Atchison, Kansas

A quaint and welcoming town situated on the bluffs of the Missouri River, Atchison is home to just over 11,000 people, all of whom are eager to welcome you to their home. Founded in 1854, Atchison boasts numerous local shops, restaurants, and points of interest. While Atchison may not be widely known, its local heroine, Amelia Earhart, is internationally recognized! The annual Amelia Earhart Festival attracts thousands of visitors each summer.

On Independence Day, 1804, the Corps of Discovery camped on the banks of the river in what would become Atchison just 50 years later. A river walk with dedicated monuments to Lewis and Clark is a favorite of the locals, many of whom come and watch the Missouri River flow by. Another must-see place is the reconstructed Kanza Earthlodge, which is an important Lewis and Clark site. Riverfront Park has a keelboat replica-playground for kids and families touring along the trail

Besides these Lewis and Clark sites, Atchison has a number of museums, including:

• The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Home
• The Atchison County Historical Society Museum, the home of The World’s Smallest Unofficial Presidential Library
• The Atchison Rail Museum
• The Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum

In addition to these museums which all make great experiences for history buffs young and old, there is the Abraham Lincoln rock, which marks the spot where America’s 16^th president gave a speech. Atchison experienced a railroad boom in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries when it was home to the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad. Visitors can relive Atchison’s glory days by touring the local Victorian-era homes and other impressive buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Besides these historic aspects of Atchison, there are dozens of restaurants and shops in downtown Atchison. Boutiques, antique stores, and clothing stores are sure to provide something worth buying. With restaurants offering food ranging from delicious Chinese to good old-fashioned homemade pies, the local flavor is delicious!

A collection of great parks round out Atchison. Jackson Park is home to picnic pavilions and a frisbee golf course. Warnock Lake boasts the International Forest of Friendship and the Amelia Earhart Earthwork. No matter what brings you to Atchison, you’ll be glad you came!