Searching for a historic riverside escape? Head to Atchison, Kansas! Overlooking the Missouri River, Atchison charms visitors with Victorian architecture, fascinating museums, and scenic parks. Whether you love haunted history, steamboat lore, or small-town hospitality, Atchison offers a delightful Midwest adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Atchison is from spring through fall (April through October). Enjoy warm weather for walking tours, festivals, and riverfront views. Fall brings beautiful foliage and spooky seasonal events!
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Atchison is located along US-59 and US-73, about 1 hour northwest of Kansas City and 45 minutes north of Lawrence, Kansas.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kansas City International Airport (MCI), about a 45-minute drive from Atchison.
- By Train: Amtrak service is available in nearby Kansas City, with rental cars available for the short drive to Atchison.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atchison – Modern hotel near downtown, offering free breakfast and an indoor pool.
- Glick Mansion Bed & Breakfast – Stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion with period furnishings and homey hospitality.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Atchison – Budget-friendly hotel with easy access to attractions and dining options.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Step Into the Legacy at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
Tour the Victorian home where America’s aviation icon was born and dreamt of the skies
© Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is housed within the birthplace and childhood home of Amelia Earhart, situated on a bluff that overlooks the Missouri River, as well as the bridge named as a tribute to the famed aviator. Designated in 1971 as a National Historic Site, the home was built in the 1860’s in the Gothic Revival style by Amelia’s grandfather. Visitors will find Amelia Earhart’s personal memorabilia, family memorabilia, period furniture, and a small gift shop. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is open throughout the entire year, but is closed on Mondays during the winter season.
223 N Terrace St, Atchison, KS 66002, Phone: 913-367-4217
⮕ Celebrate Global Friendship at the International Forest of Friendship
Stroll among trees from around the world honoring aviators, astronauts, and peacemakers
© weedezign/stock.adobe.com
The International Forest of Friendship was established by The Ninety-Nines, an international women pilots organization, and the City of Atchison as a bicentennial project. A bronze life-size Amelia Earhart statue looks out over the forest, which serves as a growing, living memorial to people who have been a part of space and aviation exploration. Plaques embedded in the International Forest of Friendship’s walkway feature the names of honorees, which represent all fifty states, as well as more than thirty-five countries. There is also the Astronaut’s Memorial, honoring 10 astronauts who had lost their lives during space exploration.
Allingham Dr, Atchison, KS 66002, Phone: 913-367-1419
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Dare to Discover the Paranormal at The Sallie House
Known as one of the most haunted homes in America—enter if you believe in ghosts
© The Sallie House
The Sallie House was built originally during the turn of the century and was the home and practice of a physician in Atchison. Sallie, a six-year-old girl, was brought in by her mother and the doctor diagnosed her with appendicitis. Believing that Sallie’s appendix would burst, he started operating before anesthesia fully took effect. Sallie died with her last memories being that of a man who she thought was torturing her. The house today is one of the most haunted in the United States. Visitors can take a self-guided or guided tour of The Sallie House, or even stay overnight.
508 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002, Phone: 913-367-2427
⮕ Travel Through Time at the Atchison County Historical Society Museum
Located in a former train depot, this museum tells tales of railroads, riverboats, and pioneers
© Atchison County Historical Society Museum
The Atchison County Historical Society Museum
is located inside the Santa Fe Depot. At the museum, visitors trace the history of this historic region of Kansas through exhibits highlighting the transition of Atchison from just a bend of the Missouri River into a bustling commercial center for the railroads, wagon trains bound for the West, and steamboats. Open seven days a week, the Atchison County Historical Society Museum includes a rare gun collection that dates back to the American Revolution, exhibits about the Lewis and Clark expedition and Amelia Earhart, the smallest “unofficial” presidential library in the world, and more.
200 South 10th St, Atchison, KS 66002, Phone: 913-367-6238
⮕ See Creativity on Display at the Muchnic Art Gallery
Victorian elegance and rotating exhibits make this a cultural gem in the heart of Atchison
© Muchnic Art Gallery
The Muchnic Art Gallery provides a place for locals and tourists alike to experience culture, history, and art in Atchison, Kansas in one of the city’s most elegant Victorian mansions. The brick, three-story, fourteen-room house was built in 1885 in the Queen Anne architectural style by George W. Howell, a lumber merchant. It was later bought by H.E. Muchnic, founder of what is now Atchison Steel Casting & Machining, in 1922. The mansion is now used as a community art gallery and other art-related functions.
704 N 4th St, Atchison, KS 66002, Phone: 913-367-4278
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Walk Across a Tribute at the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge
A modern bridge honoring Earhart, with sweeping views over the Missouri River
© Visit Atchison Kansas
A truss bridge between Buchanan COunty, Missouri and Atchison, Kansas on U.S. Route 59, the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge crosses over the Missouri River and is named in honor of the famous aviator Amelia Earhart. The original bridge was built from 1937 to 1938, however, the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge was replaced with a new bridge by the same name. The tier-arch, four-lane bridge features LED lighting that can be programmed for various functions and colors, including lighting the arch lights on the bridge to look like a fluttering American flag with the reflection in the river.
⮕ Visit a Center of Quiet Devotion at Mount Saint Scholastica
Explore a sacred campus founded by Benedictine sisters—a cornerstone of faith and education
© Mount Saint Scholastica
Mount Saint Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas offers a special place for spirituality, peacefulness, and quiet, offering an ideal site for a retreat. Since its founding in 1863, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St Scholastica have called the city home and their chapel features stained glass windows that honor seven martyred women saints, an expansive rose window, and gorgeous marble. For those wanting to tour Mount Saint Scholastica, guided tours can be made by advanced appointments and include a look at the religious history room and the capels. The facility also occasionally offers workshops and can be used for retreats.
801 S 8th St, Atchison, KS 66002, Phone: 913-360-6200
⮕ Dine Like a Local at Paolucci Restaurant & Lounge
Family-run comfort food and old-school hospitality in Atchison’s historic downtown
© Paolucci Restaurant & Lounge
Nestled away within the heart of Atchison’s downtown district, the Paolucci Restaurant & Lounge offers a “unique Atchison experience” and is a favorite among both locals and visitors alike. Paolucci’s Restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including something for nearly everyone, such as cold cut sandwiches, the Guiseppe Burger, American classics, award-winning signature Italian dishes, and even all-day breakfast options. Upstairs is Paolucci’s Lounge, one of the most popular drinking establishments in Atchison, Kansas and one of the city’s best outdoor patios for the views. The drink menu includes well drinks fine crafted cocktails, bottled craft beers, draft beer.
113 S 3rd St, Atchison, KS 66002, Phone: 913-367-6105
⮕ Honor the Explorers at the Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion
Scenic river views and interpretive panels at the point where history met the Missouri River
© Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion
The Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion in Atchison, Kansas is located near the site where Lewis and Clark camped on July 4th of 1804 during their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. This open-air pavilion was built in Riverfront Park for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial commemoration in 2004. Visitors will find interpretive panels displaying information about the Kanza Nation, the Missouri River, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There is also an interactive touchscreen monitor. The Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion can be found on the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway, which gets its name from the glacier-carved landscape.
100 Commercial St Atchison, KS 66002, 913-367-2427
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Explore the Atchison Rail Museum – Discover historic locomotives, cabooses, and railroad exhibits at this outdoor museum.
- Walk through downtown Atchison – Shop boutiques, dine at local cafés, and admire 19th-century architecture.
- Take a Haunted Atchison Trolley Tour – Discover local legends, ghost stories, and haunted mansions on a guided trolley ride (seasonal).
- Stroll the Riverwalk – Relax along the scenic Missouri River, enjoy picnic spots, and take in peaceful views.
Where to Eat
- Willie’s Sports Pub – If you want casual American eats, local brews, and lively sports bar vibes downtown.
- Paolucci Restaurant, Deli & Lounge – Family-run Italian-American spot serving hearty pastas, sandwiches, and homemade desserts.
- Chuck & Hank’s River Shack – Laid-back local favorite offering burgers, catfish, and patio views by the river.
If you are interested in local events:
- Amelia Earhart Festival (July) – Celebrate the aviation pioneer with airshows, concerts, fireworks, and a parade.
- Haunted Atchison Season (September–October) – Enjoy ghost tours, storytelling events, and paranormal investigations all fall long.
- Atchison Sunflower Festival (September) – A cheerful festival featuring sunflower fields, live music, local vendors, and family fun.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Atchison, Kansas:
- Leavenworth (25–30 min) – Visit historic Fort Leavenworth, stroll the Riverfront Community Center, and shop downtown boutiques.
- Benedictine College (5–10 min) – Tour the scenic Catholic liberal arts college campus and attend community events.
- Amelia Earhart Earthworks (10–15 min) – See a giant landscape portrait made from native Kansas grasses, honoring the famous aviator.
- Mount Vernon Cemetery (5–10 min) – Visit the final resting place of Amelia Earhart’s family and other notable locals.
- Weston, Missouri (25–30 min) – Quaint town known for wineries, scenic hiking at Weston Bend State Park, and charming shops.
- Fort Leavenworth Frontier Military Museum (30 min) – Learn about military history at this informative museum located on a historic base.
- Snow Creek Ski Area (25–30 min, seasonal) – Hit the slopes for winter skiing, tubing, or snowboarding (near Weston, MO).
- Cider Hill Family Orchard (30 min) – Pick apples, enjoy hayrides, and savor cider donuts in nearby Kansas City, KS (seasonal).
- Riverwood Winery (30 min) – Relax with wine tastings, live music, and country views just across the Missouri border.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What makes Atchison, KS a historically rich city?
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Atchison, KS is one of the state’s most history-rich cities, full of interesting sites for both visitors and local residents alike to explore.
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What attractions can visitors explore in Atchison?
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Attractions include the Muchnic Art Gallery, the International Forest of Friendship, and the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum.
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Why is Atchison significant in aviation history?
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Atchison, located along the Missouri River, was the birthplace of famous aviator Amelia Earhart.
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Why is Atchison known as the "most haunted town" in Kansas?
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Along with being one of the most historical cities in Kansas, Atchison is also noted as the state’s
"most haunted town", drawing paranormal enthusiasts from all around.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. |
Tuck U Inn at Glick Mansion – A charming bed-and-breakfast with historic charm. |
Visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum – Learn about the legendary aviator’s history. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for river activities and festivals. |
Holiday Inn Express Atchison – A comfortable and centrally located stay. |
Explore the Missouri Riverfront – Enjoy scenic walks and boat tours. |
Fall (September-November) – Beautiful fall colors and a relaxed atmosphere. |
St. Martin’s Bed & Breakfast – A cozy stay with a welcoming atmosphere. |
Take part in the annual Amelia Earhart Festival – Celebrate Atchison’s aviation history with live events and airshows. |
Map:
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