Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum

There’s no moat, but this 25-room Victorian mansion comes with a castle tower. The Evah C. Cray Historical Home Museum features ornate fireplaces, carved woodwork, original chandeliers and elegant period furnishings. Evah Cray never actually lived in the house, but as someone passionate about history and preservation, she bought it and left a charitable trust to maintain it as a museum. The renovated three-story mansion, built in 1882, exemplifies the opulence of the Victorian era. Nineteenth-century Atchison, Kansas, comes to life in these rooms, filled with vintage furniture, clothing, shoes, toys, dolls, radios and record players. Kids will appreciate this museum: They don’t have to be content with just looking at the exhibits; they’re allowed to touch many of the items. The carriage house contains a gift store and a photo display of globetrotting aviatrix Amelia Earhart, an Atchison native. Leisure activities in this small town include fishing, camping, hiking, skiing and snowboarding.