Atchison County Historical Society — Attraction in Atchison

We've all seen the historical societies that dot the landscape of small town Main Streets, the exhibits familiar, quilts, local folk craft, and a few stories. Atchison's County Historical Society is anything, but normal. The size of the museum located in the Santa Fe Freight Depot is beyond the quaint repurposed house or storefront; it comfortably gives it exhibits room to breathe and investigate.

A few key things on display, the Atchison Railroad Museum, viewable as an exhibit, with rolling stock from the early to mid 20th century. The #811, 2-4-0 Consolidation type, is a fantastic standing feature of steam power, cab view included.

Inside, a Le Salle (I might be butchering the maker) fire department wagon restored by the local BSA, spans the decorated interior. From rails, farms, music, community festivals, this museum is a hidden gem of the Midwest Americana. For a local historical society and museum, everyone has something to investigate and to share here. It was a wonder to see in person.

Only an hour from Kansas City, this is a solid day trip visit venture. For those with children, I recommend attending on the weekend for the running miniature train. The museum and depot have a good parking area for visitors. The entrance to the museum is clean and inviting. I personally would like to thank Mr. Steve Caplinger for walking with me around the museum, his insight and knowledge was fantastic to have along.

I will not spoil any more of the exhibits for you. Just go and reconnect with region and the history beyond a five second clip, or busy Kansas City streets. Please donate on your visit, take your time and...

Atchison is scenic, historic, and very well maintained; in short, it is a very attractive small town. The museum is located in the old Santa Fe freight depot, and the building also houses the local Chamber of Commerce and travel information center. Everything you need to know about Atchison can be found right here. The museum itself is interesting, but the trolley tour is a MUST. It costs $6, lasts about an hour, and the gentleman who was our guide gave us an absolutely delightful presentation. We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring...

This museum is quaint and provides a rather pleasant experience for those that enjoy learning history of the central United States. It also provides an enormous amount of history and fascination for those that crave knowledge about the history of Santa Fe train travel from the 20th century. The person I was touring with found the displays very interesting and exciting; they are a major passenger train fan. It's definitely...