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Things to do in Owosso

Curwood Festival

Annual festival to honor James Oliver Curwood who wrote 33 popular adventure novels and who built Curwood Castle in his hometown, Owosso, as a writing studio.  Join us for Ultimate Air Dogs, Arts & Crafts, Flea Market, carnival, parades, tournaments, and a whole lot more fun for the whole family!  The festivities are held the first full weekend in June.  Website: http://www.curwoodfestival.com/


Curwood Castle Museum

James Oliver Curwood was born in Owosso on June 12, 1878 and lived in Owosso for most of his life.  Writing and love of nature were his boyhood interests, and by 1908 Curwood was earning his living as a novelist.  Most of his stories were adventure tales set in the Canadian north.  During the 1920s his books were among the most popular in North America, and many were made into movies.  The castle, built in 1922, was his writing studio and a number of his later works were composed in the tower overlooking the Shiawassee River.  Curwood died on August 13, 1927 in Owosso.  The castle now serves as a museum and is open to the public.  The castle is closed for the month of January.  The castle is open: Tuesday - Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The castle is closed all major holidays, including: Easter, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, etc.  Suggested admission is $5.00 per adult and $2.00 per child under the age of 10.  224 Curwood Castle Dr., Owosso, MI  48867, 989-723-2155.  Website: http://owossohistory.org/


Shiawassee Arts Center

Located in Curwood Castle Park overlooking the Shiawassee River, the 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.  The Center is available for meetings and private receptions and parties.  206 Curwood Castle Dr., Owosso, MI  48867, 989-723-8354.  Open Tuesday – Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Public is welcome, no admission charge.  Website: https://shiawasseearts.org/


Steam Railroading Institute

The Steam Railroading Institute is dedicated to educating the public about steam-era railroad technology and is the product of the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc.  For many years, the MSTRP centered on a single steam locomotive, former Pere Marquette Railway No. 1225.  405 S. Washington St., Owosso, MI  48867, 989-725-9464.  Summer Hours (Memorial Day – Labor Day): Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Winter Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Website:  https://michigansteamtrain.com/


Shiawassee River

The river is one of the best preserved warm-water river system in the southern Great Lakes ecoregion.  It supports approximately 59 species of fish and 12 species of freshwater mussel. The river is approximately 110 miles long with connections to several other water systems including the Flint River, Cass River and Tittabawassee River.  Together these rivers form the Saginaw River which drains into the Saginaw Bay.  Enjoy the beautiful Shiawassee River as you glide through it’s waters in a canoe or kayak.  There are many parks and public lands along the Shiawassee.  The river has a reputation for good fishing for smallmouth bass, rock bass and northern pike.


Don & Metta Mitchell Amphitheather

The beautiful outdoor setting along the river, across from Curwood Castle near downtown Owosso, is home to concerts and events all summer long.


Downtown Owosso Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Exchange St. from May thru October.


Owosso Community Players

The Owosso Players have provided live theater in Owosso since the 1950s.  The players are committed to educating and entertaining the Mid-Michigan area by presenting four productions per year during its nine month season.  Other special workshops and productions are often scheduled throughout the summer and during the theater season.  Website: http://www.owossoplayers.com/index.html


For more things to do in the area, check out the Shiawassee County Conventions and Visitors Bureau: https://www.visitshiawassee.com