Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Atchison, Kansas

In a scenic location by the Missouri River, Atchison is a city revered as the gateway to the West.

Lewis and Clark traversed this area in the summer of 1804, and following the Civil War, Atchison emerged as a hub of industry and entrepreneurship, becoming the eastern terminus of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

The remarkable expansion of that era is reflected in Atchison’s grand late 19th-century residential architecture.

Visitors can explore several of these magnificent Victorian mansions, which have been converted into museums, including one dedicated to Atchison’s most renowned figure, aviator Amelia Earhart (1897-1937), commemorated annually with a festival.

1. Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

The residence where Amelia Earhart was born in 1891 has been transformed into a museum by the Ninety-Nines, an organization of female pilots of which Earhart was the inaugural president.

This home, originally belonging to her grandparents, who played a significant role in her upbringing, is designed in the Gothic Revival style and dates back to 1861.

The inspiring location overlooks the Missouri River from a bluff. The museum integrates QR codes for audio descriptions while showcasing family heirlooms, photographs, and memorabilia from the 2009 film “Amelia,” featuring Hilary Swank.

Exhibitions highlighting other pioneering female aviators are also included, and a gift shop offers a selection of Earhart-themed souvenirs.

2. Atchison County Historical Society Museum

Atchison County Historical Society Museum

This distinguished local history museum is housed in the historic Santa Fe Freight Depot, constructed in 1880. It serves as an ideal venue for exploring Atchison County’s role as the gateway to the west.

The museum explores themes related to Lewis and Clark, the county’s significant railroad history, and notable individuals such as Amelia Earhart and Jesse Stone (1901-1999), the influential rhythm and blues musician.

Highlights include the “smallest unofficial presidential library” dedicated to David Rice Atchison, as well as an outstanding collection of weaponry from the Revolutionary War to World War II.

Located just north of the city, the Atchison County Historical Society also manages Independence Creek: Lewis & Clark Historic Site, where the expedition camped on July 4, 1804.

3. Riverfront and Independence Parks

Hiking

Among the many advantages of Atchison is the city’s proximity to the Missouri Riverbank, where visitors can relax and observe one of the nation’s remarkable waterways.

The two adjacent parks, interconnected by a continuous trail, are situated at the base of the bluffs.

To the south lies Riverfront Park, conveniently located near downtown and a splendid venue for hosting the Amelia Earhart Festival and a fireworks display in July.

Just north is Independence Park, which offers additional amenities such as exercise stations, boat ramps, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.

4. Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

In 2016, the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation acquired Muriel, the last existing 1935 Lockheed Electra 10-E worldwide.

This aircraft represents the model used during Earhart’s final expedition as she endeavored to be the first woman to accomplish a circumnavigational flight of the globe.

Muriel is set to be the centerpiece of an interactive, STEM-oriented aviation attraction at the Amelia Earhart Airport, situated to the west of Atchison.

As of this writing, the museum was nearing completion, yet visitors could still tour the hangar to admire Muriel in all its magnificence.

Muchnic Art Gallery

This stunning three-story brick Queen Anne-style residence on Fourth Street is renowned as one of Atchison’s finest Victorian homes. Constructed in 1885 for lumber merchant George Howell, it features 14 rooms and a grand wraparound porch.

Howell devoted years to collecting the walnut, oak, and mahogany utilized in his home. The Muchnic Foundation, established by the affluent family that lived here from 1922 to 1968, presently owns the property.

The foundation opened the house to the public as an exhibition space in 1970, hosting works by local and regional artists, as well as a calendar of special events and workshops.

The mansion itself adds to the allure, showcasing exquisite original details, including carved depictions of the Howell family on the staircase, fireplace tiles, cast bronze fixtures, stained glass windows (notably in the solarium), and etched glass transoms over numerous interior doors.

6. Evah C. Cray Historical Home

Evah C. Cray Historical Home

This elegant Victorian mansion, built in 1882 for banker W.W. Hetherington, showcases the affluence of 19th-century Atchison.

Hetherington’s fascination with Scottish castles is evident in the circular crenelated tower that presides over the facade, complete with machicolations beneath the parapet.

Inside, the Evah C. Cray Historical Home maintains its grandeur with historic period elements such as chandeliers and intricate woodcarving, paired with authentic furnishings from the 1880s.

A small theater within the home screens a short film about Atchison’s wealth of 19th-century residences.

7. International Forest of Friendship

International Forest of Friendship

Adjacent to Warnock Lake in southwestern Atchison lies a captivating arboretum and memorial forest, established in 1976. The International Forest of Friendship is a collaborative initiative between the City of Atchison and the Ninety-Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots.

Visitors are invited to follow a trail marked by granite plaques honoring over 1,200 influential figures in aviation, including Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, the Wright Brothers, astronaut Sally Ride, and record-breaking pilot Jeana Yeager.

Unique features of the forest include a tree from Amelia Earhart’s family farm, a bicentennial American spruce, trees from Mount Vernon, and a sycamore sprouted from seeds that traveled to the moon with Apollo 14, now serving as a memorial for astronauts.

8. St. Benedict’s Abbey Church

St. Benedict’s Abbey Church

Benedictine College, situated along the river on the north side of Atchison, boasts a history dating back to 1857. The campus features many aesthetically pleasing structures, including the abbey, which was built for the college’s monks in 1928.

The Abbey Church, completed in 1957 in Modernist fashion, is among the campus’s most remarkable buildings. Architect Barry Byrne (1883-1967) had earlier worked in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park studio and was a participant in the Prairie School movement.

The church serves as the focal point of the campus, accessible to visitors between services. Notable interior highlights include the stunning altar fresco, “Trinity and Episodes of Benedictine Life,” painted in 1959 by Jean Charlot (1898-1979).

9. Atchison Farmers’ Market

Farmers Market

As of the time of writing, the ever-popular Atchison Farmers’ Market was approaching its 25th consecutive summer.

Typically opening in mid-May, the market operates on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons throughout October.

Throughout the season, it serves as the ideal destination for fresh produce, baked goods, freshly roasted coffee, jams, jellies, preserves, plants, unique handicrafts, and much more.

The market also features numerous engaging events, including cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, and live musical performances.

10. 1889 McInteer Villa

1889 McInteer Villa

Many regard the 1889 McInteer Villa at 1301 Kansas Ave as a charming example of Queen Anne-style architecture, emblematic of an ideal home. Conversely, others consider this grand residence to be a hotspot for paranormal activity.

This house was constructed for John McInteer, a wealthy Irish immigrant involved in the harness and saddle business.

The interior presents a typically ornate Victorian aesthetics and is open to self-guided tours or overnight stays.

Reported occurrences include the sounds of footsteps in the second-floor hallway, independently turning doorknobs, lights activating and deactivating on their own, and the unexplained aroma of women’s perfume and cigarette smoke.

11. Atchison Rail Museum

Atchison Rail Museum

Following a visit to the Atchison County Historical Society Museum, spend some time discovering the yards surrounding the Santa Fe Depot.

Here, you will find an outdoor display of rolling stock, featuring a collection of passenger cars, cabooses, and a snow plow.

A preserved Baldwin steam locomotive, representing the type that operated on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in the early 20th century, serves as the highlight.

During summer weekends, visitors can enjoy rides on the Atchison & Western Miniature Railroad, a 12” line operated by the Northeast Kansas Railroad members.

12. Sallie House

Sallie House

Perhaps more recognized among paranormal investigators than the McInteer Villa is the Sallie House, located at 508 N 2nd St. This site has been featured on various television programs, such as “Sightings” and the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures.”

The house dates back to the early 20th century and was once home to a physician who practiced on the lower level.

According to legend, the residence is haunted by the spirit of a six-year-old girl who perished during emergency surgery for appendicitis.

Numerous unusual phenomena have been reported here, typically directed toward men, allegedly as retribution against the doctor. The house, which has been preserved as a family residence since the 1990s, remains accessible for visits at any hour.

It is essential to bear in mind that the Sallie House is situated in a residential neighborhood, so consideration for the neighbors is advised.

13. Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge

Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge

This impressive, $59.4 million tied-arch bridge across the Missouri River opened in 2012, replacing an older crossing dating back to the 1930s.

Similar to its predecessor, the bridge is named for the famous aviator and spans approximately 2,500 feet, connecting U.S. Route 59 to Atchison from Buchanan County, MO. Riverside Park is located just to the north, and visiting at night is recommended to witness the bridge illuminated by programmable LEDs.

The light displays typically feature a red, white, and blue pattern across the arch, reminiscent of the American flag.

14. Amelia Earhart Festival

Fireworks

Every year, during the third weekend of July, Atchison pays tribute to its esteemed daughter with a vibrant community festival. The festivities commence Friday night with LakeFest at Warnock Lake, further detailed below.

On Saturday, the city hosts a myriad of entertainment, cultural experiences, ceremonies, and other activities downtown, including children’s performances, craft vendors, presentations by authors about Earhart, and an open day at the Santa Fe Depot and Rail Museum.

During a special luncheon, a distinguished woman who has made significant strides in her field is presented with the Pioneering Achievement Award.

In the evening, the celebration continues along the Missouri Riverfront, offering live music, an aerobatics display, and the spectacular “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show.

15. Warnock Lake

Source: Vladimir Kayukov / shutterstock

This lake, located adjacent to the International Forest of Friendship, is owned by the city and serves as a popular destination during the summer for boating, swimming, and fishing.

The water is surrounded by an expanse of lush parkland, which offers RV campsites, restrooms, three shelters, recreational equipment, a disc golf course, and picnic tables.

During the Amelia Earhart Festival, Warnock Lake also provides a picturesque backdrop for LakeFest, an evening of live entertainment on Friday.

This event has showcased numerous emerging artists over the years, including Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, and Rascal Flatts.

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