Standish Historic Depot & Welcome Center

Get information to help you plan your Michigan vacation

This former Michigan Central Railroad Depot is your first stop on the US-23 Heritage Route, a 200-mile stretch of Lake Huron's lovely coastline that runs from Standish to "the tip of the mitt's" famous Mackinaw City.

The depot is located conveniently on US23, in the center of Standish, making it the perfect place to stretch your legs, use clean bathroom facilities, find a place to shop and dine. Open hours are stated below. We encourage you to explore the depot and gift shop where you will be greeted by our friendly volunteer staff, where you will find:

  • Michigan and area maps
  • accommodation literature
  • information about local shops, events, activities
  • get help planning your vacation route
  • free wi-fi for your travel convenience

Experience turn-of-the-20th Century locomotive history, view our museum room

The Standish Historical Depot features many train artifacts, depot memorabilia and local history photos and documents in its museum room. We are proud to feature a restored caboose and two English passenger cars "from days gone by". Cars are open to the public from May through October.

Vietnam Veterans and Iraq War Memorial

On September 28. 2014, the Depot commemorated the two Arenac County soldiers killed in action during the Vietnam Conflict. Two benches, one dedicated to SP/4 Lenus E. Mead (US Army) and the other to Cpl Alan R. Ott (US Army), are placed along the Depot's Memorial Walk.  A third bench honors Sgt. Justin Wisniewski (US Army) killed in action in Iraq.

Click on the Image for more information.

Standish Depot Personalized Engraved Engraved Brick Walkway

Bricks may be purchased as a Memorial for a loved one or a pet or to Honor someone special in your life. All proceeds of these bricks are used to support Depot operations, a 510(c)3 agency.

For more information, call 989-718-3021

Along the US 23 Coastal Highway Heritage Route

Discover US 23: Your Pathway to the Sunrise Coast

200 miles of spectacular scenic views of Lake Huron and an astounding array of large public forest and recreational properties await travelers on the Huron Shores Heritage Route. Beginning in Standish and winding up the Lake Huron coastline, the Huron Shores Heritage Route offers some of the most extensive and significant recreational, ecological, historical and cultural sites in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The northern Lake Huron shoreline boasts water, forests, wetlands, lighthouses, parks, trails, museums, small towns, culture, attractions, golf, dining, and many other hidden treasures. And the adventures aren't just on the coast....connecting to the Heritage Route in Oscoda is the River Road National Scenic Byway....which winds along the mighty AuSable River through the Huron National Forest. Coastal and inland discoveries await....discover US 23....your pathway to the Sunrise Coast!

Discovery Links are managed by Heritage 23

SUPPORT THE DEPOT

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com

on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones. When you shop AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the charitable organization of your choice.

Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Simply follow the instructions below to select "Friends of the Arenac Heritage Route Authority" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features
3. Select "Friends of the Arenac Heritage Route Authority" as your charity