About

A Legacy of Freedom

Owosso holds a distinguished place in American history as a beacon of freedom during the nation’s darkest hours. Dr. John B. Barnes, a physician and judge, and Sophronia King Barnes moved to Owosso in 1842 and lived on Oliver and Water streets where they operated an Underground Railroad waystation, providing aid and shelter for enslaved African Americans.

Railroad Heritage and Prosperity

Our community’s identity was shaped by its railroad connections. Owosso was the location of three different railroad stations for different railroad companies: Ann Arbor Railroad (Elberta, Michigan – Toledo, Ohio); New York Central Railroad, formerly Michigan Central (Bay City – Jackson) and Grand Trunk Western (Muskegon – Detroit). Today, Owosso is the headquarters of the Great Lakes Central Railroad, which provides freight service to Northern and Southern Michigan, and also provides chartered passenger rail service and tours through its association with Lake Central Rail Tours.

Historic Treasures

Our city is home to remarkable historic sites that tell the story of American ingenuity and perseverance. The crown jewel is Curwood Castle, built by famous author and conservationist James Oliver Curwood. Curwood wrote 33 nature adventure books and approximately over 200 movies were made based on his novels and short stories. The Steam Railroading Institute preserves our railroad heritage with the magnificent Pere Marquette 1225, which was the model and sound effects source for the steam train in the popular movie, The Polar Express.

Vibrant Events and Entertainment

Throughout the year, Owosso comes alive with celebrations that bring our community together. The annual Curwood Festival happens for four days during the first full weekend of June, celebrating the American novelist James Oliver Curwood. The festival features parades, arts & crafts, flea market, wine & cheese events, entertainment tent, children’s events, raft races, duck race, and carnival rides.

Our Downtown Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May through October, featuring over 40 vendors with locally grown produce and artisan goods, making it the largest farmers market in Mid-Michigan. The magical North Pole Express brings families together each holiday season for a round trip excursion from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas, pulled by the world-famous Pere Marquette 1225.

Summer evenings are brightened by the popular annual Moonlight Market, where over 50 specialty artisan vendors create a unique shopping experience that draws well over three thousand shoppers every year.

Recreation and Natural Beauty

Our city experiences a Northern Midwestern climate with frigid winters, balmy to hot summers, and colorful falls. The city is located on the Shiawassee River and has a total area of 5.39 square miles. The Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency (SATA) provides city bus service, with buses operating from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

Community Spirit and Notable Residents

Owosso has been home to many notable figures who have contributed to American culture and society. These include Alfred D. Hershey, bacteriologist and co-winner of the 1969 Nobel Prize in medicine/physiology; Thomas E. Dewey, lawyer, author, and politician who served as Governor of New York and was the 1944 and 1948 Republican presidential candidate; Frederick Carl Frieseke, American Impressionist artist; and Mel Schacher, member of the rock bands ? and the Mysterians and Grand Funk Railroad.

Educational and Cultural Heritage

Education is provided by the Owosso Public Schools, which owns the historic Lincoln School on Michigan Avenue south of M-21. Owosso High School is the sole high school in the city. The city is served by the Shiawassee District Library branch, providing community access to learning and cultural resources.