The station was designed by architects Spier and Rohns, who also designed Detroit's Michigan Central Station.
During its peak in the early 20th century, the station served as many as 40 passenger trains per day.
The building is constructed in the Chateauesque style, a rarity for railroad depot architecture in the Midwest.
The 1903 structure replaced a previous depot that was destroyed by a fire, leading to its current ornate design.
The station is one of the few remaining examples of 'union' depots in Michigan where multiple competing railroads shared a single terminal.
Durand Union Station is a restored 1903 French Chateau-style railroad depot that functions as a museum dedicated to Michigan's rich rail history. Originally serving as a major junction for the Grand Trunk Western and Ann Arbor railroads, the station once facilitated the transit of hundreds of trains daily. The architecture features distinctive red brick construction, a prominent clock tower, and an expansive concourse that retains many original period details. Today, the facility houses the Michigan Railroad History Museum, which features collections of artifacts, documents, and interactive displays. It remains a functional stop for Amtrak's Blue Water passenger service line. The station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a community hub for rail enthusiasts and local history education.
The platform side of the building provides the most iconic view of the station's clock tower and classic rail architecture.
Check the Amtrak schedule if you wish to see a modern passenger train arrive while you are visiting.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding historic downtown area to see related railroad-era architecture.
If you have specific research questions, contact the curator in advance as much of the archive is stored off-floor.
Assuming the entire building is a public museum; stay within designated exhibit areas as some sections serve as private offices or functional railway space.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
