Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Northeast Kansas Tourism and its partners. All opinions and photos are my own.

3 Northeast Kansas Towns Worth Visiting: Bonner Springs, Leavenworth, & Atchison

Bonner Springs, Leavenworth, and Atchison are communities that continually offer new and updated things to do. Use my travel guide to inspire your next adventures to all three towns, a road trip trifecta in Northeast Kansas.

Bonner Springs

Making Magical Creations at Moon Marble Company

Your first stop in Bonner Springs should be Moon Marble Company (600 E. Front Street) to watch a live glass-making demonstration. Open Monday through Friday, owner Bruce Breslow and fellow artisans showcase how marbles are made several times daily. It’s a show I’ve watched more than once for its cool factor.

Shop Moon Marble Company’s retail for assorted marbles, nostalgic toys, and games. Staff are eager to explain how to play marbles, if you’re want to buy a set.

PRO TIP: Plan to spend 40 minutes to one hour watching an instructional marble demonstration, occurs several times daily.

Listening to Music at the City Band Concert

Bring a chair to Kelly Murphy Park (2nd and Elm Streets) on Thursdays to enjoy the Bonner Springs City Band concert in good company during the summer. Eight-five talented musicians perform eight concerts per season in front of a large audience starting at 8:30 p.m.

I was impressed with the large turnout and visited with audience members between songs, making for a delightful experience.

PRO TIP: Each concert includes a sponsored ice cream social, so bring spending cash to buy sweet treats for the family.

Sipping in Secret at The Maintenance Room

Enter a nondescript door at Olde Mill Properties and prepare to transport yourself into a dimly lit cocktail lounge, The Maintenance Room (611 W 2nd Street). The hidden bar signature cocktail menu includes video-worthy smoky bourbon drinks. The Maintenance Room cocktail is a too-delicious-limit-two flaming drink and worth the price.

Book your reservation via Open Table to guarantee a lounge seat, especially on Thursdays when live jazz is playing.

PRO TIP: If you need to nosh on yummy food to manage your buzz, ask about small bites appetizers available.

Toasting to Friends at Range 23 Brewing Company

At Range 23 Brewing Company (200 Oak Street), the taps pour classic ales, lagers, and craft sodas five days a week. The downtown taproom is always welcoming for locals and visitors to socialize over a pint or two of craft beer. The owners appreciate whiskey and may have your favorite brand behind the bar.

I always put Range 23 at the top of my list of things to do when in Bonner Springs because it’s a relaxing place to unwind with friends. A wide range of beer styles means we’re all happy with our choices.

PRO TIP: You can order food for delivery or bring your own. The taproom reach-in refrigerator is home to gourmet ingredients to purchase a DIY charcuterie board.

Savoring the Flavor of Quentin’s BBQ

I always make time to dine at Quentin’s BBQ (611 W. 2nd Street), so I was all in when I heard that we could bring savory burgers and fries to Range 23 Brewing for dinner.

I’ve raved about Quentin BBQ’s menu since it I discovered their food truck in the Ten and Two Coffee Bar‘s parking lot years ago. Now a brick-and-mortar restaurant, they serve a dine-in and take-out crowd drool-worthy smoked meat entrees, burgers, and pizza.

PRO TIP: Don’t skimp on the homemade side dishes. The onion rings are perfectly crispy.

Celebrating Farming at the National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame

A family-friendly attraction, the National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame (630 N. 126th Street) hosts guided and self-guided tours of The Museum of Farming and others. Over 20,000 square feet of machinery and implements tell a visual story of the hard-working framers who used them like those honored in the Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Additionally, The on-site art gallery showcases The Harvest Queen mural by George Melville Stone. A walk outdoors to Farm Town USA is fun for young kids who can participate in educational programs about pioneer and railroad life.

PRO TIP: Plan to visit during the Show ‘N Shine Car Show & Potato Festival in July and the Barnyard Babies Family Festival in late April. View the event calendar.

Giving Into Your Sweet Tooth at Winkle Berry

Winkle Berry (211 Oak Street) is the newest addition to downtown Bonner Springs, offering shoppers premium freed dried candy in classic and exotic flavors. I enjoy the cinnamon-flavored candy, which has extra crunch thanks to the freeze-drying process that concentrates the taste.

Aside from bagged candy, Winkle Berry is a space dedicated to creative projects featuring the handiwork of local artisans. Additionally, the owner accepts custom 3D printing and laser engraving orders with examples of his work available for purchase.

PRO TIP: Ask for free samples of candy.

Unwinding in Comfort at Holiday Inn Express

Holiday Inn Express Kansas City – Bonner Springs (13031 Ridge Street) is my top choice of hotels when lodging overnight.

I’ve stayed at numerous Holiday Inn Express hotels in the past, and the Bonner Springs locations surpasses many of them for its cleanliness, well-stocked breakfast foods, and courteous service. And over 800 reviews online give it a near 5-star rating.

You can expect guest rooms with comfortable Sealy mattresses and black-out shades for guaranteed slumber. As soon as I drop my bags, I access the complimentary high-speed internet before adjusting the room’s temperature to a comfortable setting. Reserve your room.

Bonus Things To Do

Refer to my additional blog posts The Best of Bonner Springs, Kansas and Discover Endless Adventures in Bonner Springs for a deeper dive into things to do and see.

Leavenworth

In Leavenworth, the first city in Kansas, history intersects with modern attractions. Visitors gain access to iconic landmarks dating back to 1854 and a host of entertaining activities, plus 28 blocks of downtown shopping.

During my return trip to Leavenworth, I was eager to take in places I had yet to discover and revisit old gems.

Use my travel guide as an itinerary for your next overnight stay in the northeastern Kansas town, a 30-minute drive from Kansas City International Airport.

Starting the Day with Breakfast

Burr Roasters

The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans permeates the air at Burr Roasters (515 Delaware Street). A short line forms at the counters as locals sip coffee and eat breakfast at nearby tables.

I arrived hungry and ordered an English muffin breakfast sandwich with a self-serve drip coffee. A daily coffee drinker, I was impressed with the medium roast’s flavor, an indicator of the quality of the roaster’s workmanship.

PRO TIP: The Burr-ow, a backroom space dedicated to reading or board gaming, is a quiet spot to work.

Exploring Scenic Nature Sports During a Morning Walk

Leavenworth Landing Park and Three Mile Creek Trail

After an early-morning caffeine pick-me-up, park the car at Leavenworth Landing Park (301 E. Esplanade Street) and explore the quarter-mile pathway along the Missouri River for an idyllic stroll.

It’s a scenic area worth exploring for its birdwatching and native treelined grounds. The path lies parallel to an active Union Pacific railway, a nod to the town’s railroad era that replaced the Missouri River’s steamboat industry.

Public art with references to pioneer life and the railroad industry dot the landscape along the Leavenworth Landing walkway.

PRO TIP: Consider walking Three Mile Creek Trail, which connects the river’s walkway to 7th Street in historic downtown Leavenworth.

Lewis and Clark Signage

If you know the story of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, then you’re familiar with their expedition to explore west of the Mississippi River from 1804-1806. The river trek led them to the Kansas City area up the Missouri River with a stop in Leavenworth.

They recorded detailed notes about the region’s landscape for President Thomas Jefferson noting what people could expect heading west. Signage overlooking the river at 2nd and Dakota Street recognizes their visit to the area.

Esplanade Street Sidewalk Path

A stroll down Espalande Street helps you fully immerse in the Leavenworth’s Victorian period. Stretching from Bob Dougherty Memorial Park to Leavenworth Landing Park, the sidewalk path offers views of the historic homes and the Missouri River.

Downtown Murals and the Statue Safari

Leavenworth’s downtown area consists of a large concentration of murals and public art.

Perhaps the most eye-catching, Explore Leavenworth Mural serves as an anchor to kick off a mural walk at 416 Cherokee Street. Artist Leigh Coffman’s depiction of the town’s events is a glimpse into its past.

It’s the tucked-away murals that excite me the most. Keep your eyes peeled for smaller paintings on doors on various buildings downtown.

My self-guided tour led me down a path across from Leavenworth City Hall (100 N. 5th Street), where I spotted benches and signage honoring self-made women who impacted Leavenworth’s history, such as National American Woman Suffrage Association leader Susan B. Anthony and singer Melissa Etheridge.

Click here to access the Mural and Statue Safari tour.

Listening to Audio Tour at Historic Walk Kiosks

History comes alive while listening to an audio tour in downtown Leavenworth. Kiosks located in front of points of interest feature QR codes. Use your mobile phone’s camera to hover over the QR code and hear the stories of the people and places that made Leavenworth a notable northeastern Kansas town.

Kiosks, like the one pictured above, are part of 21 Historic Wayside Tour stops. Access this map before walking or driving the tour. Call (913) 745-3222 plus stop # to listen at each kiosk.

Taking a Mid-Day Break for Lunch

The Suburban

Savor the flavor of freshly prepared meals on a tranquil patio surrounded by lush plants and trees at The Suburban (402 S. 20th Street). Locals highly recommended that I dine at the off-the-beaten-path restaurant. I stepped onto the back patio, and it was easy to see why.

I dined on deviled eggs with bacon and a chicken cobb salad to the beat of Jamaican music while watching hosta leaves sway.

Between sips of iced tea, I noticed the hostess lead lunchtime diners to patio tables to enjoy the scenery, which resembled a nicely designed backyard landscape.

PRO TIP: An outdoor patio bar with TVs is the ideal place to watch a game.

Exploring a Local History Museum

National Fred Harvey Museum

The story of Fred Harvey is intriguing, and as someone who works in tourism, I appreciate how he grew the restaurant, hotel, and passenger train hospitality industries. His family home, the National Fred Harvey Museum (620 Olive Street) is worthy of a guided tour.

During my walk-thru of the three-story home, a volunteer tour guide shared details about Harvey’s entrepreneurial spirit, which included buying land near Florence, Kansas, where he raised livestock and grew vegetables.

Harvey not only spearheaded the restaurant and hotel industry, but he also transported refrigerated food in iced-down train cars headed west.

The Harvey family bought the home in 1891, where he lived with his wife and five kids until he died in an upstairs bedroom from cancer in 1901.

Volunteers restore the family residence when not providing tours. Call the museum at (813) 682-7949 to schedule one.

PRO TIP: Make sure to visit the one-time carriage house to sign the guest book and view Harvey memorabilia donated by collectors. Inquire about Leavenworth Historical Museum Association’s annual fundraiser, A Taste of Leavenworth, in early September, an event that supports the home’s renovation costs.

Shopping for Great Finds

Leavenworth Antique Mall

Leavenworth Antique Mall (505 Delaware Street) contains perhaps the most extensive collection of antiques under one roof in Kansas. The multi-floor building includes countless booths stocked by antique-loving individuals displaying everything from vintage tools to retro fashions.

If you love old collectibles, you could spend hours perusing the mall while listening to oldies music play overhead. The friendly employee at the front desk is happy to answer questions about refurbishing relics.

CJ Gift Co.

Stepping into CJ Gift Co. (430 Delaware Street) is like visiting an old friend. The owner’s familiar smile and the store’s curated displays, designed for Kansas enthusiasts, make every visit a delight.

Of course, you can always spot something delightful for the home when you’re ready to swap out your seasonal decor. From garden flags to great-smelling candles, CJ Gift Co. satisfies shoppers on a mission to beautify their space.

PRO TIP: Walk to the store’s back corner to view clearance items.

Soul Supply & Hardware

Faith-based gifts are the focus of Soul Supply & Hardware (704 Cherokee Street); however, the store’s inventory includes presents for all ages and any occasion.

Expecting parents and grandparents will appreciate the owner’s selection of kid-loving plush toys. Seasonal items, bath products, and top-selling Leavenworth t-shirts round-out the front-of-store inventory.

Reunions Antiques

For nearly two decades, Reunions Antiques’ (414 Delaware Street) relics from the past have attracted shoppers hoping to add furniture or primitive-style antiques to their collection.

The owner greeted me as he worked to display new arrivals meticulously. And if you’re searching for old furniture, his collection will exceed your expectations.

PRO TIP: The store is also home to 5th Avenue Frames. Ask them to custom frame artwork, photography, or prints.

Queens Pantry Teas

Sometimes, a cup of hot tea is just what you need, and Queens Pantry Teas (510 Delaware Street) offers samples while you shop. You will discover the Midwest’s largest selection of loose-leaf teas, British goods, and tea cups aplenty.

Consider creating a gift basket for someone while shopping for yourself. Whether one loves hot tea or cold brew, Queen’s Pantry Teas is the place to shop.

Candle Queen Candles Gift Boutique

As the name implies, Candle Queen Candles Gift Boutique (500 Shawnee Street) is a brightly-colored store selling hand-poured candles, melts, and whimsical gifts.

Imagine jarred candles with crystals protruding from them. Nearby, the shelving displays candles in scents like Margarita Slushie and Pearberry, with dried fruit hanging from twine. Expect the unexpected.

PRO TIP: Plan accordingly. The store is open on Saturdays and for special events.

Artistic Works by Lu

At first glance, Artistic Works by Lu (221 Delaware Street) appears to be a handcrafted jewelry store, but the shop also carries an extensive selection of on-trend fashions with “urban soul.”

The owner, who was busily crafting jewelry in a studio, greeted me, as did her helpful staff. I perused the store, admiring an endless boho chic apparel and jewelry inventory.

Artistic Works by Lu is where women shop when they need a go-to outfit for the weekend or a festival-ready ensemble.

Season 7 Boutique

Next door, Season 7 Boutique (208 Delaware Street) carries clothing and accessories for female dressers in search of on-trend fashions. Always stocked with Kansas City-themed shirts and jewelry, you’re bound to buy something to wear on game day.

The owners, a mother-daughter duo, carry the latest fashions for the season on display at the front of the store.

PRO TIP: Preview new merchandise when the owners go live on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. via Facebook and Instagram.

Popcorn Pit Stop

Who can resist a bag of fresh gourmet popcorn, especially when it’s made with tasty flavorings? At Popcorn Pit Stop (1116 N. Broadway), you can purchase ready-to-eat popcorn to curb cravings.

If the thought of enjoying the salty goodness of popcorn with the sweet flavor of your favorite candy bar excites you, stop by Popcorn Pit Stop for a grab-and-go bag.

Jet Produce and Meats

Go to the source, Jet Produce and Meats (26617 Tonganoxie Road), to purchase locally grown and pasture-raised meat. Also featuring an elaborate outdoor garden house with plants for sale during the spring and summer, Jet Produce and Meats grows a wide variety of vegetables.

Peruse the outdoor garden houses to shop for plants and flowering hanging baskets before entering inside the store for refrigerated food items. Travelers without coolers will appreciate jarred foods and bagged dry goods.

Enjoying Evening Entertainment

The Retro-cade

If you think about your favorite video game, can you hear the sound of its theme song? The Retro-cade (421 Delaware Street) is a total fun zone for those who want to pay a flat fee to play unlimited games.

The sounds of Space Invaders and Mortal Kombat resonate through the arcade, open Thursday-Saturday. It’s an excellent place for all ages to enjoy indoor entertainment in a nostalgic setting.

Celebrating with Friends Over Dinner & Drinks

Leavenworth Heritage Center

Perhaps the most memorable experience during my return visit to town was enjoying dinner and a show at Leavenworth Heritage Center (109 Delaware Street). The ticketed event featured Legends of the Opry with Melissa & Company, a country music cover band.

A take on Nashville’s variety show, The Grand Ole Opry, band members and guest singers played up the theatrics, dressing in comical wigs and costumes. At one point, Elvis was bringing dancers to their feet.

The reservation-required dinner and a show were entertaining, and the best part of the evening was getting to know the guests at our shared table, who welcomed me like new friends. Three hours of fun flew by.

PRO TIP: Check the live entertainment page for upcoming events and ticket information.

Willcott Brewing Company & Taproom

As the day winds to an end, Willoctt Brewing Company & Taproom (600 Cherokee Street) is the ideal place for a Happy Hour cold one. I’ve imbibed at their Holton location and found the beer and the atmosphere equally pleasing at this location.

While I appreciated the tasting sample of Four Sisters Double IPA, I decided to drink a pint of 1874 Turkey Red Wit while enjoying the cool air conditioning with view of the bar’s TV.

PRO TIP: The brewery doesn’t serve food. So, if you’re hungry, buy $5 bagged pretzels or arrive on Tuesday for food truck fare.

11Worth Station BrewHouse

11Worth Station BrewHouse (305 Cherokee Street) is where craft beer lovers will find numerous taps with Kansas beers available.

An $11 flight of four 5-ounce pours made it easy for me to sample several beers, and ultimately, my favorite one was Rockcreek Brewing Company’s Cabin Fever Reliever, a hazy IPA.

If you don’t drink beer, they have a full bar for cocktails of your choice, wine, and non-alcoholic drink options.

Checking Into Lodging for a Good Night’s Sleep

Fairfield Inn & Suites Leavenworth

Out-of-towners will be glad they chose Fairfield Inn & Suites Leavenworth, (1101 N. 4th Street) located minutes away by car from downtown. Marriott Bonvoy members, like myself, can expect a lobby with modern-style furnishings and prompt customer service upon arrival.

My King Suite home-life feel helped me unwind after a fun day of exploring. In the morning, I checked emails on my laptop using high-speed internet from a in-room workstation before enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast in the lobby.

Bonus Things To Do

I’m glad I returned to explore what makes Leavenworth a repeatable vacation destination. I hope you discover its delightful places using this guide and my 2o21 write-up, The Top Attractions in Leavenworth, Kansas, for bonus travel recommendations.

Atchison

Make the 30-minute drive from Leavenworth to explore one of the state’s most historic towns, Atchison. Known as the Amelia Earhart’s childhood home, its main street hums with activity especially on weekends.

Shopping Like a Local Downtown

Atchison Farmer’s Market

Begin a day of shopping at Atchison Farmer’s Market (Main Street downtown between 4th and 6th Streets), where dozens of food, plants, and merchandise vendors are eager to chat with visitors on Saturdays from June through October.

The baked bread and fruit pies are irresistible, and you can expect produce twice the size of grocery store varieties sold at reasonable prices. I made two purchases and a new friend within 15 minutes.

PRO TIP: Check the Facebook event page for upcoming market details.

Crystal Company

The allure of colorful crystals and stones (not rocks!) brings shoppers to Crystal Company (112 N. 8th Street). The only store like it in the area, Crystal Company is stocked floor to ceiling with every stone you can imagine in every color of the rainbow. Springbok puzzles, wind chimes, and fragrant incense round out the inventory.

Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, prism-cut crystal for your home or a tumble stone for a friend, you’ll find it here. I enjoyed visiting with the owner, who is passionate about stone hunting and is quick to recommend the best stone for each person.

Naomi Rose Boutique and Hat Co.

If you love boho/country style, shop Naomi Rose Boutique and Hat Co. (725 Commercial Street) for the latest women’s fashions in all sizes. A boutique featuring unique jewelry and a DIY trucker hut studio, Naomi Rose Boutique is the kind of store where you can walk in, not knowing what you want, and walk out with a complete outfit.

The owner handpicks brands that are also suited for youngsters and shoe lovers, and she specializes in personalized wood-etched gifts.

PRO TIP: Ask about new clothing drops and surprise sales.

Queen Bee Customs

Queen Bee Customs (525 Commercial Street) believes its shoppers are unique, like its clothing and accessories. During its recent grand opening, women and girls came out in droves to shop for on-trend fashions.

For what the store lacks in size, it makes up for in inventory volume, catering to shoppers seeking a casual or semi-dressy outfit for a same-day event or date night. Shop near the register for make-up and small gift items.

PRO TIP: Follow the store’s Facebook for announcements about coffee truck pop-ups and live sales.

That’s Neat! (Inside Backroad Atlas)

That’s Neat!, a new hand-crafted apparel booth tucked inside Backroad Atlas (517 Commercial Street) antique store is your go-to shop for repurposed women’s fashions.

The owner and creator, Valerie, sews on patches and appliques to reimagined denim jeans, jackets, and overalls. Fabric swatches are sewn together to create one-of-a-kind apparel like the dress pictured above. Shop from available inventory or place an order for pick-up.

Grabbing a Bite to Eat

Paolucci’s Deli

Since 1983, Paolucci’s Lounge Restaurant (115 S. 3rd Street) has been a popular family-owned Italian dining experience for Atchison’s residents and visitors. After a half-day of shopping, I dropped by to discover a full menu of classic entrees, American meals, and all-day breakfast selections.

I wasn’t leaving without trying beef lasagna and garlic toast (the “light portion” is pictured below) with a small garden salad. The marinara sauce was so tasty that I used the bread to mop up every last bite.

PRO TIP: Order A Taste of Italy, a restaurant specialty, and a second plate of pasta and sauce is complimentary.

Pace E Bene

The tastiest lattés and gelato in Northeast Kansas are served at Pace E Bene (503 Commercial Street). The family-run café, located in the back of a Catholic-based bookstore, is a hidden gem serving baked goods and panini at lunchtime.

Cozy up with your laptop or a book in the comfy lounge or shop for gifts after coffee and a meal. If traveling with kids, board games and puzzles keep it entertaining.

Bonus Things To Do

If you have more time for an overnight stay, use my previous guide Exploring the Historic Charm of Atchison, Kansas, to learn about the town’s award-winning museums, historic home tours, and noteworthy parks.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any travel questions about this trifecta road trip to Bonner Springs, Leavenworth, and Atchison, Drop a message in the comments, and I’ll personalize a unique response for you.