International Forest of Friendship
International Forest of Friendship
4.5
About
The Forest is a 5 acre park honoring more than 1500 people who have contributed to the field of aviation. Winding through the Forest is a wheelchair accessible pathway where visitors can see plaques naming those individuals inducted into the Forest and enjoy trees from all 50 US states and more than 35 countries around the world where the honorees reside. The Forest provides a peaceful natural setting for a stroll and an opportunity to enjoy the unique contributions to aviation and aerospace history made by the honorees.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
33 reviews
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1
Bernard W
Dallas, TX1,914 contributions
Oct 2021
The area is beautiful and relaxing. It consists of 5 acres honoring 1500 people in aviation with trees from 50 states and 35 countries. There is a map showing what trees are where and donated by which country or state. Of note are the Moon tree—a seed taken on one of the Apollo missions was brought back to the USA and planted; beautiful and stately. There is a life-sized statue of Amelia Earhart here, and also a memorial tribute to astronauts (ie. from the Challenger) who gave their lives for the advancement of aviation. Free to enjoy.
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ambassador25693
Washington, DC1 contribution
We come back to the Forest every year.
Nestled on a gentle slope overlooking Lake Warnock, on the outskirts of Atchison, KS (Amelia Earhart's home town), the International Forest of Friendship is a living, growing memorial to the world history of aviation and aerospace. It was a bi-centennial gift to the Nation from the City of Atchison, the Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots), and the University of Kansas Forestry Extension. Its theme is "world friendship through flying."
There are trees from all 50 states plus 35 territories and foreign countries. You'll find trees from Mount Vernon, a Bi-centennial American Spruce, and the "moon tree" grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. The moon tree and nearby memorials honor the 17 astronauts who have given their lives in America's pursuit of space exploration.
Winding through the Forest is Memory Lane, honoring those who have contributed, or still are contributing, to all facets of aviation and aerospace. Embedded in the wheelchair-friendly walk are plaques containing the names of over 1200 honorees, including such aviation notables as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, the Wright brothers, Sally Ride, Chuck Yeager, and Astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle.
Each year, during the third weekend in June (June 17-19 in 2005), ceremonies in Atchison honor those being inducted into the Forest. More information about the Forest and the ceremonies, including reservation procedures, can be found at www.ifof.org.
The combination of the peaceful setting, inspirational theme, and really fun time brings us back to the Forest every year for the ceremonies, and sometimes more often.
Nestled on a gentle slope overlooking Lake Warnock, on the outskirts of Atchison, KS (Amelia Earhart's home town), the International Forest of Friendship is a living, growing memorial to the world history of aviation and aerospace. It was a bi-centennial gift to the Nation from the City of Atchison, the Ninety-Nines (International Organization of Women Pilots), and the University of Kansas Forestry Extension. Its theme is "world friendship through flying."
There are trees from all 50 states plus 35 territories and foreign countries. You'll find trees from Mount Vernon, a Bi-centennial American Spruce, and the "moon tree" grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. The moon tree and nearby memorials honor the 17 astronauts who have given their lives in America's pursuit of space exploration.
Winding through the Forest is Memory Lane, honoring those who have contributed, or still are contributing, to all facets of aviation and aerospace. Embedded in the wheelchair-friendly walk are plaques containing the names of over 1200 honorees, including such aviation notables as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, the Wright brothers, Sally Ride, Chuck Yeager, and Astronaut Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle.
Each year, during the third weekend in June (June 17-19 in 2005), ceremonies in Atchison honor those being inducted into the Forest. More information about the Forest and the ceremonies, including reservation procedures, can be found at www.ifof.org.
The combination of the peaceful setting, inspirational theme, and really fun time brings us back to the Forest every year for the ceremonies, and sometimes more often.
Written March 27, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
turbo-boogie
Saint Joseph, MO2 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
I was already a bit skeptical due to the name. It definitely sounds like something that would be in Japan. Upon arrival, I was greeted by several young people that were holding fairly large potatoes(probably russet) and they immediately began to assure me that I could be like them if I would only believe in the power of the potatoes and hold them firmly in my hands. These are not the kind of friends I was hoping to find in the Forest of Friendship. Having very little time to adjust to the bizarre situation, as the potato worshiping adolescents continued to advance their maniacal agenda without relent, I turned and ran.
I'm confident that it is probably a really nice place. I think for me it was just one of those 'right place, wrong time' situations. Unfortunately, I've yet to muster up the courage to give it a second try.
I'm confident that it is probably a really nice place. I think for me it was just one of those 'right place, wrong time' situations. Unfortunately, I've yet to muster up the courage to give it a second try.
Written December 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, Turbo, what an exciting visit you had! The Forest of Friendship in Atchison, KS, honors aviators and aeronautical enthusiasts, and has had no previous reports of adolescents with potatoes of which I am aware. Please come back and visit us again-I am sure you will enjoy the peaceful gardens even during the winter.
Written December 24, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lggg70
La Grange, TX315 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
Take a stroll through the trees. See plaques of people who have had influence in aviation history. Most of the States are represented, and many countries of the world also. Children will even enjoy this walk, and can look for some famous names along the way.
Written October 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ILoveDownunder
Minneapolis53 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
It was amazing to see so many different types of trees in such a small area - some of them looked to be having a difficult time surviving but many are not native to that area so maybe they struggle. It's a nice walk through many trees and some nice monuments to aviation.
Written July 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAF-Local
Santa Fe, NM16 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
Can only echo the March 2005 reviewer's article. Have attended two induction ceremonies now and must say it is impressive: beautiful ceremony in a lovely setting and the people putting it on truly care (that is to say, it's not just a job). In the 11 years between my two visits, the trees have grown considerably and it's starting "to look like a forest:.
Written June 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarMa555
Oahu, HI98 contributions
Jul 2021
Beautifully and Inspiringly done. I really nice place to take a leisurely walk and appreciate all of the trees.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KansasDayTripper
Atchison, KS11 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
I know I may be biased coming from this town, but even as a kid I loved going to the Forest of Friendship out at Warnock Lake. With 2 type of trails, one paved and the other in a selective cut wooded area on woodchips, this park area lets people enjoy anything from the walks, to fishing over at the lake, mushroom hunting and much more. It allows you to bring dogs on leash and school groups/scout groups can find lots to see for educational purposes. Look for the geocache boxes also!
Written October 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz G
46 contributions
May 2015 • Family
This is a beautiful park with a wonderful walkway that meanders thru the trees. Each tree is marked by the state or country where it originated. A great place to let the kids romp around.
Written October 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria H
Tybee Island, GA22 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Tucked away in a corner of Warnock Lake unless you know its there, you would most likely miss it but that's part of why it's so great! This is a popular place for family photo's, weddings, and romantic dates!
Written July 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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