Atchison Visitor Guide
Welcome to Atchison, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an extended stay, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. For travelers with mobility needs, we’ve got you covered—see our recommendation below!
History
- Atchison was founded in 1854, evolving from a Kansa Indian village into a thriving hub of commerce and transportation along the Missouri River.
- It played a key role in the Kansas Territory’s pro-slavery debates and the founding of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, with landmarks like the historic Santa Fe Depot preserving its legacy.
- Notable figures like Abraham Lincoln, who rehearsed his famous Cooper Union speech here in 1859, and three Kansas governors—George W. Glick, John A. Martin, and Willis J. Bailey—shaped its identity, visible in sites like the Atchison County Historical Society Museum.
Interesting Facts
- Atchison is the birthplace of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, born in 1897, and hosts the world’s only International Forest of Friendship, dedicated to aviators with trees from over 40 countries.
- The city is known as one of Kansas’s most haunted towns, with the infamous Sallie House drawing paranormal investigators for its ghostly tales dating back to the 19th century.
- Atchison celebrated the first Independence Day west of the Mississippi in 1804 when Lewis and Clark passed through, firing a salute from their expedition.
- Local cuisine shines with farm-fresh Midwestern fare, including hand-cut steaks and Greek-inspired dishes, reflecting the town’s immigrant heritage from the late 1800s.
Local Attractions
- Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum: Tour the restored 1861 home where the aviator was born, filled with personal artifacts and exhibits on her life. Open daily; admission: $6 adults. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps available. Address: 223 N Terrace St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-4217. Website: ameliaearhartmuseum.org.
- International Forest of Friendship: A 10-acre aviation-themed park with a Walk of Fame and global trees honoring pilots—perfect for a peaceful stroll. Best visited in spring for blooms. Address: 16780 246th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-1419. Website: ifof.org.
- Atchison Rail Museum: Explore vintage locomotives and the 1880 Santa Fe Depot, with a miniature train ride on weekends. Admission: Free (donations appreciated). Accessibility: Mostly flat paths, some gravel. Address: 200 S 10th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-2427. Website: atchisonrailmuseum.org.
- Evah C. Cray Historical Home (Glick Mansion): Step into Victorian opulence in this 1882 Queen Anne mansion, once home to a Kansas governor. Tours weekends; $5. Accessibility: Ground-floor access, stairs to upper levels. Address: 512 N 2nd St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-3046. Website: atchisonhistory.org.
- Pro Tip: Download the Visit Atchison app for real-time maps and event updates.
Local Restaurants
Savor Atchison’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):
- Pete’s Steakhouse: Known for hand-cut USDA Choice steaks and Greek specialties like souvlaki. Expect $20-35 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 618 Commercial St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-6105. Website: petessteakhouse.com.
- Paolucci Restaurant & Lounge: Specializing in Italian-American classics like homemade pasta. Prices range from $15-25. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 113 S 3rd St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-6100. Website: paoluccisrestaurant.com.
- Willie’s Sports Pub: Offering upscale pub fare with local brews and burgers. Budget: $10-20. Accessibility: Elevator to dining area. Address: 701 Commercial St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-2310. Website: williessportspub.com.
- The Sunflower: Famous for farm-to-table salads and sandwiches using regional ingredients. Average cost: $12-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 117 N 5th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-1234. Website: thesunfloweratchison.com.
- Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for Pete’s Steakhouse, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.
Local Hotels
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atchison: Priced at $120-160/night. Offers indoor pool, free hot breakfast, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 401 S 10th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-7000. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress.
- Quality Inn Atchison: Priced at $90-130/night. Features free continental breakfast, indoor pool, business center. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 500 US-73, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-4000. Website: choicehotels.com/quality-inn.
- Hotel Eastin Atchison: Priced at $80-110/night. Includes free Wi-Fi, guest laundry, vending. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 201 S 10th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-8000. Website: hoteleastin.com.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Atchison: Priced at $70-100/night. Provides free breakfast, parking, pet-friendly rooms. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 509 S 4th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-7666. Website: wyndhamhotels.com/super-8.
- Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.
Other Information for Tourists
- Getting Around: Navigate with local buses or the Atchison Trolley for historic tours (Address: 200 S 10th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-2427. Website: atchisonrailmuseum.org); rideshares like Uber are available. Taxis wait at Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport (Address: 16701 255th St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-3600). Car rentals at Kansas City International Airport (45 minutes away) are great for longer stays (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: kciairport.com).
- Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming parks or fall (September-November) for festivals; avoid peak summer crowds in July-August.
- Dining Highlights: Beyond our restaurant picks, try Greek souvlaki at Pete’s or farm-fresh salads at The Sunflower. For dietary needs, Paolucci offers gluten-free pasta options.
- Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Amelia Earhart Festival in July with air shows and parades—tickets at visitatchison.com. Or the Haunted Atchison Ghost Tour in October (Address: 100 Commercial St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-2427. Website: visitatchison.com).
- Safety & Health: Atchison is safe for tourists with low crime rates, but stay cautious in crowded events. Pharmacies and clinics are at Atchison Hospital (Address: 800 Raven Hill Dr, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-2131. Website: atchisonhospital.org). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
- Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Atchison Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (Address: 5th & Main St, Atchison, KS 66002. Phone: (913) 367-2427. Website: visitatchison.com) and use reusable items—Atchison supports eco-friendly parks and trails.
Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals
Exploring Atchison is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Atchison and nearby areas. Choose from:
- Mobility Scooters: Lightweight and easy to navigate on city streets and attractions.
- Wheelchairs: Manual or powered for all-day comfort.
- Rollators: Stable walkers with seats for shorter outings.
- Transport Chairs: Compact and foldable for travel ease.
- Knee Scooters: Perfect for temporary injuries, with adjustable heights.
Our rentals are affordable, sanitized, and delivered with setup instructions. Book at kcmobilityscooterrentals.com or call (816) 200-2342 for same-day service. Roll through Atchison’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!
Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit visitatchison.com for the latest info. Happy travels!