Follow the Story of Amelia Earhart & Encounter a Ghost or Two

On a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, witness the landscape that inspired the pilot to soar at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Inside Earhart’s grandparents’ house—where the famed aviator was born in 1897—newspaper clippings, photos and a map tracing her last flight bear witness alongside original furnishings.

The saga continues at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, home to Muriel, the last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E identical to the plane Earhart piloted on her fateful flight. At interactive stations, squeeze into a full-scale replica of one of Earhart’s cockpits and don a virtual-reality headset to pilot her 1932 transatlantic journey. Hometown pride peaks in July with the Amelia Earhart Festival. The weekend of live music, food and crafts vendors, and kids’ activities moves from downtown to the waterfront for the Saturday night finale: an aerobatic stunt show and spectacular fireworks over the Missouri River.

A life-size bronze statue of Earhart keeps watch over the International Forest of Friendship, a living memorial to those who have contributed to aviation and space exploration. Walkways embedded with plaques honoring 1,500 inductees wind through trees that represent 50 states and 35 countries. Watch for the Moon Tree, grown from a seed taken to the moon and encircled by a memorial to 17 astronauts who lost their lives in space exploration.

Finally, circle for landing at Lopez de Mexico, a 30-year-old standby for family recipes. Order a smothered burrito that comes with a flauta, taco and side dishes (the whole shebang is called the Federico), or opt for one of the other combination plates named for the seven Lopez siblings.

Lopez de Mexico

Family recipes are used to create delicious Mexican meals. Daily specials.

TRIP TIP

More than 30 unsettling accounts often earn Atchison the title of being the most haunted town in Kansas. Drift through town from mid-September through Halloween for the 60-minute Haunted Trolley Tour. You’ll hear the chilling stories of 6-year-old Sallie, who still roams the 1800s Sallie House where she died of appendicitis, and about lights flickering, chairs rocking and figures seen in windows at the 1889 McInteer Villa.