station on Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday 1-5pm, Friday & Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Lebowsky Theater

Shiawassee Center for the Performing Arts
Owosso Community Players
114 E. Main St. Owosso
www.owossoplayers.com

The Owosso Community Players is the premiere performing arts group in Shiawassee County, providing entertaining live theatre for more than 60 years. Beginning in 2014, the Owosso Community Players will be performing in the newly renovated, state-of-the-art and LEED certified Lebowsky Center, which was nearly lost in 2007 to a devastating fire, in addition to performances in the adjacent Studio Theatre. Visit our website to learn more about auditions, supporting and enjoying the Owosso Community Players.

Shiawassee Arts Center

206 Curwood Castle Drive, Owosso
989-723-8354 * www.shiawasseearts.org

Located next to the historic Curwood Castle overlooking the Shiawassee River, the Shiawassee Arts Center serves as a showcase for the work of area, statewide and national artists. It has nine galleries with featured exhibits, a specialty gift shop and art classes for children and adults. Be sure to visit the newly renovated Cottonwood Terrace and River Gallery. The Arts Center is available for meetings and private receptions and parties. Open Tuesday-Sunday 1-5pm. No admission fee, handicap accessible.

Steam Railroading Institute (SRI)

405 S. Washington Street, Owosso
989-725-9464 * www.michigansteamtrain.com

The SRI’s mission is to preserve the knowledge, skills and technology involved with the maintenance and operation of steam locomotives and to educate the public about the enormous impact that these machines had in economic development of Owosso, Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. The institute is home to the majestic Pere Marquette No. 1225, the largest operating steam locomotive of its kind. 1225 embodies the characteristics of the last and most powerful steam locomotives. The Steam Railroading Institute offers weekend excursions throughout the summer and several all-day excursions throughout the year. The most popular of all excursions is the “North Pole Express,” available during November and December.