In April 1860, the first rider of the famed Pony Express left these stables in St. Joseph, Missouri on a 10-day, non-stop ride to deliver mail to Sacramento, California. For 18 months it was the fastest, most innovative and exciting form of communication in North America. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Best and Worst Times to Go To the Pony Express National Museum
The anniversary of the first Pony Express rider leaving St. Joseph is April 3 and each year activities, large and small, celebrate the day. It's crowded that day, but fun.

Must See/Do at the Pony Express National Museum

• Sort the mail when it arrives and see if you can beat the time of Pony Express riders.
• Mail a letter with a Pony Express postmark and stamp.
• Choose a horse best suited for your ride across the prairie.

Admission to the Pony Express National Museum
Seniors and students receive a discount on admission that averages about $6. Children under 6 are free. Admission includes a visit to a one-room school house on the grounds.

Parking and Public Transportation to the Pony Express National Museum
Parking is free and plentiful on the street in front of the Pony Express Museum and in an adjacent parking lot. Taxi service is also plentiful in the city.

Food at the Pony Express National Museum
There is no food service at the Pony Express Museum. St. Joseph has numerous chain and independent restaurants to choose from and prices that run the gamut. Galvin's Dinner House is known for fried chicken dinners in a historic location.

Insider Tip for Visitors to the Pony Express Museum
Get your picture made at the Pony Express Monument at 9th street and Frederick Avenue. The monument was unveiled downtown on the 80th anniversary of that first ride.

Author's bio: Diana Lambdin Meyer is a travel writer based in the Kansas City area, just 40 miles south of St. Joseph. Follow her travels at www.mojotraveler.com.