Owosso is full of natural beauty and charm of historic buildings across the downtown and neighborhoods. Although a small town, the Owosso community is similar to a more traditional urban area with a vibrant downtown district with shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments; residential neighborhoods with mixed architecture, incomes, and uses; a grid system of tree-lined streets; a comprehensive network of sidewalks to encourage walking; businesses offering a wide range of service and manufacturing employment; neighborhood elementary schools; and an extensive park system. All of these features combine to provide an excellent quality of life for the city’s nearly 15,000 residents.

The city has a vibrant downtown that offers everything a larger city has. With a wide variety of restaurant options, you are sure to find a new favorite. You will also find numerous shops for just about any interest. Owosso is also home to a thriving arts scene. With live theater, comedy, and musical performances on tap, the historic Lebowsky Theater is a local favorite. You can also find weekly concerts throughout the summer at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center, a downtown amphitheater. For fine arts, you can simply cross the river to visit the Shiawassee Arts Center.

For those who’d rather get outside of the city, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Michigan’s four seasons. The James S Miner Walkway connects Harmon-Partridge Park in Owosso to McCurdy Park in neighboring by following along the path of the Shiawassee River. The trail covers 5 miles and is perfect for biking, walking, and running.

You can also enjoy DeVries Nature  Conservancy, which has 136 acres of land and over 4 miles of trails to explore, all with no admission charges. Conservation is at the heart of Owosso’s identity.  The Shiawassee Conservation Association was the first of its kind in the country – founded in 1907 by local author, explorer, and conservationist James Oliver Curwood.  Curwood’s writing studio – Curwood Castle – is a city-owned museum on the banks of the Shiawassee River dedicated to his work and open to the public. And for those who prefer to get outdoors and compete, the annual Shi-Tri has quickly become a local favorite.