Atchison Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of Kansas, Atchison is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the birthplace of famous aviator Amelia Earhart, Atchison has a rich heritage that is celebrated through its numerous museums and historic sites.

One of the must-visit attractions in Atchison is the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, which is located in the house where the aviation pioneer was born. Here, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing Earhart's life and accomplishments, including her childhood bedroom and a replica of the plane she flew during her solo transatlantic flight.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Atchison County Historical Society Museum is a must. Housed in a former Santa Fe Railroad Depot, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past through its collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. From Native American history to the pioneer era and beyond, the museum showcases the diverse heritage of Atchison and its surrounding areas.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Atchison as well. The Lewis and Clark State Park, located just a short drive from the city, offers scenic hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities for fishing and boating on the Missouri River. The park is also home to the Atchison Riverfront, a beautiful green space perfect for picnicking and enjoying the picturesque views of the river.

In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Atchison also boasts a vibrant arts scene. The Atchison Art Association hosts regular exhibitions featuring the works of local artists, while the Theatre Atchison showcases a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.

When it comes to dining, Atchison offers a range of options to suit every palate. From cozy cafes serving homemade pastries to upscale restaurants specializing in farm-to-table cuisine, visitors can indulge in a delicious culinary experience that highlights the flavors of the region.

Alternative names: Founded: 1854 (170 years ago)Population: 10.7 thous.Area: 8.34 mi²Elevation: 804 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°33'42"N, 95°7'16"W

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KansasUnited States

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Atchison Top Attractions

Atchison Attractions - What to See and Explore

Atchison offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Amelia Earhart Birthplace, St. Benedict's Abbey, Atchison County Historical Museum, International Forest of Friendship. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

History museum • Museum • Historical place
Amelia Earhart Birthplace
The Amelia Earhart Birthplace is a historic building and museum that was the birthplace of aviator Amelia Earhart. It is located at 223 N. Terrace in Atchison, Kansas, United States.
Monastery
St. Benedict's Abbey
St. Benedict's Abbey is an American community of monks of the Order of St. Benedict located in Atchison, Kansas. It was founded in 1857 to provide education to the sons of German settlers in the Kansas Territory.
Museum • History museum
Atchison County Historical Museum
Atchison County Historical Society Museum is a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Atchison County, Kansas. Both the city of Atchison and Atchison County, Kansas, are named after United States Senator and legendary "President for a day" David Rice Atchison.

Botanical garden
International Forest of Friendship
The International Forest of Friendship is an arboretum and memorial forest beside Lake Warnock in Atchison, Kansas. It is a memorial to the men and women involved in aviation and space exploration, and open to the public daily.
Bridge
Amelia Earhart Bridge
The Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge is a network tied arch bridge over the Missouri River on U.S. Route 59 between Atchison, Kansas and Buchanan County, Missouri. It opened in December 2012, replacing a previous truss bridge with the same name.
Church
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church in Atchison, Kansas. The church building was constructed in 1866. Aviator Amelia Earhart was baptized in the church in 1897 and attended the church as a child.
39°34'11"N • 95°7'10"W
Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum
Specialty museum • Museum
Theater • Concerts and shows • Romanesque architecture
Atchison County Courthouse
The Atchison County Courthouse, located at the southwest corner of 5th and Parallel Streets in Atchison, is the seat of government of Atchison County, Kansas. The stone courthouse was built from 1896 to 1897 and replaced the county's first courthouse, which had been built in 1859.
Church • Romanesque architecture
Campbell Chapel AME Church
The Campbell Chapel AME Church is a church at 715 Atchison Street in Atchison, Kansas. It was built in 1878 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. It is a one-story gable-front south-facing church built of red brick in 1878. Its exterior was stuccoed and painted white in 1919.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
St. Patrick's Catholic Church is a historic Roman Catholic church in Atchison, Kansas. The stone church was built in 1866 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Ebenezer Baptist Church
Ebenezer Baptist Church is a church at 826 Riley in Atchison, Kansas. It was built during the period from 1911 to about 1923. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The building was deemed notable in architecture as a very good example of the Gothic Revival style.
39°34'7"N • 95°7'2"W
Muchnic Art Gallery
Architecture • Museum • Art gallery
Tudor Revival architecture
Glick-Orr House
The Glick–Orr House in Atchison, Kansas was built in 1913. It was designed by architect Louis Curtiss. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. As of 2015, the house was operated as a bed and breakfast, under the name "Glick Mansion".

Day trips

Atchison – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Atchison, it's worth seeing attractions such as: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City), Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City), National World War I Museum and Memorial (Kansas City).

43 milesSE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
T-Mobile Center, Kansas City
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the T-Mobile Center stands as a modern beacon of entertainment, drawing visitors from near and far to its state-of-the-art facility. This arena, with its striking architecture and cutting-edge amenities, has quickly become...
46 milesSE
Art museum galleries and sculpture garden
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic excellence. This renowned art museum, widely recognized for its extensive collection of artworks from around the globe, offers visitors...
44 milesSE
Museum, History museum, View point
National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kansas City
The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, stands as a poignant tribute to the sacrifices and impacts of the First World War. Opened in 2006, this museum offers an immersive journey through the history of the Great War from an international...
49 milesSE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium is an American football stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League.
46 milesSW
Museum, History museum
Kansas State Capitol, Topeka
The Kansas State Capitol, known also as the Kansas Statehouse, is the building housing the executive and legislative branches of government for the U.S. state of Kansas.