Overview
Leavenworth is a city in Eastern Kansas. Leavenworth, the "First City in Kansas", established in 1854, is located on the west banks of the Missouri River and became nationally known as the "jumping off point" for the opening of the West. Buffalo Bill Cody spent part of his youth here and later worked in the area as a Pony Express rider and Army scout. Cody's parents are buried in Leavenworth.
1 sights · 1 things to do · 2 places to eat
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth
Was established in 1827 and is the oldest fort in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. For the next several decades it played an important role in keeping the peace among the various Indian tribes and the …
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Kansas City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MCI Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City — 11 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MHK Manhattan Regional Airport, Manhattan — 94 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fort Leavenworth
- Lunch Hyundai Korean Restaurant
- Afternoon C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
- Dinner Homer's Drive In
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
Leavenworth has numerous historic vintage homes, sites, depots, and, of course, the "Big House", the United States Federal Penitentiary. Leavenworth boasts numerous beautiful Victorian homes, such as the Carroll Mansion and several preserved depots that are available for touring.
See Fort Leavenworth
Was established in 1827 and is the oldest fort in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. For the next several decades it played an important role in keeping the peace among the various Indian tribes and the increasing number of settlers heading west. By the 1840s, travel to Oregon and California had begun and thousands of wagons passed through Fort Leavenworth on the way to the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. Fort Leavenworth is well preserved with many historic sites. The Buffalo Soldier Monument is a magnificent tribute to the 9th and 10th Cavalry of Black Soldiers that were forgotten in history.
Do
Eat
Eat Hyundai Korean Restaurant
Probably the most authentic ethnic food in town. Bibimbap, kimchee, and gimbap all taste like they were magically teleported from a street stall or hole-in-wall diner in Seoul. A small Asian grocery store is in the same building.
Eat Homer's Drive In
A locally owned greasy spoon if you're craving a burger and milkshake that's not from McDonald's or Burger King.
Nearby
Weston
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Atchison
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Kansas City
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Overland Park
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Lenexa
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Kearney
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Lawrence
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My experience
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