This page is to promote interest, curiosity, and awareness of James Oliver Curwood and Curwood Castle writing & Conservation studio, located in Owosso. James Curwood was born in Owosso in 1878. He built this replica of a Norman chateau along the banks of the Shiawassee River near is home in Owosso. The exterior is made of yellow stuccl containing fieldstones he chose himself. The roof is slate with copper trim. The structure does not contain any eating or sleeping areas. He used the great room to entertain guests, including movie producers, and the largest turret was his writing studio. A hunter in his early years, Curwood later became a zealous conservationist, and was appointed to the Michigan Conservation Commission shortly before his death in 1927. In his will, he left the castle to the City of Owosso, It has served in various capacities over the years and is now a museum operated by the Owosso Historical Commission. It is part of " The Curwood Collection" which includes the Amos Gould House, The Comstock Pioneer Cabin, The Woodard Paymaster House, and the Curwood Collection Archives located in the Ivan Conger Archives Room. The Curwood Castle Conservation and Writing Studio is open to the public, Tuesday through Sunday, from 1-5 through December 31. We will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The Castle will be closed the month of January, but will reopen in February with out winter hours, Wednesday through Sunday 1-5. If you have any questions about the Curwood Castle Writing and Conservation Studio or The Curwood Collection, or would like to arrange a special tour of our museums, the Archive Room, or any other historical structures, please call the Castle during our hours of operation at 989-723-2155. Thank you.
