Ready to dive into small-town charm, spooky legends, and riverfront views? Atchison is a historic town that leans into its haunted past, Victorian beauty, and cozy seasonal vibes. Here’s your guide to the ultimate fall weekend in Atchison, Kansas.
Brave the Sallie House
Feeling daring? Step inside the Sallie House, America’s most haunted home. You can explore this unassuming house during self-guided daytime tours or sign up for an after-dark ghost hunt if you’re feeling extra bold. Walk through sparse, dimly lit interiors where unexplainable events have been occurring for decades.
See the same rooms featured on “Ghost Adventures” and “Buzzfeed Unsolved.” Don’t miss the nursery, where the most paranormal activity has been reported. Keep an eye out for the mysterious heart-shaped burn mark on the floor that reappears every time someone attempts to cover it. Bring a flashlight if you’re coming at night, and leave the kids at home for this one.
Spend an Evening at the 1889 McInteer Villa
Swap your modern guest suite for a night steeped in Victorian mystery at the 1889 McInteer Villa. Built by Irish immigrant John McInteer, this limestone mansion combines Gothic architecture with a ghostly reputation. Join a public ghost hunt or wine tasting inside the home, or kick things up a notch with an overnight stay.
Admire hand-carved woodwork, stained-glass windows, and sweeping staircases. On the flip side, expect unsettling creaks and unexplained sounds around every corner. Climb the top-floor tower for panoramic views of the city. Bringing ghost-hunting gear along for the journey? Try capturing an EVP recording—if you dare.
Tour Atchison’s Grand Victorian Mansions
Dive into Gilded Age splendor with tours of Atchison’s most elegant Victorian homes. Start at the opulent Evah C. Cray Historical Home, open daily through October. Take a guided tour to hear fascinating stories of the Cray family’s riverboat fortune. Marvel at intricately carved staircases, elaborate wallpaper, and the turret room with sweeping Missouri River views.
Next, explore the Muchnic Art Gallery, where Queen Anne architecture meets rotating exhibits by regional artists. Wander through parquet-floored halls once walked by society’s elite. Swing by the solarium to see stained-glass windows in vibrant jewel tones. Pro tip: Plan both visits in the morning or afternoon, as they often close early.
Admire the Downtown Victorian Streetscape
Lace up your boots and take a picture-worthy stroll through the brick-paved streets of Atchison’s charming downtown area. See the state’s largest contiguous collection of Victorian buildings in what’s basically an architectural time capsule. Snap photos of the 19th-century storefronts, vintage lampposts, wrought-iron balconies, and the famous Clock Tower.
Explore Main Street to check out antique shops, boutiques, and cafes. Grab a pumpkin spice latte or hot cider from Cup A Joe. Stop by Tacyn’s or Queen Bee Customs Boutique for stylish clothing and accessories. Browse Vintage Gypsy and Backroad Atlas for antique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds.
Dig Into Frontier Lore at the Atchison County Historical Society Museum
Discover the story of Atchison County and how it shaped U.S. history in the Atchison County Historical Society Museum, housed in the historic 1880 Santa Fe Freight Depot. Learn about everything from Lewis & Clark to Wild West railroading. Wander exhibits showcasing Atchison’s riverboat boom, rail history, and hometown hero Amelia Earhart.
Pop into the military collection to see hundreds of weapons from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and both World Wars. Don’t miss the recreated 1920s storefront, charming model trains, and authentic Amelia Earhart memorabilia. It’s a small but mighty museum, so plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour here to see it all.
Step Inside the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
Get an intimate look at the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic inside the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Choose between a guided or self-guided tour inside her grandparents’ 1861 Gothic Revival home. Wander original rooms filled with personal belongings, flight uniforms, and historic photos that tell the story of Earhart’s early life.
Check out artifacts from some of the many Amelia Earhart film adaptations—including costumes worn by Hilary Swank. Spend a few minutes in the upstairs bedroom where Amelia was born, then visit the small gift shop filled with aviation-themed souvenirs.
Leaf-Peep Along the Missouri River at Riverfront Park
Catch autumn in full display at Riverfront Park, one of the best spots in Atchison for fall foliage. Stroll paved riverside trails while fiery red and gold leaves frame sweeping Missouri River views. Find a picnic table for a mid-walk snack or climb the overlook for bluff-top vistas.
Arrive just before sunrise or sunset for stunning photo ops over the water. If you’re visiting with kids, take them to the play area to burn off energy. Want to catch a bald eagle flying overhead? Bring your binoculars—this is a great area for birdwatching in the fall.
Wander the International Forest of Friendship
Need a quiet moment? Head to the International Forest of Friendship, a serene arboretum and memorial forest honoring aviation pioneers from around the globe. Walk peaceful nature paths lined with trees from all 50 states and more than 36 countries. Read plaques dedicated to contributors in aviation history, like Amelia Earhart.
Look for unique trees like the “Moon Tree,” which was grown from a seed that made it to the moon aboard Apollo 14. While you’re there, pay your respects to the ten fallen astronauts honored at the Astronaut’s Memorial. The forest is rarely crowded, so expect a calm fall outing that looks like a postcard brought to life.
Snack Your Way Through the Atchison Farmers’ Market
Start your Saturday morning right with cider, local apples, and caramel-drizzled pastries from the Atchison Farmers’ Market. Running through the end of October, this charming market showcases the best of the area’s local farmers, bakers, artisans, and ranchers.
Grab fresh-baked apple cider donuts and jars of honey from local beekeepers. Shop for homemade jams, fresh produce, and seasonal bouquets. Before you go, stop by the rotating food trucks for coffee, kettle corn, and lemonade. Arrive early for the best selection and fuel up for the rest of the day’s adventures.
Book a Haunted Atchison Trolley Tour
Climb aboard the red trolley and embark on Atchison’s most iconic fall tradition. Running every weekend in September and October, this 60-minute narrated ride is part ghost tour, part history lesson. Grab tickets in advance—it’s a local favorite that sells out fast.
Roll past infamous haunted spots like the Sallie House, McInteer Villa, and eerie hillside cemeteries. Listen to spine-tingling tales of restless spirits and strange happenings. Discover why Atchison is known as the most haunted town in Kansas. The open trolley windows are part of the experience, so don’t forget to bring a jacket.
