This scenic drive in Kansas and Missouri never takes you more than an hour from the Kansas City metro, but you'll explore small towns with great shopping and a pleasant state park.
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Atchison trolley
Atchison trolley.

This mellow ribbon of a drive never strays more than an hour from the Kansas City metro, but surrounded by picturesque farms and small towns, you'll never know KC is so close. The route follows State-45 from Parkville to Weston, where a slew of shops line Main Street and Weston Bend State Park is a nice place to stretch your legs. Take State-92 and finally US-73 to Atchison.

Atchison trolley
Atchison trolley

Bed down This drive makes an easy day trip but can stretch into a leisurely weekend. Stay at the gracious Murphy House bed-and-breakfast in Weston.

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For maps and trip planning