Attractions
Owosso Main Street is privileged to have these historic, natural, cultural, and artistic assets (and the wonderful non-profit organizations that run them) within our district. Over the past few years there has been a coordinated effort to collaborate and find ways to better promote our community and these assets. We have had a lot of success during that time building stronger relationships amonst organizations and have started new, coordinated efforts.
Shop Local, Buy Fresh
Are you looking for locally grown, fresh produce, baked goods and hand made arts and crafts? Do you love to socialize with old friends and make new ones? Maybe you enjoy just getting out and spending time in the fresh air.
Located in the heart of our beautiful historic downtown on Exchange Street.
The Downtown Owosso Farmers Market strives to promote a strong local economy, support our downtown businesses, celebrate our talented and diverse community and foster a social gathering place where relationships are built and our community grows together.
May and October: 9am – 1pm
June thru September: 8pm – 1pm
Preserving History
The Curwood Collection is maintained, supported and preserved by the Owosso Historical Commission, whose vision “To Foster Appreciation and Discovery of Owosso’s Heritage,” is supported by our mission “To recognize, preserve and bring public attention to the historical treasures of the city and to promote a historical interest in the arts.”
THE CURWOOD COLLECTION INCLUDES:
Curwood Castle – Writing and Conservation Studio Museum
Comstock Pioneer Cabin
Woodard Paymaster Building
Amos Gould House
Ivan Conger Archive Room
Historical Archives
Local Broadway
The Owosso Community Players, at the Lebowsky Center, have a rich history that carries on the legacy of Joseph Lebowsky who opened The Capitol Theater in 1926 as a “boon to the neighborhood.” From humble beginnings in the 1930s, to the eventual founding of a regular theatre group in the 1950s, over 350 shows have been performed through the stages of our history welcoming actors of all ages.
The Owosso Community Players continue to rebound and grow from the devastating fire in 2007, reopening in 2014. Dedicated to its mission to Educate, Entertain, and Enrich lives by providing a quality performing arts experience, the Owosso Community Players at the Lebowsky Center, produce 4 musicals and 3 plays each season, as well as a children’s summer workshop and/or Jr. Show. In addition, they bring in outside artists to expand the cultural offerings to the community and beyond. OCP, as a nonprofit organization, is honored to play a part in the cultural and economic growth of Owosso.
Modern Art, Local
Located in Curwood Castle Park overlooking the Shiawassee River in downtown Owosso, the Shiawassee Arts Center offers quality arts and cultural activities that educate, entertain and enhance the quality of life for local residents and visitors.
These activities include featured art exhibitions, a specialty gift shop, year-round art classes for children and adults, the Frederick C. Frieseke Impressionist Gallery, and special events. In addition, the beautiful River Gallery and open-air terrace is available for rent.
Outdoor Concerts
The beautiful outdoor setting along the river, across from Curwood Castle near downtown Owosso, Michigan, is home to concerts and events all summer long.
The Summer Concert Series includes a variety of music styles including R&B, country, rock, big band, and folk. Bring your blanket or bag chair and relax in the beautiful outdoors.
All concerts are free, but an at-will collection is taken at intermission
The Real North Pole Express
The Steam Railroading Institute was created by the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation Inc. They started with a special steam train called Pere Marquette Railway No. 1225. After the train stopped running, it was given to Michigan State University in 1957 to help engineering students learn. In 1969, some students formed the Michigan State University Railroad Club to fix up the train and use it for special rides. By 1985, the train was running again after 34 years. Since 1988, Pere Marquette 1225 has been well cared for and is the biggest working steam train in their collection.
In the past forty plus years, the Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation and Steam Railroading Institute have grown tremendously; now housing two steam locomotives, one diesel locomotive, and a fleet of passenger cars, plus numerous pieces of rolling stock. Situated on the site of the old Ann Arbor Railroad’s steam shops and roundhouse, the Steam Railroading Institute offers visitors a firsthand look at the intricacies of working steam locomotives and the equipment that operated with them.
