Michigan Central – Winter at the Station

Bringing History and Creative Play to the Concourse

Michigan Central’s Winter at the Station returned for its second season, transforming one of Detroit’s most iconic landmarks into a festive destination for community, local artists, hands-on activities, and curated food, drinks, and gifts. Set within the historic Concourse of Michigan Central Station, the event invited guests to slow down, explore, and engage with the space in new ways.

Bluewater elevated the experience by activating the Concourse’s large-scale LED displays with interactive and story-driven content. Through a rotating digital program, the screens became both a playful touchpoint for guests and a visual tribute to The Station’s past.

Balancing Play, Story, and Scale

The activation needed to engage guests of all ages, operate seamlessly for long daily hours, and remain visually compelling throughout the event. Within a shared Concourse environment, the LED displays had to balance interactive creative play with meaningful storytelling — all while maintaining reliability and clarity for a high-traffic public space.

An Interactive LED Experience Designed for Discovery

Bluewater delivered a rotating LED program on the Concourse screens featuring two signature moments designed to invite participation and spark curiosity.

Creative Play – Interactive LED Coloring Wall
Guests were invited to color a snowy Station scene with a simple wave of the hand through an interactive LED Coloring Wall. Appearing as part of a rotating digital mural, the gesture-based experience required no instructions and worked instantly, making it approachable for families and visitors of all ages.

Honoring the Past – Historic Steam Engine Sequence
Throughout the day, the Concourse LED screens transitioned to a historic animation honoring The Station’s legacy. A steam engine appears pulling into the building, creating a cinematic moment that nods to Michigan Central’s role as a transportation hub. The sequence appeared on a scheduled rotation before returning to the interactive content, establishing a natural rhythm that kept guests engaged.

Together, these moments transformed the LED displays into an evolving experience — giving visitors a reason to stop, participate, and return their attention to the screens throughout their visit.

Bluewater’s Role

• Interactive experience support for the gesture-based LED Coloring Wall

• Content scheduling and playback for rotating Concourse LED programming

• Technical execution and on-site support to ensure consistent performance

Moments That Defined the Experience

• A hands-on, wave-activated coloring experience that works instantly

• Rotating LED content that shifts throughout the day

• A historic steam engine moment that draws attention and builds anticipation

• A thoughtful blend of festive creativity and history-forward storytelling

A Lasting Impression

Winter at the Station became more than a visual backdrop — it gave guests an interactive reason to engage with the Concourse. The LED Coloring Wall created a family-friendly creative moment, while the historic steam engine sequence reinforced the story of Michigan Central Station and added emotional depth to the experience. Through intentional content design and reliable technical execution, Bluewater helped transform the Concourse LED displays into a memorable holiday activation rooted in both play and place.