Six-Stop Tour: Atchison, KS

Atchison, KS, a town named for the man who was president of the United States for one day—David Rice Atchison of Missouri—is a quaint river town with a rich history.

• First Lady of Flight

  Visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. A favorite artifact is a replica of Meelie’s coaster she and her sister built as young girls and attached to the roof of a small shed so they could go for a ride. She got hurt but was undaunted, declaring it was just like flying—and she dreamed of becoming a pilot someday.

• Clang Goes the Trolley

  The Historic Atchison Trolley offers infamous haunted tours every autumn that feature spooky ghost tales that enchant visitors and explain why Atchison lives up to its reputation as the most haunted town in Kansas. The tour changes every year, including information on the Sallie House and 1889 McInteer Villa.

• Fun with Goats

  The Providence Hill Farm is a family-run business where they breed purebred Nubian dairy goats. You may make reservations for baby goat playtime, a goat hike or goat yoga. They also offer a variety of artisan classes, including cheese, soap and candle making. This agritourism experience is a must-see on your visit to Atchison. 

• Train Rides

  The Atchison Railroad Museum offers rides on a 12-inch gauge train seasonally on weekends, featuring a model steam train and a gas electric train. The museum also houses historic rail cars and engines, including a steam locomotive engine, more than one caboose, passenger cars, freight cars and a snowplow. In October, they offer haunted train rides.

• Agri-Art

  A unique site in Atchison is the Amelia Earhart Earthworks (178620 274th Rd., Warnock Lake). Kansas artist Stan Herd designed the one-acre portrait portraying Earhart in agriculture in her hometown. The portrait is located on a hillside overlooking Warnock Lake and is composed of permanent plantings, stone and other natural materials. Visitors may see the art from a viewing deck.

• Scenic Drive

  The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway begins at the intersection of K-7 and K-92 in Leavenworth, KS, and extends 63 miles north/south through the glacial hills of northeast Kansas. Along the route, you’ll see the earliest pioneer settlements of Kansas, sites of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and many architectural sites, including Victorian homes and historic barns.