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.

Keep it easy.

The best days usually come without pressure or overplanning.

Hiawatha

Hiawatha was founded in 1857. John M. Coe, John P. Wheller, and Thomas J. Drummond were instrumental in organizing the town site was staked out February 17, 1857. B.L. Rider…

Explore Hiawatha →

More from Pony Express Country

Cities to Explore

Follow what feels interesting.

Curiosity is usually a better guide than a strict plan.

Holton

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

Explore →

Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

Centralia

Explore →

Take the long way.

The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.

Atchison

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

Explore →

Take less, experience more.

What you carry matters less than what you notice.

Highland

The establishment of Highland begins with the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indian Mission established in…

Explore →

Stop when something catches your eye.

Those moments tend to matter more than the planned ones.

Elwood

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

Explore →

A place to slow down.

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

Denison

Explore →

Go where you feel alive.

Pay attention to the places that pull you in without explanation.

Blue Rapids

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

Explore →

Take the long way.

The best parts of the trip are usually the ones you didn't plan.

Hanover

Explore →

View all 21 cities in Pony Express Country →

Lakes & Parks

Upcoming Events

Explore Pony Express Country by Category

Browse all categories →

Explore a County Jackson County 2 cities  ·  7 counties in Pony Express Country

Jackson, under the old name of Calhoun, was one of the thirty-three counties established by the first Territorial Legislature at…

Browse all counties →
Explore a City Holton 16 attractions  ·  21 cities in Pony Express Country

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

Browse all cities →