Durand Railroad Days Festival

History:

Durand Railroad Days was established in May of 1975 to pay tribute to the rail industry that helped develop the nation and was responsible for the settlement of Durand late in the 1870's. This peaceful community is located in mid-Michigan between Flint and Lansing. What started as a small hometown celebration with a few rides for children, has grown into a celebration that covers the entire downtown area.

Durand was and still is an active railroad center with the historic Durand Union Station being one of the most photgraphed train stations in the nation because of its Chateau Romanesque architecture. Amtrak still makes regular passenger rail stops at the depot every day. Durand Union Station houses the Michigan Railroad History Museum and the Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers. The museum showcases special railroad exhibits and working model trains.

Many local businesses have railroad names and use historical artifacts and photographs in their decor. Talk at the coffee shops and pubs still center around trains.Celebrate Railroad Days with folks who are proud and eager to share their legendary railroad heritage.