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.

Take less, experience more.

What you carry matters less than what you notice.

Centralia

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Cities to Explore

Make time for quiet places.

Not every destination needs noise to be meaningful.

Hiawatha

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

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Go where you feel alive.

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

Elwood

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

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Start early. Stay late.

The edges of the day tend to hold the best experiences.

Hanover

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Take the detour.

The extra miles are often where the story begins.

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.

Denison

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Follow what feels interesting.

Curiosity is usually a better guide than a strict plan.

Highland

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

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Follow what feels interesting.

Curiosity is usually a better guide than a strict plan.

Atchison

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

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Find your way.

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

Holton

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

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Lakes & Parks

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

Many things went into the birth and growth of Brown County and its towns. Like many others across America, these…

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Explore a City Hiawatha 11 attractions  ·  21 cities in Pony Express Country

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

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