Try our Harvey House Luncheon and Tour

It all started in Topeka, KS

Click here for photos

At the age of 15, Fred Harvey, an Englishman, immigrated to America.  He had many occupations, one of which was an agent for the Burlington Railroad.  As he traveled on the train, we became very disgusted with the way meals were served.  In the spring of 1876, Fred Harvey took over the restaurant at the Santa Fe depot in Topeka.  Preferring the term Harvey Girl to waitress, Fred Harvey recruited single women to work at Harvey Houses along the Santa Fe Railroad line from Kansas to California.

Between the 1880’s and the 1950’s more than 100,000 women, many Kansans, proudly wore the black-and-white-uniform of the Harvey Company.

Schedule your luncheon and tour today to hear more about the history of the Harvey Girls and the railroads!

Group tours are available at the Great Overland Station.  We are handicap accessible, 2 wheelchairs, elevator, provide bus parking (motor coach, school buses, etc.), 2 large parking lots, and tours are guided by a knowledgeable docent.

Scheduling is based on availability.

Luncheon and Tours offered:

• Must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance

• There will be 4 menu options to select from.  Only 1 option is permitted for the total group.

• We can accommodate groups of up to 100 participants with a minimum of 25 participants.

• You must contact our office 1 week prior to the tour date to confirm the number of participants.  At this time we will calculate the total amount due.  This will be the amount that will be paid to the Great Overland Station.  The payment due will be the confirmed amount regardless of how many show. This is due to the fact the meals are catered and cannot be cancelled after that date.

Information needed when scheduling a tour:

• Number of people for the luncheon and tour

• Please allow 1 ½ hour for luncheon and tour

• Provide time of arrival

• Type of transportation you will arrive in

• Any special needs

• Contact name, phone number and e-mail address

Luncheons can only be scheduled during the following days and times:

Tuesday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

(We are closed on Mondays and holidays – Click here for days closed)

 If for any reason your group will be arriving later than scheduled, you must call our office and advise us of the time change. If your tour group is going to several sites prior to the luncheon, it is imperative you arrive at the Station as scheduled.

Harvey House Luncheon and Tour Rates

$18.00 per person

Remember to call the office 1 week prior to the scheduled luncheon and tour to confirm the number count.  At that time the payment will be determined.  Upon arrival one form of payment for the entire group will be paid at the admissions desk.  We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Check or cash.

Remember to call the office 1 week prior to the scheduled luncheon to confirm the number of participants attending.

To ask questions, schedule a tour, or to confirm a reservation, contact

Trisha Smith at  tsmith@greatoverlandstation.com or Bette Allen at ballen@greatoverlandstation.com or 785-232-5533.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful experience