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$2,120 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
NT$2,120
NT$2,785 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,662 reviews)
"There was a musty smell on our room and it was very humid. Other than that it was clean, the staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 2025/8/18

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$5,992 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$5,992
NT$7,206 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! (1,765 reviews)
"New go to option in downtown kc"

Reviewed on 2025/8/15

Loews Kansas City Hotel
Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

3.5 out of 5
1491 North 98th Terrace, Kansas City, KS
The price is NT$5,390 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$5,390
NT$7,497 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Legends Outlets Kansas City and Kansas ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (59 reviews)
"Amazing staff! There is not a single person at this resort that wasn’t kind, smiling or helpful!!!A++++ to the staff! Our stay was fantastic."

Reviewed on 2025/8/17

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City
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! (324 reviews)
"STAFF WAS HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY AND ROOMS WERE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION"

Reviewed on 2025/8/18

Leavenworth Local Hotel
Park House on Main

Park House on Main

3 out of 5
16 Main Street, Parkville, MO
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Parkville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and furnished balconies or patios. Popular attractions Argosy Casino ...
7.4/10 Good! (3 reviews)
Hometown feel
"It was an excellent option for people who don’t like the monotony of hotels. We loved the small town feel of the area! The decor is nice even though it wasn’t our first pick and there’s just enough room in the room. The only complaint we have is the grout in the bathroom needs cleaned and the bed ..."

Reviewed on 2025/3/14

Park House on Main
Condotels

Condotels

3 out of 5
801 W. Eisenhower Rd, Lansing, KS
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly condo in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions DePaul Library and Ray Miller ...
9/10 Wonderful! (185 reviews)
"My stay was amazing. My whole family enjoyed the stay, pets included. I would highly recommend staying here to any and everyone. Amazing home away from home."

Reviewed on 2025/6/21

Condotels
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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