Leavenworth Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Leavenworth KS Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Leavenworth KS Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Leavenworth KS Convention & Visitors Bureau
Leavenworth

With nicknames that range from “Prison City” to “Carousel Capital of the World,” this Kansas city embraces its varied past with museums and historic walks.

Leavenworth is a city in northeast Kansas that’s known for its infamous prison and other unusual claims to fame. Explorers Lewis and Clark passed through while embarking on their westward journey, Buffalo Bill Cody grew up here and Abraham Lincoln stayed in Leavenworth for several days during his campaign. Today the city on the banks of the Missouri River is known for its large historic shopping district and museums celebrating its varied past. Browse antique shops, visit a brewery and stop for a meal at an old-fashioned lunch counter.

See why Leavenworth is known as “The First City In Kansas” by taking the Historic Wayside Tour, a path that runs along the banks of the river. Stop to read interactive exhibits and admire signposted landmarks along the way. Sign up for a tour of the city on an old-fashioned trolley car. 

Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary has held some of the past century’s most infamous villains. Snap a photo of the famous structure where criminals like Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz, were once held.Visit Fort Leavenworth, a 200-year-old military structure that is today a National Heritage Area. Explore the Frontier Army Museum that houses artifacts dating back to 1804 and see a monument dedicated to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

More carousels have been built in Leavenworth than any other American city, and there’s a museum to celebrate this fact. Stop by the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum to see the types of carousel horses Charles Wallace Parker produced in his factory, which opened in Leavenworth in 1911, and ride one of the three operating carousels. Nearby to the carousel museum is the Chapel of the Veterans, honored by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for being the only church to hold both Protestant and Catholic services. 

Leavenworth is located 33 miles (53 kilometres) from Missouri’s Kansas City and is accessible via a major highway. Fly into Kansas City International Airport, which has flights arriving and departing daily from all major U.S. cities. Once in Leavenworth, you can walk between attractions in the downtown district and rent a car to explore further afield.

Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport

Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport

3.5 out of 5
11828 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, MO
The price is ฿2,791 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
฿2,791
฿3,592 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,582 reviews)
"Great smelling hotel"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
Loews Kansas City Hotel

Loews Kansas City Hotel

4 out of 5
1515 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿6,469 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿6,469
฿7,779 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,753 reviews)
"Great property! Highly recommend the Loews Kansas City Hotel."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Loews Kansas City Hotel
Kansas City Marriott Downtown

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

4 out of 5
200 W 12th Street, Kansas City, MO
The price is ฿4,393 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿4,393
฿5,303 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Bed was comfortable. Shower was great. Staff was awesome"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Kansas City Marriott Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Leavenworth Local Hotel

Leavenworth Local Hotel

2.5 out of 5
600 Shawnee St, Leavenworth, KS
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions First City Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (322 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Leavenworth Local Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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