Pony Express Country

Pony Express Country is like a charming quilt – made of pioneer spirit, small-town hospitality and colorful Native American culture. Here, you can follow the Oregon-California Trail and reach the only authentic Pony Express home station still standing at its original site. You’ll wander through historic small towns. Wind along scenic country roads to find old barns, apple orchards, forgotten ghost towns and trail ruts. Rediscover frontier river ports such as Atchison, Elwood and White Cloud, where 30 to 40 riverboats once docked. Along the way, you’re also sure to sample good food, friendly conversation and one of the most charming vacation experiences you can imagine.

Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

Denison

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Cities to Explore

Worth the stop.

Some places don't need much time, just the right moment.

Highland

The establishment of Highland begins with the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indian Mission established in…

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Go a little further.

The next turn is often where things start to get interesting.

Atchison

Situated on hills and bluffs along the Missouri River, Atchison is one of the most…

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Simple trips are often the best.

You don't need much for a place to leave an impression.

Centralia

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Stop when something catches your eye.

Those moments tend to matter more than the planned ones.

Holton

In May of 1856, a Milwaukee wagon train financed by E.D. Holton made its way…

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Take the detour.

The extra miles are often where the story begins.

Hiawatha

Hiawatha was founded in 1857. John M. Coe, John P. Wheller, and Thomas J. Drummond…

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Keep moving.

Even slow progress opens up new places and perspectives.

Blue Rapids

On October 24, 1913, more than 3,000 fans watched the Chicago White Sox and New…

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A place to slow down.

Not every stop needs to be busy to be worth your time.

Hanover

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Go where you feel alive.

Pay attention to the places that pull you in without explanation.

Elwood

A trading post was established at Elwood in 1852, in the area known as Roseport.…

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Lakes & Parks

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Explore a County Jackson County 2 cities  ·  7 counties in Pony Express Country

Jackson, under the old name of Calhoun, was one of the thirty-three counties established by the first Territorial Legislature at…

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Explore a City Highland 2 attractions  ·  21 cities in Pony Express Country

The establishment of Highland begins with the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indian Mission established in 1827 by Father Samuel Irvin,…

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