Atchison County, KS

The Atchison community’s welcoming diversity may come as a surprise to some first time visitors. Though a smaller town, Atchison is home to many international college and highschool boarding students, religious and secular primary schools, church denominations, and community organizations. Whether interested in fitness clubs, crafting, music, or nightlife - activities are met with welcome encouragement and the opportunity to meet new people. Atchison is big enough that you don’t know everyone, but small enough to feel you belong.

Atchison's long history of successful commerce is wholly connected to the development of the railroads. In 1859, Atchison became the eastern terminus of the Atchison and Topeka Railroad, and remains a major freight train switching station today. Atchison maintains an exterior railway museum with over 15 vintage train cars, including an 811 steam engine. The railway museum also features a much-loved attraction of Atchison - a miniature train with a steam and a diesel engine, traveling on over 1/2 mile of 12-gauge track. During warmer months, the mini train is a highlight of the Atchison community for both the young and young at heart.

Atchison, Kansas is very well-known for being the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, an American aviator and author. She was the first female aviator to fly a plane across the entire Atlantic Ocean by herself. For this accomplishment, she received the United States Distinguished Flying Cross. To celebrate Amelia Earhart's legacy, Atchison hosts a one-of-a-kind Amelia Earhart Festival every July. This festival features airplane acrobatic shows, delicious food, downtown music, a crafts fair, a carnival, a popular-country music concert, and more. The entire community comes together for this festival, which ends with the famous Concert in the Sky fireworks show.