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Autumn Adventures … About an Hour Away

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Autumn inspires the adventurer in me to seek out new experiences and learn new things. Locally, these two fantastic day trips offer new larks perfect for the family scrapbook.

Biking the Katy Trail and Adventures with Alpacas

Did you know that America’s longest recreational rail trail runs 240 miles, mostly along the northern bank of the Missouri River right through the heart of Missouri? The trail follows the right-of-way of the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.

A visit to Missouri’s Pleasant Hill and Holden gives visitors a chance for unforgettable bike rides, alpaca adventures and small town charm.

The Rock Island Spur of Katy Trail State Park, with the trailhead in Pleasant Hill, is a 47.5-mile trail across the west-central portion of the state.  Visitors may bike, hike or ride on horseback (bring your own horses or bikes), enjoying nature and Missouri history. Along this portion of the trail, you will go over and under bridges, cross Big Creek and see wildflowers and wildlife seasonally. The trail is built on the former corridor of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (commonly called the Rock Island line).

Just four miles from the state park, you can enjoy a now-trendy tourist attraction. Have you noticed how you can hardly stroll through Target without spotting an Alpaca on a shirt, socks or water bottle? The fluffy creatures have captured the hearts of many children (and adult women—let’s be honest), and thanks to a local family, you can enjoy an incredible one-of-a-kind alpaca experience in person.

Green Meadows Alpaca Ranch in Holden is a local ranch, Airbnb and agritourism attraction we have come to love. Melissa and Jason Ashley operate the ranch, along with their kids, and they welcome guests to stay overnight or come for an afternoon Paca Picnic.

The scenic farm is home to 33 Suri and Huacaya alpacas. Suris are known for their twisted strings and locks, and Huacayas are fluffy and soft. Both are beautiful, and all alpacas have their own unique personality. The farm is also home to two llamas, one llama/alpaca cross, goats, sheep, turkey, guineas, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs.

Green Meadows Alpaca Ranch

I recently stayed overnight at the beautiful log cabin-style Airbnb with my oldest daughter and her two best friends to celebrate her birthday. Overnight guests stay in luxurious bedrooms, or they may opt to bring a tent and camp outside. Guests get to feed the animals a few times during their stay, spray down the alpacas to cool them off if it’s hot, and pet and hold them. Holding a brand-new baby goat was a highlight of our visit. We learned about the different types of alpacas and other animals, their fleeces, their care and their individual stories and personalities.

If you’d like to make a day trip rather than an overnight, consider a Paca Picnic where two to 10 guests get to feed the alpacas and bring their own picnic to enjoy on the farm.

Nearby, visit downtown Holden. Walkers 5 & 10 Variety Store is a fun stop that sells many novelty items, including a variety of old-fashioned sodas and candies. The town is also home to antique stores, an ice cream shop and many restaurants. Autumn is our favorite time for a day trip, but the farm—and the town—are open year-round.

The First Lady of Flight and the Most Haunted Town in Kansas

A visit to Atchison is perfect in the autumn. The small town is situated on the bluffs of the Missouri River defying the stereotype of Kansas prairie land with its deep, rolling hills and beautiful trees. Famous as the birthplace of the First Lady of Flight, Amelia Earhart, and the most haunted town in Kansas, the destination offers much to see on a day trip getaway.

Begin your visit at the Atchison Visitors Center and Historical Society Museum. The visitors center provides free information on local attractions. If you have questions about sites, shopping or restaurants, the staff is very helpful. The museum presents exhibits on Amelia Earhart, Lewis and Clark, the town of Atchison, Native American artifacts, the origin of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad and more.

Kristina Light

On weekends through October, you can visit the Atchison Rail Museum and enjoy a ride aboard the 12-inch-gauge train. A local train club runs a model steam train and a gas electric train. After riding the train, explore historic rail cars and engines, including a steam locomotive engine, more than one caboose, passenger cars, freight cars and a snowplow. For train lovers, this is one stop you don’t want to miss!

A visit to Atchison without touring Amelia Earhart’s childhood home would be like a visit to St. Louis without seeing the Gateway Arch. When you tour the Amelia Earhart Birthplace (AmeliaEarhartMuseum.org), you will find that the home has been restored to its original décor by the Ninety-Nines, the organization of female pilots that operates the museum. Amelia, nicknamed Meelie, was born in the home built by her grandparents and lived there throughout most of her childhood. The museum displays many Earhart artifacts and model planes, but the one I found most interesting was Meelie’s Coaster, a replica of the coaster Amelia built with her sister when they were young girls. They attached it to the roof of a small shed and went for a ride. She got hurt but was undaunted, declaring that it was just like flying and she dreamed of flying someday.  Throughout the home you will see paintings and sculptures of Earhart and her planes, but my favorite was the painting in the upper hall by Robert Wilson showing Earhart with her first airplane, a Kinner Canary, purchased on her 24th birthday. The home is inspirational for young people as it tells the story of one of Kansas’ most famous women.

Another famous Earhart attraction in town is the Warnock Lake Park/Amelia Earhart Earthwork (178620 274th Rd.). The Amelia Earhart Earthwork is a one-acre portrait of Earhart created by Kansas artist Stan Herd in 1997. Permanent plantings, stone and natural materials create a portrait of Atchison’s legendary lady. Drive into the park and you’ll find a viewing deck to take photos of the portrait.

Thanks to special tours offered at historic homes (VisitAtchison.com/highlight_type/haunted-atchison) and through Haunted Atchison Trolley Tours, autumn is a favorite time to visit the town for those who love a spooky story.  The trolley’s fall weekend tours carry visitors throughout the historic town to hear legendary haunting tales of the past (VisitAtchison.com/highlight/atchison-trolley-tours).

Kristina Light loves trying new things and embarking on new adventures. You can read more ideas and autumn inspiration where she writes regularly on KCParent.com.

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