The village of Durand built up around the railroad in the 1870s. By the 1900s, the railroad industry was at a peak and saw approximately 3000 passengers per day as well as 22 mail trains, and 78 freight trains. Built in 1903, Durand Union Station had unusual Chateau Romanesque architecture and was one of the most photographed train stations in
America.
The museum has 21 display cases depicting collections of photographs, ledgers, technical information, union materials, track maps and a wide variety of documents pertaining to railroading in Michigan. It features hands-on exhibits for children and adults alike.