703 Pennsylvania Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66048 (913) 775-1098 rentals@kcmobilityscooterrentals.com

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Lansing Visitor Guide

Welcome to Lansing, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an extended stay, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. For travelers with mobility needs, we’ve got you covered—see our recommendation below!

History

  • Lansing was founded in 1878 by James Lansing (formerly William Lansing Taylor), a Civil War veteran who changed his name upon enlisting in the 7th Kansas Cavalry, evolving from the “Town of Progress” into a thriving suburb of the Kansas City metropolitan area.
  • It played a key role as a hub tied to the Kansas State Penitentiary (now Lansing Correctional Facility), authorized in 1859 and opened in 1864, the state’s oldest and largest facility for male felons, with landmarks like the historic prison and St. Francis de Sales Church (established 1884) preserving its legacy.
  • Notable developments include incorporation as a city in 1959, rapid post-WWII growth driven by the prison’s economic influence, and the area’s roots in the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, visible in sites like the Lansing Historical Museum.

Interesting Facts

  • Lansing is home to the Lansing Correctional Facility, Kansas’s largest and oldest prison (capacity 2,405), which has housed infamous inmates like Richard Hickok and Perry Smith (executed in 1965) and hosted Johnny Cash’s 1968 performance.
  • The city’s wastewater treatment plant expansion in 2006 used enough steel reinforcing bar and tie wire to stretch from Lansing to Denver and back, serving needs beyond 2025 and highlighting its infrastructure growth.
  • With a population of 11,239 (2020 census), Lansing boasts a sparse suburban feel, above-average public schools, and a median household income of around $80,000, ranking among Kansas’s best places to live.
  • St. Francis de Sales Church is one of Kansas’s oldest with continuous service since 1884, originally served by Jesuit priests from St. Louis, reflecting the area’s deep Catholic heritage.

Local Attractions

  • Lansing Historical Museum: Housed in a restored 1887 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe train depot, explore exhibits on pioneer life, the prison’s history, and local artifacts. Open Wed-Sat; donation-based. Accessibility: Ground-floor access, wheelchair ramps. Address: 115 E Kansas Ave, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-2750. Website: lansingkansashistory.com.
  • Historic Kansas State Penitentiary Tours: Guided tours of the decommissioned 1860s stone prison, featuring cell blocks and stories from former wardens—flashlights required for evening tours. Open weekends; $30 adults. Accessibility: Mostly flat, some stairs; call for accommodations. Address: 801 W Kansas Ave, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-2750. Website: lansingkansashistory.com/ksp-tours.
  • Angel Falls Trail: A scenic hiking path with stunning waterfall views and native flora, perfect for nature walks. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved sections, some uneven terrain. Address: 900 Ida St (near St. Francis de Sales Church), Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-4700. Website: lansingks.org/parks.
  • City Park: Family-friendly spot with playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields for relaxation. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths. Address: 500 N Main St, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-4700. Website: lansingks.org/parks.
  • Pro Tip: Download the Visit Kansas City KS app for real-time maps and event updates.

Local Restaurants

Savor Lansing’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):

  • Whiskey River Pizza & Pub: Known for hand-tossed pizzas and craft pub fare like loaded nachos. Expect $10-20 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 1131 N Main St, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 250-0000. Website: whiskeyriverpizza.com.
  • Low-N-Slow Midwest BBQ: Specializing in slow-smoked brisket and ribs with house-made sauces. Prices range from $12-22. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 1507 Kansas Ave, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-2727. Website: lownslowbbq.com.
  • Bill’s Kitchen: In the heart of town, offering homestyle American comfort food like chicken-fried steak. Budget: $8-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 500 N Main St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 727-1111. Website: billskitchenleavenworth.com.
  • Ichiban Japanese Sushi & Steak House: Famous for fresh sushi rolls and hibachi grilled entrees. Average cost: $15-25. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 802 E Eisenhower Rd, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-8888. Website: ichibanks.com.
  • Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for Ichiban, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.

Local Hotels

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lansing-Leavenworth: Priced at $110-150/night. Offers indoor pool, free hot breakfast, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 602 E Wyandotte St, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 250-3333. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/lansing/lvcin/hoteldetail.
  • Econo Lodge Lansing – Leavenworth: Priced at $70-100/night. Features free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 100 W 6th St, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-3300. Website: choicehotels.com/econo-lodge.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Leavenworth: Priced at $80-110/night. Includes free breakfast, indoor pool. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 2200 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-8880. Website: wyndhamhotels.com/super-8.
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Leavenworth: Priced at $100-140/night. Provides free breakfast, fitness center, indoor pool. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 1101 N 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 758-0800. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcilv-fairfield-inn-suites-leavenworth.
  • Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.

Other Information for Tourists

  • Getting Around: Lansing lacks public transit; use rideshares like Uber or drive via US-73. Taxis available locally (Phone: Search “Lansing KS taxis” for numbers); car rentals at Kansas City International Airport (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: flykci.com) are great for exploring.
  • Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming trails or fall (September-November) for festivals; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
  • Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try smoked ribs at Low-N-Slow or sushi at Ichiban. For dietary needs, Whiskey River offers gluten-free pizza options.
  • Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Lansing Independence Days Celebration in late June with fireworks (Address: 1412 147th St, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-4700. Website: lansingks.org) or the Fall Festival in October (Address: 900 Ida St, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-4700. Website: lansingks.org).
  • Safety & Health: Lansing is very safe with low crime rates; stay aware during events. Clinics at Amberwell Lansing Clinic (Address: 1004 Progress Dr, Lansing, KS 66043. Phone: (913) 727-2750. Website: amberwellhealth.org/lansing-clinic). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
  • Sustainable Travel: Shop at the nearby Leavenworth Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 520 S 7th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-3924. Website: leavenworthmainstreet.com) and use reusable items—Lansing supports eco-friendly parks and trails.

Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Exploring Lansing is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Lansing and nearby areas. Choose from:

  • Mobility Scooters: Lightweight and easy to navigate on city streets and attractions.
  • Wheelchairs: Manual or powered for all-day comfort.
  • Rollators: Stable walkers with seats for shorter outings.
  • Transport Chairs: Compact and foldable for travel ease.
  • Knee Scooters: Perfect for temporary injuries, with adjustable heights.

Our rentals are affordable, sanitized, and delivered with setup instructions. Book at kcmobilityscooterrentals.com or call (816) 200-2342 for same-day service. Roll through Lansing’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!

Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit lansingks.org or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!