Isn’t it funny how when you live in one state, you never really know what lies in the neighboring one next to you? I’m not gonna lie…I fell in love with the town of Atchison, KS on my latest visit. While myself and other bloggers were hosted by one of the most delightful people in the world (you know who you are!), the town had so many amazing hidden gems that I never even knew existed. Seriously…how had I never visited Atchison, Kansas before? With it only being 2 hours from my home, I’m so sad that I just now experienced the beauty and history (and haunts!) of this town at age *cough, cough* 30.
If you’ve been searching for a weekend getaway in the Midwest area, Atchison, KS needs to be on your radar!
While I was hosted during the trip, all thoughts and views are 100% my own.
Wonderful Weekend Getaway in Atchison, KS
From the moment that my husband and I arrived in the town, we knew that we were in for a treat. There were rumblings among the group that Atchison, KS has some great history behind it, as well as some very famous haunted homes and businesses as well. Combining education and fear?! I’m down for that any time!
Our purpose of visiting Atchison was to discover all the awesomeness that is there….and trust me, it’s a great town. If you are wanting to book a weekend getaway that will be full of interesting and amazing history, a weekend getaway in Atchison, KS is for you. In my opinion, these are the highlights of the town of Atchison, KS that you just can’t miss!
Where to stay in Atchison, KS
Tuck U Inn at Glick Mansion Bed and Breakfast
I’ve never stayed at a bed and breakfast more beautiful than Tuck U Inn. Ever. The home actually dates all the way back to 1873 but has been taken care of wonderfully. We had a room upstairs, and a private bathroom which was very, very nice. The beds were SUPER comfortable and the rooms were extremely clean.
From the moment that you step into the bed and breakfast, you can tell that the owners take great pride in their home. Welcoming you with a smile, and your name is written on the chalkboard outside, you’re given your keys and shown to your room.
The bed and breakfast is extremely quiet at night and is full of amazing antiques that you can walk around and look at. Keep an eye peeled for the candy bowls full of chocolate…I know I may have snuck one or two every time I passed by.
We had our own keys to our room, and it was perfect. With 6 different room options to choose from, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be staying in comfort.
Haunted Fun in Atchison, KS
If you like being spooked, Atchison is full of spooky places that are perfect for you! With the town built on limestone, there are many tales that surround the porous building material…Many state that limestone is porous which allows the spirits and ghosts to come and go as they please. Is the city of Atchison, KS really haunted? That’s up to you to decide.
The Sallie House in Atchison, KS
This house has a serious haunted history and needs to be on your radar if you’re looking for something fun and scary to do. (Read all about my experience at the Sallie house HERE!) Don’t let the outside of the house fool you…it’s what’s on the inside that has some people spooked to the core.
It’s said that the home is often visited by the spirit of “Sallie”, a little girl who died in the home during a procedure. As if that isn’t spooky enough, there have been many, many, MANY sighting and things caught on tape and video that give some sort of backing to these thoughts and talk.
My time in the Sallie House was unforgettable and I can’t wait to go back and explore more. If you are brave enough to enter, you can take a self-guided tour and explore all the feelings and sights possible. (keep an eye out for orbs) And if you are truly intrigued, you can even rent out and stay the entire night at the Sallie House as well. (although…most leave before the night is over and book it to a hotel!)
Are you brave enough to enter?
The McInteer Villa in Atchison, KS
Another beautiful home with some truly haunted history. (Here’s my experience at this haunted house!) From the moment that we arrived, things were happening…Doors opened, voices were heard, and a mysterious face decided to make an appearance in the picture I took of the mirror…I’m typically not one to believe in certain things, but my experience at the McInteer Villa had me spooked to the core.
Experiencing this home is important because honestly, it’s beyond beautiful on the inside. It’s just the icing on the cake that it happens to be haunted also!
What are you waiting for? Book your overnight stay and experience it for yourself!
Haunted Trolley Tour
How cool is this? We got to ride around on the trolly and we saw and learned about every haunted house in Atchison. And there were a ton! I couldn’t believe just how many homes had haunted tales to go along with them! The tour guide does a great job giving the information about the homes as well and filling you in on all the spooky details.
History-Mystery Walking Tour
I loved going on the history-mystery walking tour. We walked the streets of the old railroad town and learned a ton of history about all of the older homes in the area. (and of course, all the haunted stories that go along with them!) The tour lasts about 1 1/2 hours so wear comfy shoes and bring your camera! This is a must!
Cemetery Tour
Did I mention that the trolley took us to the Mount Vernon Cemetary for a cemetery tour? It was actually really, really cool and I learned a ton of history and facts about gravesites, gravestones and the past residents of Atchison. Half of ticket admission price goes towards future cemetery improvements, and I loved knowing that as well. Don’t miss out on a cemetery tour packed full of history!
Borrow a bike and check out the town of Atchison, KS
Make certain that you stop by the visitors center first thing when arriving in Atchison! Smiling faces, a great gift shop, an informative museum, and small Atchison apparel await. Plus, if you want to rent a bike and tour the town, this is the place to make it happen. (Have I mentioned how quaint and welcoming this town is?!)
While we were there the Atchison Visitors Center was warm and welcoming each and every time we ventured there. Plus, you can get some really cool shots of the old boxcar trains while you are there as well.
If you do decide to rent a bike, bike (if not, walk) on down to the riverfront. Pay close attention to the memorials located along the waterfront and if you happen to be there during the evening hours, watch how the bridge lights up and reflects as the American Flag on the water. It’s seriously stunning.
Activities to Explore in Atchison, KS
Go antiquing at Backroad Atlas
Backroad Atlas is one of those antique stores that you could literally spend hours in. HOURS. And that, my friends, is a very good thing. I loved wandering and looking at everything vintage and new that there was for sale. The owner did an amazing job of presenting everything in a clean and organized fashion and was warm and welcoming as well. Don’t forget to head back to the back room because there are even more goodies to look through!!!!
Get crafty at The Artist Box
We were able to go to The Artist Box and paint a plaster mold that was Halloween themed and it was so much fun! The options were quite impressive and it was obvious that the owner took great pride in her store. Plus, she offers a ton of other classes as well! Crafting and cocktail classes, pottery classes, painted ceramics…you name it! It was such a blast to sit around a table and paint with my friends. We were there about an hour and I highly recommend this experience when in Atchison!
The Sunflower
If you love a good cup of coffee, The Sunflower is the place for you. Plus, if you get there early enough you MAY be lucky enough to get one of the homemade goodies as well. This is definitely the place to be in town for early morning gatherings or afterschool snacks. And while we were there, we were spoiled by the owner and she made us an “adult” beverage that I instantly loved. It was to die for. Seriously. Treat your taste buds to this fun coffee shop!
Places to Dine in Atchison, KS
Paolucci Restaurant, Deli & Lounge
The inside of this restaurant is warm and welcoming and the menu is expansive! We all ordered something different and every dish looked great! There wasn’t much talking going on at the dinner table so I always take that as a good sign that the food is good! Make certain that you check out their specials for the night and take the time to really soak in the local Atchison ambiance. The location of this dining spot is great as well as it’s close to the waterfront, perfect for a nightly after-dinner stroll!
Lopez de Mexico
Family-owned and operated, this Mexican restaurant offers up homemade dishes to fill the belly! Right from the first bite, I fell in love with their salsa. I kept dipping away. It was just that good! Open for lunch and dinner, it was hopping at all times. One of the local favorites that you need to experience yourself. (and while you’re there, ask about the ghost that roams…)
Jerrys Again
A local lunch favorite, you might have to wait in line during the week if you don’t arrive ahead of the crowd! Their menu offers up some great American classics…and my word of advice? Order the pie BEFORE you eat because they always sell out quickly! Beautiful decor and ambiance as well!
History to Explore in Atchison, KS
I know earlier I mentioned that the town is jam-packed full of history. And that is 100% true.
Amelia Earhart’s Birthplace Museum
Taking a tour of the home of Amelia Earhart was amazing. Being in the same rooms that she was when she was little was seriously like taking a step back in time. Every room of the home is packed full of artifacts and is taken care of beautifully by the staff. Tours are open and available to the public and I highly recommend making this part of your weekend getaway adventure.
Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum
There aren’t words to describe the experience I had when visiting this museum. (Read all about it HERE.) While the new museum is currently in the process of being built, we were fortunate enough to visit the hangar and see the plane, Muriel, the last remaining Lockheed Electra L-10E left in the world. Trust me…you don’t want to miss out on this experience. I was blown away and learned so much new historical information.
Other museums to explore in Atchison, KS
Two other museums that deserve to be highlighted are the Muchnic Art Gallery and the Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum. We were lucky enough to venture into both of these at the very end of our visit, and I couldn’t have been more excited! The art gallery was full of amazing art pieces that were for sale to the public, many of which had already been purchased!
The Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum was warm and welcoming and we were given a fabulous tour by an extremely kind lady. She took her time and was so knowledgeable. It was an absolute pleasure to be in her company and learn about the history of the home as well.
Whew! I think I covered a lot of great places to visit in Atchison, KS….don’t you agree? Now, do you see why you could absolutely have a weekend getaway in Atchison, KS with ease? With so much history and haunts, you’ll never run out of things to do!
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