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Howell Depot Museum in Michigan
When potential home buyers contact Griffith Realty to discuss moving to the Howell area, they often ask about its culture and history. While there are plenty of historical sites in the city, the Howell Depot Museum is one of our favorites.
Located in a restored 1886 railroad station, this museum offers the visitors a perfect combination of local area history and the rail travel information. Here's everything you need to know so you can get the most out of your visit.
Howell Depot History
From the late 1800s to 1951, the Ann Arbor Railroad offered passenger service from Toledo, Ohio to the city of Frankfurt on Lake Michigan with a stop at the Howell Depot. At the time, it featured a large loading platform, water tower, freight and engine houses, and a covered trestle for the coal cars. When passenger service ceased in 1951, most of the buildings were removed, and the depot was left pretty unused except for some office space.
When the Howell Historical Society, which was formed in 1968, needed space to house displaced museum artifacts, they set their sights on the empty depot. In 1971 they purchased and renovated the space, turning it into the Howell Depot Museum.
Museum Exhibits
The Historical Society rotates the museum exhibits annually, giving locals a reason to come back and visit year after year. The 2019 exhibit will be focused on the Women's Suffrage Movement and the passing of the 19th amendment.
Caboose Tours
Next, to the museum, you'll find an 1888 caboose which is open for tours. After seven years of painstaking restoration efforts, it now looks very similar to the way it was in the 1940s. Back then, the caboose served as an office for the train conductor and held bunk beds, a desk, a stove, and kerosene lamps. Now you'll find all of these historical items as well as related artifacts.
Getting There
Howell Depot is located at 128 Wetmore St. in Howell. The museum is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. running from May to October, except for major holidays. You can also book special tours by calling or emailing the museum.
The Depot sometimes hosts events like car shows and community history celebrations. It's also available to rent for weddings and other special occasions. You can keep up on the latest news and upcoming events by following the Howell Depot Museum Facebook page.
Are you ready to learn more about why Howell homes for sale are in such popular demand? Our REALTORS® would love the opportunity to tell you about the area and help you find your dream home. Give us a call today to get started!