I had no idea Missouri was this cool until I explored its big-city attractions and small-town adventures. Over the years, the Show Me State has impressed me. From its outdoor escapes to its fine-dining restaurants, you’ll love experiencing these bucket-list-worthy stops and everything in between.
30 Bucket List Missouri Experiences You Must Try
Take in a Birds-Eye View of the City
St. Louis Arch
You can’t visit The Lou without visiting the Gateway Arch Museum and taking the tram to the top of the Arch, America’s tallest monument, which spans an awe-inspiring 630 feet.
It’s a National Park (the smallest!) with 91 acres completed in 1965, which Thomas Jefferson envisioned as the Gateway to the West.
Dip Your Feet in the Water of a Natural Spring
Hodgson Mill
Hodgson Mill was purchased in 1884 for $500 to produce white flour. It once housed a general store, sawmill, and cotton gin. It is located 20 miles from West Plains, adjacent to Highway 181.
During a self-guided walking tour of the grounds, I suspect you’ll adore the landscape as much as we did.
The barn-red mill towers in the background while a fast-flowing spring maneuvers water over moss-covered rocks. Take your shoes off and feel the cool water rush over them.
Bite Down on Kansas City Barbecue
Q-39
Of course you need to eat barbecue when visiting Kansas City, and if you want the best burnt ends, you must dine at Q39 (multiple locations). Prepared from the pointed end of the brisket, these charred meat morsels will have you closing your eyes in the first bite.
Q39 arrived on the Kansas City barbecue scene in 2014 and changed the game.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
History Museum on the Square
In Springfield, you’re in the heart of Route 66 culture at its birthplace. The admission cost is worth the experience at the History Museum on the Square (154 Park Central Square), where the state’s Mother Road history comes alive.
Experience what it was like to pull over for a simulated diner experience (play the jukebox), learn from an interactive timeline exhibit, and snap a photo from inside a 1957 Chevrolet.
Admire Phenomenal Street Art
Crossroads Art District
Kansas City’s Crossroads Art District is the mecca for street artists. Located in a neighbor celebrating local shop owners, restaurants, and artisan, the Crossroad Art District is a fun place to walk or drive to view dozens of oversized murals.
Consider registering for a low-cost urban hike to view the murals with a local tour guide.
Take a Sip Before Slipping Down a Slide
J. Rieger Co.
At J. Rieger Co. (2700 Guinotte Avenue) in Kansas City, you can take a guided tour and sip whiskey cocktails, but what makes the distillery unique is its two-story indoor slide built for adults.
The 40-foot slide in the Monogram Lounge is the only one like it in the world located in a distillery.
Add String to the World’s Largest Spool of Thread
Missouri Quilt Museum
Located inside an old school, Missouri Quilt Museum (1230 N. Waco Avenue) showcases thousands of quilts, antique sewing machines, thimbles, needles and more.
Take a self-guided tour of over 30,000 square feet of gallery space with works represented by individual quilters and quilters’ guilds.
Don’t miss your chance to take a photo with the World’s Largest Spool of Thread in front on the museum. Bring thread to add to it.
Watch a Cardinals Game from the Good Seats
Busch Stadium
You can’t come to St. Louis without attending a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium (700 Clark Ave.). Recognized as 11-time World Champions, fans converge on the ballpark to cheer on the hometown team with chants and roars of applause.
Spring for a private suite for a premium experience. You only live once, right?
Learn About the Life Of Walt Disney
Walt Disney Hometown Museum
Celebrate Mickey Mouse‘s birthday by planning a future trip to the City of Marceline, Missouri, the boyhood home of Walt Disney. Tour the two-story Walt Disney Hometown Museum to view authentic artifacts and view original drawings.
Located on Mo Hwy 36 – Way of American Genius, you should stop for a burger and dessert at Ma Vic’s Corner Cafe before shopping downtown, aka Main Street USA, which Disney referred to as “everyone’s hometown.”
Discover the Kid Who Became a Retail Tycoon
J. C. Penney Museum
It’s not everyday you get to stand next to a man of greatness. At the J.C. Penney Museum (312 N. Davis Street) in Hamilton, you can take your photo with the company’s namesake. T
he town is on the the Highway of American Genius, and his career contributions certainly deserve recognition.
J.C. Penney was born and raised on a nearby farm. After touring the museum’s exhibits, be sure to view his childhood home located downtown.
Walk in the Footsteps of a Literally Icon
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum (120 N. Main Street) in Hannibal, where Twain lived from nine years old until his teenage years when he left in 1853.
As a former English Literature major and teacher, I felt chill bumps as I listened to the wood floors creak underfoot and admired the home’s contents.
Walk across the creaky wood floors and imagine a teenage Twain looking out the window and daydreaming about his future. It was there that he fell in love with writing.
Climb Into the Saddle Where the Pony Express Began
Pony Express National Museum
The Pony Express National Museum (914 Penn Street) does an exceptional job of preserving history and presenting it interactively in St. Joseph.
A self-guided museum tour reveals the story of the Pony Express and its brave riders through interactive exhibits and curated artifact displays. Take a photo of authentic saddles or peek through photo cutout stations.
Stand in Awe with a Military Giant
General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
I pulled over in Laclede, Missouri, (pop. 301) to learn more about its hometown hero General John J. Pershing at a historic site. Maybe you’ve heard of him? He’s one of the most celebrated American soldiers in the early 20th Century as the second highest ranked military officer in U.S. History.
President Woodrow Wilson selected Pershing to command the American Expeditionary Forces during WWI.
Look for Famous Signatures on Cave Walls
Mark Twain Cave
In Hannibal, touring the Mark Twain Cave (300 Cave Hallow Road) is one of the most sought-after activities, and for good reason.
Open year-round for walk-through guided tours, it gives visitors a sense of wonder as they traverse the 3/8-mile cave, which inspired Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
Look for signatures by the cave’s most famous explorers, and don’t miss the Jesse James Hideout.
Imagine Explorers on the Mighty Missouri River
Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum
Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum (1050 S. Riverside Dr.) provides a visual timeline of events detailing Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s travels beginning in St. Charles.
Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.
Stand in Line for the State’s Best Dessert
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
Why wait in line for ice cream? Because Betty Rae Ice Cream (412 Delaware St.) is “more than ice cream.” It is the best ice cream shop in Kansas City bar none.
We took the downtown shuttle from Union Station and discovered the ice cream shop by chance. The line moved quickly, and before I knew it, I was staring down a menu with flavors like Lavender Honey and Chocolate Brownie.
Take in the View from the Top of the Rock
Big Cedar Lodge
There is perhaps no better view of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake than at Top of the Rock at Big Cedar Lodge (190 Top of the Rock Road). A mecca for golfers, we enjoyed kicking back with a cold drink from the outdoor patio (aka Buffalo Bar) on a sunny afternoon.
If you’re a foodie, enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view, an experience you’ll never forget.
Eat a Sandwich in the Home of Sliced Bread
Boji Stone Café
Chillicothe, Missouri is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and they should know. The first automatic bread slicing machine for commercial application was invented there in 1928 by Otto Rohwedder, on display at New Grand River Historical Society & Museum.
Eat a tasty pimento cheese and bacon sandwich at Boji Stone Café (610 Washington Street) – add bread pudding topped with “faux” yellow butter made from cream cheese for dessert.
Watch a 3D Projected Show Set to Music
Grand Hall Light Show
You’ll be wonderstruck by Union Station Hotel‘s (1820 N. Market Street) detailed finishes, which included mosaic tile, stained glass, archways, and wrought-iron railings. But it’s the lobby’s 3D fire and light show set to music projected on the Grand Hall’s ceiling that is sure to impress you the most.
The show, displayed around the 65-foot ceiling, runs on the hour from 5:00 pm – 10:00pm daily.
Drop Quarters to Earn the Highest Score
Up Down Arcade Bar
You can count on me to find an arcade in most cities, and Up-Down Kansas City (101 Southwest Boulevard) is one that I highly suggest you check out.
The two-story arcade has over 50 games from the 80s and 90s, including all your favorites like Pac-Man, Iron, and Galaga, plus rows of pinball machines and carnival-like games. You’ll feel like a kid with a new Nintendo® again.
Transport Yourself to a Tranquil European Garden
Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden (4800 Rockhill Road). is the place. To visit on a spring day is magical. A covered tree-lined pathway leads visitors to an open-air garden.
The sounds of falling water and birds are the only sounds you hear, and the setting’s tranquility envelopes you.
View Art Exhibits that Make a Lasting Impression
Kemper Museum of Art
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (4420 Warwick Boulevard) is another place to admire artists’ work. Free admission, free programs, and free parking make it a must-visit attraction in the area.
A number of the permanent collection pieces include sculptures, paintings, and photography ranging in styles from minimalism to avante-garde. Although smaller than the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the artwork is equally awe-inspiring.
Admire the Sunset from a Riverboat on the Missouri River
Mark Twain Riverboat Dinner Cruise
For 25 years, Captain Steve and his wife Sandy have welcomed visitors aboard to show them the beauty of the Mississippi River in Hannibal via the Mark Twain Riverboat Dinner Cruise.
As the sun sets, the musician took requests to play cover songs, and diners indulged in brownie desserts. For me, the best part of the river cruise was enjoying the natural scenery and taking photos of the sunset from the boat’s bow.
Watch Tropical Fish Swim Overhead
St. Louis Aquarium
Saltwater fish. Sharks. Turtles. Stingrays. The St. Louis Aquarium (201 S. 18th Street), within walking distance of the Union Station Hotel, is home to over 13,000 sea creatures. Hands-on activity areas teach visitors of all ages about the native habitats of the animals.
I recommend experiencing the interactive train raid that departs every 15 minutes. The virtual experience is like taking a Union Station train under the sea.
Feed Giraffes From Your Hand
Dickerson Park Zoo
When in Springfield, visit the Dickerson Park Zoo (3043 N. Fort) for a wild time observing animals, feeding giraffes, or taking photos with interactive art exhibits.
Purchase feed at the Ozark Fence Giraffe Outpost ($4 for 4 tokens) daily March through October from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Join a Sing-A-Long Between Burger Bites
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner
You won’t be able to resist singing along with the waitstaff at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner (2800 76 Country Boulevard) in Branson. Most of the servers are professional singers who also perform in theater productions.
The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but we didn’t wait at all for a table. The diner has entertained guests for nearly three decades.
Treat Yourself at the Best Cookie Shop in America
Grandma’s Cookies
Located in downtown St. Charles, Grandma’s Cookies (401 S. Main Street) was voted #1 Cookie Shop by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2024. It’s bucket list experience indeed.
I’ve never tasted a better homemade cookie. In fact, I saved one of my chocolate chip cookies for the drive home eventually eating it bite-by-bite over the next several days to savor it.
Stand in the Original Bass Pro Shop Retail Counter
Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters
Did you know Bass Pro Shops started in Springfield in eight square feet of retail space in Johnny Morris’ dad’s store in 1972?
The company has 171 retail stores, but the granddaddy of them all, Bass Pro Shops Springfield (1 Bass Pro Drive), includes museums, restaurants, and Wonders of Wildlife.
To walk inside the Springfield Bass Pro Shop is to be enveloped by nature. Taxidermy, aquariums, retail shelves, boats, hunting and fishing equipment, ATVs, and more surround you.
Listen to the Water Fall in Quiet Reflection
City of Fountains
You can’t go far in Kansas City without seeing a decorative fountain. Referred to as the City of Fountains, 48 eye-catching water displays are throughout the city. The first fountains were designed in the late 1800s.
In early April, residents celebrate Greater Kansas City Fountain Day. Events, artists, and vendors host events at various fountains in the city.
Watch Super Bowl Champions Win
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
I’m assuming you’re a Chiefs fan if you’re reading about bucket list Missouri experiences, so if you haven’t attended a Kansas City Chiefs home game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (1 Arrowhead Drive) and shouted louder than you’d though possible for the team, you haven’t lived.
Add it to your must-have experiences. Tailgate before the game for the ultimate experience.
BONUS IDEA! Ponder History-Making Decisions at a Center for Trade
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
When you experience a guided one-hour tour of the First Missouri State Capital State Historic Site (200 S. Main Street) in St. Charles, you’re standing in the very place where the state’s first legislators met and made history-making decisions.
St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.
If you can’t get enough of Missouri adventures, I recommend you Make the Most of a Weekend Visit to Weston.
The town may be known as the oldest city on the Missouri River, but its modern-day appeal makes it a town to put at the top of your travel bucket list.
As I enjoyed a bowl of fruit and a coffee, I watched as cycling groups and individual riders parked their bikes, enthusiastic to see one another. Tourists entered the adjacent bike shop to inquire about renting bikes and helmets for a day’s trek along the Katy Trail State Park’s route.
PRO TIP: The bike shop doubles as a bike rental stop and retail store. 
It wasn’t long before I was visiting with locals about the Frenchtown Historic District, a hub for art and music lovers who care deeply about the neighborhood and its history. The brewery’s lack of televisions created a setting conducive to making new friends.
PRO TIP: The museum is open during brewery hours and its contents rotate frequently.
Originating in St. Louis, Schlafly’s Bankside location is a three-story brewery and restaurant with indoor-only seating. I choose an unfiltered IPA from a list of 14 beers on tap. Although I wasn’t hungry, the gastropub-style menu options sounded good, and the portions were large by the looks of someone’s burger.
PRO TIP: I agree with Google reviewers. The restaurant gets busy by 10:00 a.m., so consider beating the rush and arriving at 9:00 a.m. like me.
The staff poured the way, I stirred it for less than a minute, and then they added a trimmed wick to complete it. Within two hours, my custom candle was available for pickup.
Shoppers can adhere patches of their choice to trucker-style ballcaps, a trending fashion accessory, or get creative and add them to a denim jacket. MJ’s offers hundreds of patches to choose from, whether you’re creating a hat for yourself or someone else.
PRO TIP: The shop and its sister location in town host regular events. View its 
Cookbooks, cutting boards, bakeware, you name it, they carry it. Choose from table linens to bottled condiments as you collect items for purchase.
PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Their signature line of bottled glazes and burger starters were marked down to only $5 at the rear of the store alongside other bargains the day of my visit.
The store’s inventory included year-round home decorations, faux flowers and plants, lamps, wall decor, candles, pillows, handbags, and jewelry.
If you’re looking for a treasure for yourself or someone else, expect to spend at least a half-hour perusing displays in the 4,700-square-foot store.
Today, it is home to over 70,000 residents who appreciate it for its historic roots as the state’s first capital city.
Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.
The museum sees over 25,000 visitors anually, including school groups, and many of its displays are kid-friendly. They will appreciate the Little Classroom walk-in house. 
PRO TIP: Walk behind the museum to see the 
Take a stroll along the Missouri riverfront’s paved sidewalks, taking breaks to admire one of the town’s well-known landmarks, 
My group, on The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My! tour, was handed old-school viewfinders to use when prompted by the tour guide along a five-block route. The guide talked as we walked from historic building to building, telling stories about the people who chose to live and work in St. Charles’ early days.
St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.
The most interesting aspect of the tour was listening to our enthusiastic tour guide talk about the historical artifacts inside the restored Peck brothers’ general store and residence. The 1820s furnishings served as visual reminders or the hardship of early 19th Century life.
The top two levels of the building contain glass display cases filled with vintage soda bottles and merchandise representing a portion of one man’s collection. The main floor showcases many Coca-Cola-branded items, while the third floor showcases other soda brands.
PRO TIP: Add to the arcade experience by enjoying a meal from the snack bar with your favorite carbonated soda.
Once a train car factory in the 1920s, the building’s lower-level grand hall often hosts public events, including bingo nights and live performances.
As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by how the town has evolved since its days as the last stop for pioneers heading West. For a location considered the place to go in 1861, it’s maintained its visit-worthy status as a Midwest travel destination.
Entering into the Patee House Museum is like walking into Missouri’s version of the Smithsonian. The historic building’s enormity and contents are awe-inspiring.
I suspect you’ll find the U.S. provost marshall’s office, a wagonmaster’s blacksmith shop, and restored cars outside a 1920 replica service station fascinating. A self-guided tour of the first railway mail car and a ride on the Wild Thing Carousel is a must.
Not only is the three-room home historically accurate, but its glass cases house artifacts from Jesse’s grave recovered when they exhumed his body in the 1990s. DNA evidence proves with 99.7% accuracy that he was shot in the home.
Open Monday through Saturday from April through October; the Jesse James Home takes about 30 minutes to tour if you read the signage and ask questions of the museum’s host.
PRO TIP: Ask to see a replica skull that debunks the myth the gunshot that killed James exited his head, although a hole in the home’s wallpapered wall may prove otherwise.
PRO TIP: 
Wood floors creak under each step as you choose a seat at a student desk for the day’s lesson. An authentic pot-bellied stove, slate boards, and presidential portraits create a historically accurate setting.
Push button interactive stations play videos of his life story and CBS News broadcast clips, including Vietnam’s coverage during the war.
Various exhibits chronicle moments in Cronkite’s career history, including NASA’s landing on the moon, JFK’s assassination, and coverage of 16 Republican National Convention events. The “We Came In Peace” Saturn V Sculpture and Cronkite’s original newsroom desk make an impression.
The restaurant is decorated with draped beads on chandeliers and rope lights around interior columns. A taxidermy alligator on an upper shelf rests under neon signage.
The Blackened Salmon arrived heavily-seasoned for dinner, although slightly overcooked, so I requested a white cream sauce to drizzle on top of it. The signature Boudreaux Potatoes were cubed and boiled potatoes served in savory vegetable broth.
PRO TIP: Plan to save room for dessert. My only regret was not ordering dessert, which unfortunately did not include New Orleans-style beignets, but it did feature Bourbon Pecan Pie and Turtle Cheesecake.
A London Fog hot tea and layered pastry filled with Nutella curbed my cravings. Although the courtyard patio was inviting, I chose to sit inside while it rained outdoors. Chatting with employees about their love of the town’s art scene only confirmed my appreciation of St. Joseph.
PRO TIP: J
I selected a River Cream Ale, an approachable light beer from over 12 craft beers. It went down easy as I observed families gathering and couples arriving for date night entertainment.
Upon arrival, classical music played in the home’s foray, where a hand-carved wooden staircase led my eye upstairs to a row of stained glass windows. Opulent crystal chandeliers and tiled fireplace mantels adorned each room on the main floors. Period furniture, artwork, and a bust of Shakespeare completed the Queen Anne-style home’s interior.
I stayed in the 
A peek inside unoccupied suites revealed similar amenities. The bed and breakfast caters to couples and solo travelers, although the 
Innkeeper, Isobel, offers guests a remarkable experience unlike anything you’ve likely experienced. Reserve a suite at 
The 
During my return trip to Leavenworth, I was eager to take in places I had yet to discover and revisit old gems.
PRO TIP: The Burr-ow, a backroom space dedicated to reading or board gaming, is a quiet spot to work.
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.
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.
It’s the tucked-away murals that excite me the most. Keep your eyes peeled for smaller paintings on doors on various buildings downtown.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PRO TIP: The store is also home to 5th Avenue Frames. Ask them to custom frame artwork, photography, or prints.
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.
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.
The owners, a mother-daughter duo, carry the latest fashions for the season on display at the front of the store.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I was impressed with the large turnout and visited with audience members between songs, making for a delightful experience.
I’ve raved about Quentin BBQ’s menu since it I discovered their food truck in the 
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 
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.
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.
The owner handpicks brands that are also suited for youngsters and shoe lovers, and she specializes in personalized wood-etched gifts.
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.
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.
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.
Historically known as the birthplace of female aviator Amelia Earhart, Atchison is a thriving town once home to Kanza Indians. Lewis & Clark explored the area in 1804. Later, it became a hub for steamboats, railroads, and manufacturing.
In 1870, the Atchison railroad served as a learning rail town in the state, but times changed. The last Santa Fe train left town in the early 1990s, but the museum’s inventory of authentic artifacts keeps history alive.
I started the self-guided tour by watching a computer-generated video of Amelia Earhart welcoming guests. The life-like pilot spoke in quotable phrases inspiring museum-goers to go after their dreams.
The Virtual Reality Flight experience was worth the added time and ticketed cost. Donning a headset and using an airplane’s yoke, I attempted Amelia’s historic 1932 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. I didn’t make it to Paris, but I did land the plane safely in a farmer’s field.
A gift to his wife, Evah, the mansion features 25 rooms filled with period antiques, including an 1893 World’s Fair bedroom set, elaborate stained glass windows, and high-quality furnishings.
Walking the rest of the home’s interior, you’ll discover a 200-year-old walking wheel winder used to spin yarn wool. The parlor’s upholstered, open-arm couches with dark wood and framed artwork showcase the luxury the Hetherington family enjoyed.
Outdoors, an elaborate driveway leads to a restored carriage house that begs to be photographed.
The Evah Cray Museum is more than another stunning home in Kansas. It’s a time capsule from the past when a family decided to settle in Atchison and live in the home for 80 years. Given their wealth, they could have chosen to reside anywhere. They chose Atchison.
My tour, led by the museum’s docent, was exceptional. Expect to pay a moderate admission if you go, and you’ll want to plan to spend at least an hour touring the home.
PRO TIP: Ask about the home’s small theater, where you can watch a film about Atchison architecture. Visit the gift shop in the carriage house.
The 14-room home served as a showroom to display the types of wood his business provided and the intricate ways it could be used. You’ll notice he combined oak, walnut, and mahogany into its design from floor to ceiling. He incorporated non-traditional wall materials like leather into the wallboard design.
The cafe is where locals meet to catch up about the latest happenings in town. Where travelers like me enjoy quiet time and peruse the internet using free Wi-FI. And where you can shop for gift items from kitchen towels to home decor.
You’ll find the comfortable cafe is just what you need to set the tone for the day. The menu features freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee drinks. Return mid-day for a Signature Cocktail like The Atchison Mule of Amelia’s Final Flight.
Between bites, I enjoyed learning about Ann’s heritage, which included the Lopez & Vallejo families’ tradition of serving the community delicious food and treating customers “like a part of the family.”
I took my friend’s advice and chose the carbonara prepared with a garlic Parmesan cream sauce over spaghetti. You can expect Italian pasta dishes, shareable plates (crab cakes, anyone?), and chef-inspired main dishes ranging from Steak Diane to Chicken Madeira on the menu.
PRO TIP: The restaurant does accept walk-in diners, but the restaurant is a popular place, so consider making a reservation.
You can count on our favorite bar and grill menu items. The list includes burgers and sandwiches to chicken wings and sirloin steaks.
I chatted with the manager, Steve, while enjoying a Chicken Club Salad. This restaurant location is one of two Willie’s Sports Pub restaurants in Kansas; the second is located in El Dorado.
Whether you are shopping for blue and white ginger jars, holiday decorations, or faux botanicals, you’ll find them at Presley Pierce Interiors. Every corner of the shop draws the eye, and the window displays inspire one’s creativity.
Shoppers so appreciate the store’s merchandise that the owner often hosts pop-up events off-site in people’s homes. To track new inventory arrivals and learn about upcoming events, follow the store’s 
PRO TIP: Collectors will appreciate Thorne’s House Hot Packs containing budget-friendly starter packs. View the store’s 
I was pleasantly surprised the store’s jewelry collection was reasonably priced for its quality. A decent inventory of hats, handbags, and shoes rounded out the accessory options.
To call the Backroad Atlas a store would be to underrepresent its size. It feels more like an antique mall. Staff members are eager to assist you if you’re hunting for a particular item.
Shopping for a unique item is all the more charming thanks to the store’s cat, who occasionally visits customers to say hello.
A physician and the front rooms once owned the house were his examination rooms. As the story goes, the doctor operated on a 6-year-old child, Sallie, before the anesthesia took effect, and she died in the house. Years later, renters reported mysterious happenings, and the man felt as if he was scratched.
You can tour or stay overnight in the home known for its paranormal activity. Items sometimes crash to the floor. Figures are seen in the windows. Doors slam in the night.
A highlight of my visit was standing in the shade of the Moon Tree, a Sycamore grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. Underneath, the names of 17 astronauts who gave their lives are recognized in the memorial.
Manicured gardens and tree spaces dot the landscape. Find the gazebo to enjoy a shaded space of solitude. 
PRO TIP: Take note of Memory Lane inductees’ names paying homage to aviation greats such as the Wright Brothers and Eileen Collins.
Families with young kids will appreciate the state-of-the-art playground, then walk to nearby horseshoe pits to teach them how the game is played.
PRO TIP: On-street parking is available at no cost.
My visit was peaceful as I scanned the horizon made up of trees overlooking the Missouri River running from St. Joseph, Missouri, through Atchison, and toward Leavenworth, Kansas.
The dedicated marker remembers the Atchison man who was the victim of violence after accidentally injuring a white man while hunting.
PRO TIP: Earhart created her own fashion line, often wearing clothing from it. Learn more from 
PRO TIP: Visit the 
Final Thoughts
