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.

Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

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…

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More from Pony Express Country

Cities to Explore

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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More road, less rush.

There's no need to hurry through something worth experiencing.

Hanover

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A place to slow down.

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

Blue Rapids

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

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Stay a little longer.

Rushing through a place rarely does it justice.

Denison

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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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Pause when it feels right.

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

Holton

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

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Take less, experience more.

What you carry matters less than what you notice.

Centralia

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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.…

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Lakes & Parks

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Explore a County Marshall County 4 cities  ·  7 counties in Pony Express Country

Marshall County is rich in history with eleven sites on the National Historic Register. It is crossed by eight historic…

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Explore a City Highland 2 attractions  ·  21 cities in Pony Express Country

The establishment of Highland begins with the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indian Mission established in 1827 by Father Samuel Irvin,…

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