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Why go there

Atchison is a picturesque town on the western bluffs of the Missouri River. It is famous for being the birthplace of aviator Amelia Earhart and for its fine Victorian mansions that line brick-paved streets. It also has the reputation as the most haunted town in Kansas.

What to do there

Take the Atchison Trolley. It’s one of the best ways to tour the city and learn about its history. The trolley starts at the old Santa Fe depot and provides a narrated tour around mansions and historic sites, along with sweet views of the Missouri River.

Must see

Check out the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, the International Forest of Friendship, which contains trees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, and the Atchison Rail Museum, which features an outdoor collection of rail cars. For the kids Riverfront Park downtown was dedicated in 2004 and features the Lewis & Clark Pavilion, a hike and bike path along the river, and a children’s play area with a replica keelboat play structure.

Pocketbook friendly

An Amelia Earhart earthwork — a one-acre portrait by artist Stan Herd — lies on a hillside overlooking Warnock Lake. There is a viewing deck from a nearby hilltop.

Save the dates

Paolucci’s 16th annual Street Dance, June 5, features live music and an outdoor bar. Amelia Earhart Festival, July 16-17, will have a downtown fair, music, food, carnival rides and spectacular fireworks over the Missouri River.

Online/Twitter/Facebook

www.atchisonkansas.net; twitter.com/atchisonks

Did you know?

Atchison is the birthplace of Jesse Stone, often called one of the early developers of rock ’n’ roll. Writing under the name Charles Calhoun, he wrote “Shake, Rattle and Roll.”

How to get there

Atchison is near the junction of U.S. Highways 73 and 59.

Also near

About 25 miles south is Leavenworth.