Pony Express Country

Pony Express Country is like a charming quilt – made of pioneer spirit, small-town hospitality and colorful Native American culture. Here, you can follow the Oregon-California Trail and reach the only authentic Pony Express home station still standing at its original site. You’ll wander through historic small towns. Wind along scenic country roads to find old barns, apple orchards, forgotten ghost towns and trail ruts. Rediscover frontier river ports such as Atchison, Elwood and White Cloud, where 30 to 40 riverboats once docked. Along the way, you’re also sure to sample good food, friendly conversation and one of the most charming vacation experiences you can imagine.

Leave room for the unexpected.

The best parts of a trip rarely show up on an itinerary.

Highland

The establishment of Highland begins with the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indian Mission established in 1827 by Father Samuel Irvin, a Presbyterian missionary from Pennsylvania. A portion of the original…

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Cities to Explore

Find your way.

There's no single right route, just the one that fits you.

Elwood

A trading post was established at Elwood in 1852, in the area known as Roseport.…

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A place to slow down.

Not every stop needs to be busy to be worth your time.

Hanover

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Let it unfold.

Not everything needs to be scheduled to be meaningful.

Blue Rapids

On October 24, 1913, more than 3,000 fans watched the Chicago White Sox and New…

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Worth the stop.

Some places don't need much time, just the right moment.

Hiawatha

Hiawatha was founded in 1857. John M. Coe, John P. Wheller, and Thomas J. Drummond…

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Worth the stop.

Some places don't need much time, just the right moment.

Denison

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Leave room for the unexpected.

The best parts of a trip rarely show up on an itinerary.

Centralia

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Not every place needs a reason.

Sometimes it's enough just to be there.

Holton

In May of 1856, a Milwaukee wagon train financed by E.D. Holton made its way…

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Pause when it feels right.

Some stops aren't on the map, but they're worth taking.

Atchison

Situated on hills and bluffs along the Missouri River, Atchison is one of the most…

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Lakes & Parks

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Explore a County Atchison County 1 city  ·  7 counties in Pony Express Country

On July 4, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition passed through the area which is now Atchsion County. Two local…

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Explore a City Elwood 4 attractions  ·  21 cities in Pony Express Country

A trading post was established at Elwood in 1852, in the area known as Roseport. In 1856, the site was…

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