Location: Atchison
Top Things to do in Atchison
- 1. Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
- 2. Evah C. Cray Historical Home
- 3. International Forest of Friendship
- 4. Muchnic Art Gallery
- 5. Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge
- 6. Riverfront and Independence Parks
- 7. Atchison Rail Museum
- 8. Atchison County Historical Society Museum
- 9. Mount Saint Scholastica
- 10. St. Benedict Abbey
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Atchison, United States
Atchison is a city and county seat of Atchison County, Kansas, United States, and situated along the Missouri River. As of the 2010 census, its population was 11,021. The city is named in honor of David Rice Atchison, United States senator from Missouri, and was the original eastern terminus of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Atchison was the birthplace of aviator Amelia Earhart, and the Amelia Earhart Festival is held annually in July. Atchison is also home of Benedictine College, a Catholic liberal-arts college.
Restaurants in Atchison
1. Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Childhood home of Amelia Earhardt which is filled with much memorabilia.
Reviewed By Geenza
Soooo, we got there too early (it's always good to look up the time things open). This is her grandparents home (where Amelia was born). It overlooks the river and the view is spectacular. Even tho we couldn't go inside?... it was worth the look-see.
2. Evah C. Cray Historical Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Larry W - Leavenworth
This was a delightful tour presented by two guides who walked us throughout the house. They pointed out many of the items we would have missed if touring alone. The house contains many historical items as well as two, three-story towers replicating Scottish Castles. Lots of treasures to observe here.
3. International Forest of Friendship
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
A 5-acre park honoring more than 1000 people who have contributed to the field of aviation.
Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, Minnesota
Outside of Atchison lies acres of walkways, beautiful trees and aviation honoree names engraved in stone, at the International Forest of Friendship. I enjoyed walking around and finding names from my home state, people who have accomplished much in the aviation field. It's a peaceful, serene place, perfect for strolling slowly to read names and identify trees planted for all the states and countries represented. I wish the large map at the entrance was available in a small paper copy so you could reference it while walking. I also wish more maintenance was done to keep the bricks clear of dirt and leaf debris. That said, this is a lovely place to visit and pay homage to many key people who have advanced the field of aviation.
4. Muchnic Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Carol D - Overland Park, Kansas
Thanks to Tripadvisor reviews, we stopped by Muchnic Art Gallery for the house tour and art gallery. The lower level is still decorated from the last residents at this house in the 1920s. As stated in other reviews, the ornate wood work and wood floors are the highlight of this tour. The house also has stain glass windows. There is a docent who was very knowledgeable about the house, previous owners, & decor. The 2nd floor is the gallery which has rotating artist exhibit. I have to admit I did not care for the art displaying currently. Cost is $3, that wasn't advertised so I was surprised when the request came up. But $3 for a mini tour and art is a decent price compared to other historic house tours I have taken over the years.
5. Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
An engineering marvel when built in 1938, the bridge was a boon to Atchison's economy.
Reviewed By Ann T - Overland Park, Kansas
I learned a lot about this bridge on the web and from a curator a the Amelia Earhart birthplace home. Daytime driving is pleasant over a nice, but seemingly nothing special bridge. This bridge replaced a very old one and won an award for 1st place out of all 105 KS counties -- for it's night lighting. It has LED lights which include seasonal colors (Christmas, Halloween, St Patricks), July 4th week (red/white/blue), Breast Cancer Awareness (pink), Atchison High School (red and gold), and other miscellaneous events. So, yes, just a bridge -- but go see it at NIGHT.
6. Riverfront and Independence Parks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By MeS763
Beautiful views of the Missouri River from these parks that are adjacent to one another. Riverfront Park has a nice pavillion dedicated to veterans. Independence Park has a fun playground and splash park that the kids love.
7. Atchison Rail Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Ann T - Overland Park, Kansas
The photo is of the visitor center and Atchison Historical Society museum inside the old train depot. (Under different reviews). We looked and looked for the railway museum. Well, the railway "museum" is closed for renovation and consists very old, ugly looking trains/train cars outside and in a lot adjacent to the Visitor Center and Historical Society museum. I think several reviewers have mistakenly written about these 2, rather than the railway museum. They are NOT the same things at all.
8. Atchison County Historical Society Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By TheBoysGrandma - Lawrence, Kansas
This is a small museum BUT one well worth visiting! There is such a variety of exhibits that cover the history of Atchison and the surrounding area. You will find interesting displays about Lewis and Clark who came up the Missouri River at Atchison and celebrated the first Independence Day just a bit north of the town. The area where they camped and the large creek that ran through it by the river was then called Independence Creek. Did you know that many, many of the great rock and roll songs you have heard for years were written by a man from Atchison? Find out about his genius and his relationship with Elvis and all the greats! There is a display dedicated to Amelia Earhart who was born in Atchison and spent her first 12 year living with her grandparents on North Terrace overlooking the Missouri River. You can see her beautiful dancing shoes that are size 6AA. Just my size!!!! The smallest Presidential Library can be found in this museum. David Rice Atchison who founded Atchison was President of the United States for 24 hours! Great information about the Kanza Indians and Bleeding Kansas. Do not hurry through this museum. You do not want to miss anything. This museum is well designed and very interesting. I highly recommend you visit it!
9. Mount Saint Scholastica
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By RarimS - Atchison, Kansas
Call ahead so one of the Sisters is ready to give you a tour of this stunning monastery. The chapel is one of the most amazing in Atchison; it's a travesty that more Masses aren't said there anymore. Many of the Sisters here have given in to unorthodox teachings, but don't let that dissuade you from witnessing what was once a thriving and aesthetically striking building.
10. St. Benedict Abbey
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By skipsaundra - Kansas City
Our group of 30 had prearranged for a guide who was a very knowledge and entertaining monk. He told us about the Frank Lloyd Wright student who designed the building. It is beautiful inside and we even had the opportunity to sit in the monk's chairs all the while being entertained by some one playing the pipe organ. Really great fun.
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