International Forest of Friendship

The International Forest of Friendship is a botanical garden with trees from all 50 American states and 35 countries, located beside Lake Warnock. This collection brings together diverse species from around the world in a single learning landscape.

It was established in 1976 when Atchison and the Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots, joined forces to honor aviation pioneers. The project grew from a desire to preserve the history of aviation and space exploration for future generations.

Granite plaques along the forest paths display names of aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. These markers turn the space into a living memorial for people who shaped air and space exploration.

Visitors can come free of charge during the day and explore the grounds on their own or join guided walks. Information signs along the paths help you understand the different trees and their origins.

An American sycamore called the Moon Tree grew from a seed that traveled to space in 1971 with astronaut Stuart Roosa. This extraordinary link between space and nature makes the tree a rare reminder of human spaceflight.