Pony Express Country, Kansas


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.
Explore Pony Express Country
Amelia Earhart
Despite a few privileged years living with her grandparents in Atchison, Kansas, Amelia Earhart's childhood years were fairly transitional. Her father's job took him to Des Moines, where the family joined him a few years later. In 1913
Atchison, KS Famous PeopleFirst Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church is located at 1101 Central Avenue and was charted November 16, 1887, with eleven members. The present church was built in 1915 after the congregation united with the Free Will Baptist Church. In 1946
Horton, KS Historic ChurchesJackson Park
Jackson Park is the largest park in Atchison and the center of community fun days as well as family outtings. It is a heavily-wooded area with hiking and biking trails, play equipment, shelterhouses and picnic facilities.
Atchison, KS ParksOld Fashioned Hardware
The old fashioned hardware store on the historic courthouse square in Troy hasn't changed much in over a century. You can still see the original manual operated elevator that continuous to serve the store today.
Troy, KS Historic Buildings1882 Log Cabin
The cabin originally was built in 1882 by the John Pecha family near Odell, Nebraska, and was moved to Washington in 1970 by the Fidelia Study Club.
Washington, KS Pioneer LifeLewis & Clark Pavilion
The Lewis and Clark expedition arrived in what is now Kansas June 26, 1804, in the North Kansas City area and pushed north along the Missouri River, exploring both sides of the river. They camped in Doniphan County, south of White Cloud on July 6-7
White Cloud, KS Historic MarkersIrvin Hall, Highland Community College
Irvin Hall, Highland Community College is the oldest college building still in use in Kansas. When the town of Highland was established in 1857, one of the first objectives was to establish a site for a university. Work on the first building, Irvin Hall, began in 1858
Highland, KS Historic SchoolhousesCivil War Monument
A monument at Bellmont Cemetery, considered a Pioneer Cemetery, was dedicated in 1915
Wathena, KS MonumentsFree Public Library
In 1901, the History and Literature Club, which had been organized in 1891, wrote a letter to Andrew Carnegie requesting his help in creating a public library in Horton. This encouraged Federated Women's Clubs to get a tax levy for establishing a library and in 1938
Horton, KS Historic BuildingsMission Lake
Located in the Northeast corner of Horton, Mission Lake is easily accessible from either US-73 or from Highway K-20/US-73. It has 278 acres of camping grounds with over 100
Horton, KS RecreationSt. Patrick's Church
St. Patrick's is the oldest Catholic structure in continous use in Kansas by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City. In the spring of 1857, St. Patrick's was established by Rev. Augustine Wirth, O.S.B. The first church was erected in the fall of 1859
Atchison, KS Historic ChurchesSnow Creek Ski Area
Snow Creek Ski Area is Northeast Kansas'/Missouri's only Alpine ski area. Facilities include nine intermediate trails, 2 triple chair lifts and 2 beginner areas with 3 rope tows. A day lodge features a cafeteria-style restaurant and a lounge, ski rental and ticket sales. Open daily. 100%
Atchison, KS Skiing