Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum: A Must-Visit Attraction in Atchison, Kansas

The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum will have you soaring to new heights—literally and figuratively. If you’re planning a trip to Atchison, Kansas, this inspiring aviation museum should be at the top of your list.

On a recent road trip through Northeast Kansas, I had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened (as of 2023) Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum—and I was thoroughly impressed.

The museum commemorates the life and legacy of legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean—and the first to do it solo. Born and raised in Atchison, it’s only fitting that this city honors its hometown heroine with a museum of this caliber.

In addition to the Hangar Museum, Atchison also pays tribute to Amelia at other notable spots like the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the striking Amelia Earhart Earthwork.

Though Amelia is famous for her trailblazing aviation career, much of her enduring legacy comes from the mystery surrounding her disappearance during her attempt to fly around the world.

On July 2, 1937, Amelia and her navigator Fred Noonan took off from Lae, Papua New Guinea, and were never seen again. Despite countless searches and theories, their disappearance remains unsolved to this day.

But while the mystery is fascinating, the Hangar Museum focuses on much more than just her final flight. According to Karen Seaburg, founder of the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, the museum is about both Amelia’s legacy and the broader history of aviation, with a strong mission to inspire kids and adults alike.

Located at the Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, the 17,000-square-foot hangar is filled with hands-on, state-of-the-art exhibits that make learning fun and immersive.

See the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E airplane

The star of the museum is Muriel, the world’s last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E, the same model plane Amelia flew on her final flight. Only 14 of these planes were ever built, and Muriel is the only one left.

Amelia’s aircraft was specially modified for long-haul flights. Muriel, named after Amelia’s younger sister, was purchased in 1979 by Grace McGuire, who originally intended to recreate Amelia’s final journey. Sadly, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, McGuire had to give up her dream.

That’s when Laidacker Mannan Seaberg, a former pilot and one of the founders of the Atchison Area Economic Development Council, stepped in. He acquired the plane from McGuire and had it transported to Atchison in 2016, where it was painstakingly restored—rivet by rivet.

Interactive STEM exhibits on weather, navigation, aviation, engineering, and more!

While Muriel is the crown jewel of the museum, there’s so much more to experience. The museum features 14 STEM-focused, hands-on exhibits that cover topics like weather, navigation, aviation, engineering, and even history.

In the “Above the Clouds” zone, you’ll learn how pilots used constellations and radiowaves to navigate. You’ll also discover how to read cloud patterns to predict the weather.

This area also delves into some of the most popular theories surrounding Amelia’s disappearance—and invites visitors to decide which one seems most plausible.

Another highlight is the full-scale replica of Muriel’s cockpit. It’s surprisingly tight inside—I’m 5’3” and knocked my head trying to sit in the captain’s chair. Amelia was 5’8”, so I can only imagine how cramped it must have been for her!

One of the more lighthearted interactive exhibits lets you transform into a 1920s version of Amelia (or one of her other roles—mechanic, nurse, fashion designer) using augmented reality. It’s a fun photo-op and a clever way to connect with her many talents.

You can see above what I would have looked like dressed in a typical pilot’s outfit in the 1920s. Pretty spiffy huh?

Fly with Amelia—virtually across the Atlantic Ocean

Perhaps the most crowd-pleasing attraction is the Virtual Reality Flight Experience, which lets you relive a portion of Amelia’s fateful journey. You’ll take off across the Atlantic and navigate stormy skies and mechanical challenges—just like she did.

As someone who’s afraid of heights, I found the beginning of the flight experience a bit intense. But once I focused on the tasks prompted during the 15-minute adventure, I settled in. I did feel a little dizzy afterward, so just a heads up if you’re sensitive to motion.

How to plan your visit to Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum

In total, there are 14 immersive exhibits surrounding Muriel, each designed to educate and inspire. When you arrive, a holographic Amelia Earhart welcomes you with a lifelike voice simulation. A staff member will then give a short intro to Muriel before you begin your self-guided tour.

I recommend setting aside at least two hours to explore the museum thoroughly and try out all the activity stations. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop for a fun souvenir.

And if you’re feeling curious, walk down the hallway past the gift shop—it leads to the Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport waiting area, which is open to museum guests.

Where is Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum?

You’ll find the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum on Amelia Earhart Road in Atchison, Kansas, about three miles west of downtown. It’s an easy day trip from Kansas City, and if you’re traveling from out of state, the museum makes a great stop on a Northeast Kansas road trip.