Kansas? More like FUNsas! The Best and Most Hilarious Things to Do and Places to Visit in Atchison

Atchison is small and flat and sits on the Missouri River. The Earhart museums, the jail museum, the art gallery and the downtown shops all sit within a short walk of one another, which is the whole convenience of the place. Warnock Lake needs a drive. The Sallie House is on 2nd Street and you can book a night in it. None of that asks anything of you except a willingness to be silly in public.

Are you planning a visit to Atchison, Kansas? This small city on the banks of the Missouri River is full of history, culture and outdoor adventures. A history buff, an art lover, or somebody who wants to be outdoors, Atchison takes you as you are.

Stepping into history is the thing to do in Atchison. Visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum to learn about the life of the famous aviator who was born in Atchison. The Atchison County Historical Society Museum is the other strong option for history lovers, where you can work through exhibits on the history of Atchison and the area around it. And if you are feeling brave, take a tour of the Atchison County Jail Museum, which was built in 1872 and is said to be haunted by ghosts.

Key Takeaways

Atchison, Kansas offers a variety of activities for history buffs, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Stepping into history is a must-do in Atchison, with museums dedicated to famous aviator Amelia Earhart and the history of the city and surrounding area.
From outdoor adventures to shopping and dining, Atchison has something for everyone.

Stepping Into History

If you are a history buff, Atchison, Kansas is the place to step back in time. With its real history and its many historic sites, you land in a different era. Here are the places for history lovers worth the walk:

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

You cannot visit Atchison without stopping at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. This historic site is the birthplace of the famous aviator, and it is filled with photographs, memorabilia and artifacts from Earhart’s life. You come away with a real sense of one of the more inspiring women in history.

Atchison County Historical Society Museum

The Atchison County Historical Society Museum carries a great deal of history. From Native American artifacts to Civil War memorabilia, this museum has all of it. You learn about the history of Atchison County and the people who shaped it. And do not miss the exhibit on the “Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe” railroad, which played a crucial part in the development of the region.

Lewis and Clark

Atchison is also a significant location on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. You can visit the Lewis and Clark Pavilion, which marks the explorers’ journey through the area. The pavilion runs a mural showing the expedition’s arrival in Atchison, alongside a replica of the keelboat the explorers used.

With this many historic sites to work through, you will not run out of things to do in Atchison. Aviation history, the Civil War, or the Lewis and Clark expedition, Atchison covers all three. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to step back in time.

A Peek Into The Paranormal

Are you a fan of the spooky and the supernatural? Then you are in luck, because Atchison, Kansas is home to some of the more haunted locations in the country. Here is a peek into the paranormal that will send a shiver through you.

The Sallie House

First on the list is the Sallie House. This unassuming white house on 508 N. 2nd Street carries a dark history going back to the 1800s. Legend has it that a little girl named Sallie died in the house during surgery, and her spirit still haunts the place to this day.

If you are brave enough, you can take a tour of the house during the day or spend the night if you dare. Just be warned, because many visitors have reported hearing strange noises, seeing apparitions and even feeling a ghostly presence touching them.

But don’t take our word for it, check out the numerous accounts of paranormal activity at the Sallie House from reputable sources like Visit Atchison and Haunted Places in Kansas.

So are you ready to face your fears and work through the haunted side of Atchison? Just bring a friend along, and maybe a flashlight, because you never know what is in the shadows.

Artistic Atchison

Are you after a dose of culture and creativity in Atchison? The city’s artistic offerings are the answer. Here are two spots to check out:

Muchnic Art Gallery

In a historic mansion, the Muchnic Art Gallery is the stop for art enthusiasts. The gallery holds a collection of over 1,000 works, including paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. You find pieces by regional and national artists, alongside some international work. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions through the year, so there is always something new to see.

Workshops at Sophia Center

If the work has left you wanting to make your own, head to the Sophia Center for Spirituality. This center runs a range of educational workshops, including ones focused on art and creativity. You can learn how to make stained glass windows, create mixed media pieces and more. The center also hosts retreats and other events that bring art and spirituality together.

A seasoned art lover or somebody trying something new, Atchison has plenty to offer in the way of artistic expression. So go ahead and unleash your inner artist.

Aviation Adventures

If aviation is your thing, Atchison has plenty of adventures for you. From interactive exhibits to historic aircraft, you will find something that satisfies your love of flight.

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

No aviation adventure in Atchison is complete without a visit to the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, who was born in Atchison.

Inside the museum you find interactive exhibits that let you take what it was like to fly in the early days of aviation. You can even sit in a replica of the cockpit of the Lockheed Vega, the plane Earhart flew across the Atlantic in 1932.

The museum also houses a collection of historic aircraft, including a 1929 Travel Air 4000 and a 1941 Stearman PT-17 Kaydet. You can learn about the history of these planes and the pilots who flew them.

And check out the gift shop, where you can buy aviation-themed souvenirs to remember the visit by. And if the timing is right, you might catch a real plane taking off or landing at the nearby airport.

So come down to Atchison and take the thrill of flight at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

Outdoor Escapades

Looking for outdoor fun in Atchison? You are in luck. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied and moving.

Missouri River Sightseeing

Take a break from the rush of the city and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Missouri River. This river is worth sitting with, and you take it in from the comfort of a boat. A sightseeing tour is a good way to learn about the history of the river and the area around it. And bring your camera for the country going past.

Independence Park

If you want somewhere for a picnic or simply to sit still outdoors, Independence Park is the spot. This park runs a moon tree, which was grown from a seed carried to the moon during the Apollo 14 mission. You can also take a stroll along the trails, go fishing, or simply let the quiet do its work. The park is where to spend a lazy afternoon with friends and family.

Warnock Lake

For anybody who loves camping and fishing, Warnock Lake is the destination. This lake is stocked with a range of fish, including catfish, bass and crappie. You can also rent a boat and spend the day on the water. If fishing is not your thing, you can still take the lake by walking the perimeter. The lake also runs an arboretum, where you can learn about the different trees and plants that grow in the area.

So a relaxed afternoon or an adventure outdoors, Atchison covers both. Get out there and start working through it.

Festive Atchison

Atchison is a town that knows how to throw a party, and there are two events you cannot miss: the Amelia Earhart Festival and the Fourth of July Celebrations.

Amelia Earhart Festival

Every year, Atchison honors its most famous resident with the Amelia Earhart Festival. This event is a celebration of all things Earhart, with a parade, a carnival and a flyover by vintage planes. The highlight of the festival is the airshow, where you watch daredevil pilots perform stunts that stop the crowd.

But that is not all. You can also attend lectures about Earhart’s life, watch a fashion show running her aviator style, and take a guided tour of her childhood home. And of course, no festival is complete without food and drinks. You get everything from funnel cakes to local craft beer.

Fourth of July Celebrations

If you are in Atchison on the Fourth of July, you are in for a treat. The town goes all out with a day-long celebration that runs a parade, a car show, live music and a fireworks display that will knock your socks off.

But that is not all. You can also take part in a watermelon-eating contest, a pie-eating contest and a hot dog-eating contest, if you are feeling brave. And if you want something lower-key, you can take a stroll through the town’s parks or visit one of its many historic sites.

Whatever time of year you visit Atchison, there is always something going on. So grab your party hat and get ready for it.

Atchison works with children, and it works with adults behaving like children, which is not the same thing. The Hangar Museum has a Lockheed Vega cockpit replica you can sit in, and interactive exhibits built for small hands rather than large ones. Independence Park has a moon tree grown from a seed that went to the moon on Apollo 14. Warnock Lake rents boats. The ghost tours and the Sallie House overnight are the grown-up half of it. Do not book both on the same day.

Shop Till You Drop

If you are a shopaholic, Atchison has you covered. Antique shops or gift shops, you will find everything you need to satisfy your shopping cravings.

Antique Shops

Atchison is home to several antique shops carrying a broad spread of antique items. If you want vintage things you will not see twice, check out these antique shops:

Antique Shop	Address	Phone Number
The Antique Mall	501 Commercial St	(913) 367-0066
Atchison Antique Mall	101 S 8th St	(913) 367-0080
Second Chance Antiques	718 Commercial St	(913) 367-4663

Gift Shops

If you want the right gift for somebody at home, Atchison has you covered. Here are the gift shops in Atchison:

Gift Shop	Address	Phone Number
The Atchison Emporium	514 Commercial St	(913) 367-4111
The Perfect Gift	615 Commercial St	(913) 367-1212
The Purple Turnip	412 Commercial St	(913) 367-0300

Alongside these antique and gift shops, Atchison also runs other shopping options. You can work through the local boutiques, specialty shops and more. So what are you waiting for? Shop till you drop in Atchison.

Local Cuisine and Wine

Dining in Atchison

You cannot visit Atchison and not try the local cuisine. From classic American dishes to international flavors, Atchison carries all of it. Start the day with a hearty breakfast at one of the local diners, such as the Atchison Family Restaurant or the Wheel Barrel. For lunch, grab a sandwich or burger at the Paolucci’s or the Riverfront Deli. And for dinner, order steak or seafood at the River’s Edge or the Depot.

But there is more. If you want something you will not get elsewhere, head to the Globe for Cajun and Creole dishes, or the Little Italy for authentic Italian cuisine. And if you are feeling adventurous, try some of the exotic meats at the Red Raven or the Wooden Nickel.

Wine Tasting

What pairs better with food than wine? Atchison is home to some genuinely good wineries, running a range of wines to suit any palate. Start your wine tour at the Riverwood Winery, where you can drink a glass with the Missouri River in front of you. Then head to the Wyldewood Cellars, where you can sample their award-winning wines, including their famous elderberry wine.

For something a little different, visit the Mallinson Vineyard and Hall, where you can take a glass in their comfortable tasting room or walk through their vineyards. And if you want a more laid-back atmosphere, head to the Atchison Farmers’ Market, where you can sample the local wines and talk to the friendly winemakers.

So a wine connoisseur or somebody simply after a good day out, Atchison’s wineries are worth the visit. Cheers to that.

The Performing Arts Scene

Atchison may be a small town, but it carries a large heart when it comes to the performing arts. From theater to music, the range covers everybody. So if you follow the arts, you are in for a treat.

Theatre in Atchison

If you want quality theater in Atchison, you will not be disappointed. The Theatre Atchison is a local favorite that puts on a range of plays through the year. From classic dramas to hilarious comedies, they run all of it. And the theater itself is a historic building that adds to the whole experience.

But that is not all. The Benedictine College Theatre Department also puts on genuinely strong shows. They are a talented group of students and they always deliver. So if you want to back some up-and-coming actors, check out their shows.

Atchison’s performing arts scene may be small, but it punches hard. So grab a friend and head to the theater for a night of entertainment, because you will not regret it.

Exploring the Education Hub

Atchison is not only a city of architecture and haunted places, because it is also an education hub. The city is home to two colleges, Benedictine College and Mount St. Scholastica, both of which run an experience you will not get elsewhere. Here is what to expect when working through these institutions.

Benedictine College

If you want a college that runs a strong education and a good atmosphere, then Benedictine College is the place for you. This Catholic college is known for its liberal arts program and its friendly community. You can take a campus tour to see the buildings and learn about the history of the college.

But the real fun starts when you attend one of the many events on campus. From football games to musical performances, there is always something happening at Benedictine College. And if the timing is right, you might get to attend one of the educational workshops the college hosts.

Mount St. Scholastica

Mount St. Scholastica is a Benedictine monastery that is home to the Benedictine Sisters. The monastery carries a real history, and visitors can take a tour to learn about the life of the sisters and the work they do.

One of the highlights of a visit to Mount St. Scholastica is the chapel. The chapel is open to visitors and is a quiet place to sit and reflect. You can also take a stroll through the monastery’s gardens and let the grounds do their work.

Education, religion, or simply a part of Atchison you will not get elsewhere, a visit to Benedictine College and Mount St. Scholastica covers all three.

Sports and Recreation

Looking for sports and recreation in Atchison, Kansas? You are in luck. This small city is home to a range of outdoor activities that will get your heart going.

Fishing in the Missouri River

If you love fishing, Atchison sits right on the banks of the Missouri River. The river is home to a range of fish species, including catfish, bass and walleye. So grab your fishing gear and head down to the river for a day of angling.

Do not have your own fishing gear? No problem. There are several bait shops in the area where you can rent equipment for the day. And if the timing is right, you might catch a fish big enough to brag about.

Sports at Benedictine College

If you are a sports fan, do not miss a game at Benedictine College. This small liberal arts college is home to several sports teams, including football, basketball and soccer.

The college’s football team, the Ravens, is the one to watch. They have won several conference championships and have made it to the NAIA national championship game. So grab your foam finger and head down to the stadium to cheer them on.

And if you are feeling adventurous, you can sign up to play intramural sports at the college. A seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, there is a sport here for you.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and use the sports and recreation Atchison actually runs.

Traveler Favorites and TripAdvisor Data

So you have made it to Atchison, Kansas, and you are ready to work through the fun things this small town runs. TripAdvisor has some insider knowledge on what travelers like you have gone for.

According to traveler reviews, the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is the one to prioritize. This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of the famous pilot who was born in Atchison. You can take a guided tour and learn about her achievements and the obstacles she faced as a woman in the aviation industry. And the museum sits in a Victorian home that puts you back in the period.

The other traveler favorite is the Atchison Rail Museum. Train enthusiasts will get on with this museum, which covers the history of railroads in Atchison and beyond. You can look at vintage train cars, learn about the part trains played in American history, and take a ride on a miniature train.

If you want outdoor fun, head to Warnock Lake Park. This park is a popular spot for fishing, boating and picnicking. You can also hike the trails around the lake and let the country do its work. And there is a playground for the kids and plenty of space for a game of frisbee or catch.

Now, some TripAdvisor data. According to ratings and popularity, the top restaurant in Atchison is The Paolucci’s Restaurant. This Italian restaurant is known for its pasta dishes and its comfortable room. And save space for dessert, because their tiramisu is the part people mention.

On hotels, the popular option in Atchison is the Hotel Eastin Riverwalk. This historic hotel sits right on the Missouri River and looks out over it. And it is within walking distance of all the downtown attractions.

So there you have it, some traveler favorites and TripAdvisor data to help you plan your Atchison trip. Happy exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What quirky attractions can be found in Atchison, Kansas?

Atchison is home to some of the odder attractions in the state of Kansas. You can visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, where the famous aviator was born. You can also check out the International Forest of Friendship, which is a park that honors aviators and astronauts from around the world.

What are some unique experiences to have in Atchison?

If you want experiences in Atchison you will not get elsewhere, check out the Atchison Trolley. This takes you on a tour of the city, marking out the more interesting and historic spots. You can also take a ghost tour of the city, where you hear spooky stories and legends about Atchison’s haunted history.

What are some hidden gems to discover in Atchison?

If you want the places nobody sends you to in Atchison, check out the Santa Fe Depot. This historic train station has been carefully restored and now serves as a community center. The other one is the Benedictine College Abbey Church, which is worth the walk for anyone interested in architecture or religious history.

Frequently asked questions about Atchison, Kansas

Which Atchison museum should you do first of all?

The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, which sits in the Victorian house where she was born and holds photographs, memorabilia and artifacts from her life. The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum is the interactive one, with a Lockheed Vega cockpit replica and historic aircraft including a 1929 Travel Air 4000. The Atchison County Historical Society Museum covers the wider county. The jail museum was built back in 1872.

Which Atchison park is worth a whole afternoon?

Independence Park, which has a moon tree grown from a seed carried on Apollo 14, along with trails and fishing. Warnock Lake is the bigger one, stocked with catfish, bass and crappie, and it has an arboretum and a playground. Boats rent there. The International Forest of Friendship honors aviators and astronauts alike.

Which Atchison festival is worth timing a visit around?

The Amelia Earhart Festival, which brings a parade, a carnival, a vintage flyover and an airshow to the town every year. There are lectures on her life and guided tours of her childhood home during it. The Fourth of July runs a parade, a car show, live music and fireworks. Eating contests too.

Keep exploring Atchison, Kansas