Atchison started out as a 19th century railroad town on the western shores of the Missouri River. Executives of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad built mansions built in the city, where they still stand today. While the railroad put the city on the map, it’s the mysterious legacy of a pioneering female aviator that has taken this city to new heights. “Amelia Earhart was born here, and that’s our claim to fame,” says Elizabeth Hrenchir, the Kansas Room librarian at Atchison Public Library. “We have two Amelia Earhart museums and a festival around her birthday, which is the biggest event of the year.” According to Hrenchir, who has lived in Atchison for more than 30 years, most people move to the small city of nearly 11,000 to work at Benedictine College, the city’s largest employer. She adds that a lot of residents commute to other cities, including St. Louis, St. Joesph and Topeka. Residents enjoy the city’s hundreds of acres of parks and the walkable downtown of local businesses, giving Atchison a strong sense of community.
Atchison is the birthplace of Amelia Earhart, but years before the aviation pioneer took to the skies, the small city started as a railroad town in the 1800s.
Amelia Earhart’s childhood home, now a museum, overlooks the Missouri River in Atchison.
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Eclectic homes and flood risks
The median home price in Atchison is $166,000, less than the national median. Most areas of the city have a suburban feel with an eclectic mix of houses dating from the mid-1800s through today. The city’s oldest houses range from small bungalows to exquisite Victorians. Some are lined on original brick streets, including the house Earhart grew up in on River Road, which is now a museum that overlooks the Missouri River from a steep bluff. Newer houses tend to be built in developments closer to the countryside. The most expensive homes typically reach the high $500,000s. Homes stay on the market for an average of nearly three months.
Nearly 12% of houses are at risk of floods due to the city’s proximity to the Missouri River, which floods when it crests at 25 feet or higher. The most recent flood was in 2019 when the river crested at 31 feet. The weather in Atchison is mild to hot in the summer and can reach below freezing in the winter.
Atchison’s oldest houses range from small bungalows to exquisite Victorians.
Most areas of Atchison have a suburban feel with an eclectic mix of houses dating from the mid-1800s through today.
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Downtown scene on Commercial Street
While Atchison has a Walmart and other national retailers such as CVS and Dollar Tree, the city is most notable for its local shopping and dining scene downtown. The shops and restaurants line Commercial Street in attached buildings, many of which have Italianate architecture built in the early 1900s. A few restaurants are also set up along the Missouri River.
Atchison is most notable for its local shopping and dining scene downtown.
Atchison has a Walmart and other national retailers such as CVS and Dollar Tree to the south of downtown off US-73 Hwy.
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International Forest of Friendship honors Earhart and other aviators
Atchinson’s Parks division maintains nearly 150 acres. Jackson Park is the largest, with about 100 acres, wooded trails and other recreational activities. The International Forest of Friendship is more than just a park. It’s a memorial space honoring Amelia Earhart and others who have explored the skies with new inductees each year. Riverfront Trail draws walkers, joggers and bicyclists to the Missouri River. And there are boat ramps for those who want to head out on the water. Lewis and Clark State Park is also just on the other side of the river.
The International Forest of Friendship is more than just a park, it’s a memorial space honoring Amelia Earhart and others who have explored the skies with new inductees each year.
Riverfront Trail draws walkers, joggers and bicyclists to the Missouri River; and there are boat ramps for those who want to head out on the water in Atchison.
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Amelia Earhart Festival draws crowds to the river for the annual air show
Several small-town events are held throughout the year, from Porchfest, where local musicians play on the porches of historic homes, to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. But the biggest event of all is the Amelia Earhart Festival, a three-day event with an air show on the riverfront, along with other fun activities the week before Earhart’s birthday, July 24. The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum honors the late aviation icon with several exhibits commemorating her legacy.
The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum honors the late aviation icon with several exhibits commemorating her legacy.
A big yearly event in Atchison is the Amelia Earhart Festival, a three-day event with an air show on the riverfront, along with other fun activities.
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Atchison Public Schools and private Catholic education
Atchison Public Schools earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Students are all served by one elementary school, one middle school and one high school. The city is home to several private schools, including Maur Hill – Mount Academy, a Catholic boarding high school that earns an A-minus grade and is ranked the ninth-best private high school in the state. Catholic education is also provided at Benedictine College, which offers more than 50 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs. Highland Community College Technical Center is another option for post-secondary education.
Atchison is home to several private schools, including Maur Hill – Mount Academy, a Catholic boarding high school that earns an A-minus grade and is ranked the ninth-best private high school in the state.
Catholic education is also provided at Benedictine College, which offers more than 50 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs.
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Routes to Kansas City and Topeka
There are no public bus routes in Atchison. Shuttle rides are available by appointment through Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging. U.S. Routes 59 and 73 run through Atchison. From U.S. 73, it’s a 50-mile drive southeast to Kansas City. Meanwhile, U.S. 59 begins the 55-mile journey southwest to Topeka. Kansas City International Airport is the closest option for commercial flights.
Crime
Crime statistics for Atchison are not readily available.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
Photography Contributed By
Brooke Wasson
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Atchison, KS sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Atchison, KS over the last 12 months is $179,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Absolutely charming raised ranch with three bedrooms and one bathroom and a single attached garage. Enjoy the ease and convenience of single floor living as the third bedroom has been converted to a laundry room! The property boasts a large - .4 acre lot in town and comes with two sheds providing bonus storage and workshop areas. The house has a full basement which provides lots of possibilities
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home that perfectly blends comfort and convenience! Sitting on a double lot nestled across the street from the largest park in town, this well-maintained property features a fully fenced backyard—ideal for pets, play, or outdoor entertaining. Step inside to find a warm, inviting living space and a functional kitchen that makes everyday living a breeze.
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Perched gracefully on a downtown Atchison hillside, this beautifully renovated two-story home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and serene surroundings. With 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, every detail of this residence has been thoughtfully designed.Step inside to discover a light-filled interior featuring stylish finishes, an open-concept living space, and a sleek, modern
Property Id: 1837979TURN KEY READYExperience elevated living in this professionally designed penthouse apartment, located in a newly constructed, energy-efficient building. This spacious unit offers modern finishes, abundant natural light, and a thoughtfully furnished interior—ideal for professionals, corporate renters, or anyone seeking high-quality accommodations.Enjoy seamless
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