Community Information

Durand Chamber of Commerce

100 W. Clinton Street

Durand, MI  48429
(989) 288-3715
(989) 288-5177 - Fax

Website

Festivals

Durand Railroad Days

Always the weekend after Mother's Day

Durand Union Station and Downtown Durand

Durand Railroad Days, established in 1975, pays tribute to the industry that helped develop the nation and was responsible for this mid-Michigan city. Located between Flint and Lansing, Durand was and still is an active railroad center. 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.

 

Annual End of Summer Cruisin'

Always the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend

'Uptown' Durand

Portion of proceeds go to Toys For Local Children (TLC) to purchase Christmas gifts for underprivileged Children in the Durand Area.

 

Golf Courses

Chippewa Hill Golf Course

Local History

Durand's first settlers began farming here in 1837.  The first railroad, the D. & Mil. R.R., arrived in 1856, 31 years before the village of Durand was organized.  

First platted as Vernon Center; given a Post Office in 1876.  Named Durand for George H. Durand, congressman from the 6th district (1875-76).  

The settlement became a railroad center for the G.T.R.R. and the A.A.R.R.  Around the turn of the century as many as 35 passenger trains, 100 freight trains and 3,000 passengers used the depot each day making Durand the largest rail center in the state, but for Detroit.  In 1911, half of Durand's population was employed by the G.T.R.R.  Incorporated as a village in 1887 and as a city in 1932.

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