Outlaws, Explorers, and the Pony Express - St. Jo Has it All!

Make sure your EV is fully charged as you set off for this two-day trip.

On April 3, 1860, the first pony express ride began right here in St. Joseph, Missouri. A magnificent feat, the mail service connected the eastern and western portions of the USA territories with a team of riders and their speedy horses.
Riding at breakneck speeds day and night, the Pony Express riders were able to deliver the mail from St. Joseph to Sacramento in a record 10 days!
By October 24, 1861 a national telegraph system had been introduced connecting the entire nation. With this invention, the Pony Express was discontinued.
Phone 816-279-5059
Opening Hours March 2 - November 30 Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00
December 1- March 1 Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 16:00 Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00
Learn more about the fascinating history of the Pony Express and plan your visit here.

The Patee House was originally a luxury hotel built by John Patee in 1858. A National Historic Landmark since 1965, this historic building once housed the headquarters of the Pony Express mail service and later during the Civil War, it served as the Provost Marshal’s office for the Union Army.
The museum offers visitors a unique chance to experience life in Atchison during the heyday of the Pony Express and rail travel up until the economic bust of the1929 Great Depression Era.
Phone 816-232-8206
Opening Hours Monday - Saturday: 9:00 - 16:00 Sunday: Closed
Plan your visit here.

Lunch at Jake's Steakhouse and Sports Bar is a casual affair as are most things around Atchison these days. Long gone are the fancy restaurants and dress codes of the moneyed days.
Settle in a booth for some dependable, down-home cooking with a unique spin. Choose from a selection of sandwich, salads, wraps and amazing burgers such as the Whiskey Glazed Blue Burger topped with melted blue cheese.
Phone 816-364-3922
Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 10:00 - 22:00 Friday and Saturday: 10:00 - 23:00 Sunday: 9:00 - 20:00
Make a reservation here

One of America's most famous outlaws, Jesse James, was gunned down inside his home which you can visit today.
Wanted by the authorities for numerous bank thefts, train robberies and a long list of other crimes, the law put a bounty of $10,000 on his head. Find out who was swayed by the lure of the money when you visit the museum!
Phone 816-232-8206
Opening Hours Monday and Thursday: 12:00 - 16:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 - 16:00 Sunday: Closed
Jesse James Home Museum

For a different twist on history, take a visit to Glore Psychiatric Museum, listed on Atlas Obscura's must-sees in St. Joseph and recognized as “one of the 50 most unusual museums in the country”.
In service since November 1874 as ‘State Lunatic Asylum No. 2’ , the museum chronicles the history of how we treated the mentally ill with unusual treatments, therapy options and patient artwork.
It truly is a one-of-a-kind museum that should not be missed!
Phone 816-232-8471
Opening Hours Everyday 10:00 - 17:00
Plan your visit and learn more here.

Check into your hotel and walk to dinner.

Atchison's favorite Italian, Paolucci Restaurant, Deli & Lounge is where I suggest having dinner tonight. More than just your typical Italian deli, this town staple has an impressive counter, take away and full service restaurant in the back.
Customers rave about the flavorful meatballs, oven-baked fresh bread, and homemade pastas here.
Phone 913-367-6105
Opening Hours Monday - Saturday: 6:00 - 21:00 Sunday: 7:00 - 13:00

You'll be spending the night in Atchison at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. With free parking, an indoor, saltwater, heated pool and a fitness center, this is a full-service hotel where you can be assured of a good night's rest.