Leavenworth, KS

Travel 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 kilometers) 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 NT$2,556 per night from Aug 12 to Aug 13
NT$2,556
NT$3,289 total
Aug 12 - Aug 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,619 reviews)
Great Experience
"Our stay at Orangewood Inn & Suites was enjoyable. The room was spacious and clean, and the bed was comfortable, allowing for a good night's sleep. The staff was friendly and helpful. They offered free breakfast with a large variety of both hot and cold foods to choose from. We would stay there again ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

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 NT$5,923 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$5,923
NT$7,123 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,756 reviews)
"Great for people traveling with a pet. We have a 24 hour drive every summer and this is a great mid point. We take the dog to the dog park in KC—then he gets to join us for a nice meal. This makes it relaxing and stress free for all of us."

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

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 NT$4,276 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$4,276
NT$5,155 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions First City ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (323 reviews)
"Room was standard hotel room for a higher price, loved the drink tokens, easy parking and access. Front desk staff was super nice and efficient. Just seemed a little pricey for a small room and the other guests were very noisy."

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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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