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.

Let it unfold.

Not everything needs to be scheduled to be meaningful.

Elwood

A trading post was established at Elwood in 1852, in the area known as Roseport. In 1856, the site was sold and the town of Elwood, named for John B.…

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Cities to Explore

Leave room for the unexpected.

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

Hanover

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Start early. Stay late.

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

Blue Rapids

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

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Keep it easy.

The best days usually come without pressure or overplanning.

Highland

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

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Let it unfold.

Not everything needs to be scheduled to be meaningful.

Hiawatha

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

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Take less, experience more.

What you carry matters less than what you notice.

Denison

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Worth the stop.

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

Centralia

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Stay curious.

A small detour can turn into something worth remembering.

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 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…

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Explore a City Hanover 1 attraction  ·  21 cities in Pony Express Country Browse all cities →