Located roughly halfway between Flint and Lansing, the city of Durand, MI, offers plenty of nearby local attractions every visitor must check out at least once. Whether you are into large cities, lakes, parks, or hiking areas, these are some great destinations you can reach in less than an hour by car. Prepare some snacks, fill up your tank, invite your friends, and hit the road to these fantastic spots.
1. Michigan History Museum
Located about 40 miles southwest of downtown Durant in the city of Lansing, the Michigan History Museum is a place you should check out if you want to learn more about the history of the state. Dedicated to preserving the history of Michigan, this place features an interactive permanent exhibition that showcases the diverse past of the region, from its earliest Native American inhabitants to the late 20th Century.
Getting from the Durand city center to the Michigan History Museum takes about 40 minutes by car, driving along route I-69. This place is open Fridays and Saturdays between 10 am and 4 pm, and on Sundays between 1 pm and 5 pm. Entrance fees are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for young visitors aged 6-17. Guided tours for school children and adults are regularly organized by local volunteers.
2. Waterloo State Recreation Area
Open year round between 8 am and 10 pm, Waterloo State Recreation Area is another famous local attraction you should check out while in Durand. The third-largest park in the entire state of Michigan, this recreation area covers over 20,000 acres and features lush forests, beautiful lakes, wetlands, and an extensive network of hiking trails. Located about 55 miles south of downtown Durand, this recreation area can be reached in about an hour by car, driving along route M-52.
A popular destination among weekend visitors and day trippers from all over Michigan, Waterloo State Recreation Area is the perfect spot to relax and get away from the urban life. Popular activities include fishing, wildlife watching, swimming, horseback riding, and picnicking. If you are looking for a longer getaway from the city, Waterloo State Recreation Area is also a top-rated camping spot offering well-maintained facilities that can be booked in advance.
3. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Covering almost 10,000 acres of territory and established in 1953, Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the state of Michigan. Home to plenty of local species of flora and fauna, this nature reserve is a perfect spot for wildlife watching, hiking, birding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Open year-round between 7:30 am and 4 pm, this national wildlife refuge can be reached in about an hour by car from downtown Durand, driving south along route M-13.
Are you ready to explore these and other fantastic destinations in Michigan and beyond? Before you leave, visit us at Randy Wise Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Durand! Check out our inventory of new and used cars, ask for a test drive, and talk to our agents about the convenient financing plans we have for our customers.
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