Fort Leavenworth Visitor Guide - KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Welcome to Fort Leavenworth, a historic military post blending rich history, unique culture, and unique exploration opportunities. As an active U.S. Army installation, access is restricted, so visitors must register at the Grant Gate Visitor Control Center (Address: 101 Grant Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 684-3600. Website: home.army.mil/leavenworth). 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

Fort Leavenworth was established in 1827 by Colonel Henry Leavenworth as a frontier outpost to protect the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, making it the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi.
It played a key role in the Mexican-American War, Civil War, and Indian Wars, serving as a supply hub and training ground, with the Buffalo Soldiers (10th Cavalry) formed here in 1866.
The fort is home to the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), founded in 1881, training military leaders like Eisenhower and Patton, with its history preserved at the Frontier Army Museum.

Interesting Facts

Fort Leavenworth is nicknamed the “Intellectual Center of the Army” due to the CGSC, educating over 1,000 officers annually from the U.S. and 100+ allied nations.
The fort houses the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, the Department of Defense’s only maximum-security prison, established in 1874 and rebuilt in 2002.
Its 5,600-acre grounds include 1,000 historic buildings, many from the 19th century, earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
The fort’s Buffalo Soldier Monument, dedicated in 1992, honors African-American troops who served in the West, a nod to its diverse military heritage.

Local Attractions

Frontier Army Museum: Explore artifacts from the fort’s history, including 19th-century uniforms, weapons, and Buffalo Soldier exhibits. Open Mon-Fri, 9 AM-4 PM; free admission. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps available. Address: 100 Reynolds Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 684-3186. Website: home.army.mil/leavenworth/museum.
Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery: A serene site with 22,000 graves, including Civil War soldiers and Medal of Honor recipients. Open daily; free entry. Accessibility: Paved paths, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 395 Biddle Blvd, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 758-4105. Website: cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftleavenworth.asp.
Planters Park: A scenic park with walking trails and picnic areas near the Missouri River, ideal for relaxation. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Mostly flat, some gravel paths. Address: 101 Sherman Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 684-1674. Website: leavenworth.armymwr.com.
Lewis and Clark Historic Trail: Visit interpretive signs marking the 1804 expedition’s stop near the fort. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Limited, uneven terrain. Address: 1 Scott Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 684-3600. Website: nps.gov/lecl.
Pro Tip: Download the TravelKS app for real-time maps and event updates. Visitor pass required for base access—bring ID to Grant Gate.

Local Restaurants

Savor Fort Leavenworth’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises, some just off-base due to limited on-post options):

The Depot 1887: Located just outside the fort in Leavenworth, known for farm-to-table American fare like smoked brisket and homemade pies. Expect $15-25 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 107 S 5th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 651-8487. Website: thedepot1887.com.
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant: In nearby Leavenworth, specializing in homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Prices range from $12-22. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 418 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-2222. Website: luigisitalianleavenworth.com.
Pullman Place Family Restaurant: Off-base in Leavenworth, offering comfort food like chicken-fried steak and local brews. Budget: $10-20. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 230 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-0200. Website: pullmanplace.com.
Ten Penny Restaurant & Bar: In Leavenworth, famous for craft burgers and seasonal salads with local ingredients. Average cost: $12-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 529 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 651-1010. Website: tenpennyrestaurant.com.
Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for The Depot, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.

Local Hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 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, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 250-3333. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/leavenworth/lvcin/hoteldetail.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Leavenworth: Priced at $100-140/night. Features free breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 1101 N 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 758-0800. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcilv-fairfield-inn-suites-leavenworth.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Leavenworth: Priced at $105-145/night. Includes full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 1001 N 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 758-0900. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcitp-towneplace-suites-leavenworth.
Hampton Inn Leavenworth: Priced at $95-135/night. Provides free breakfast, indoor pool, business center. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 405 S 2nd St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 680-1500. Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/mcilvhx-hampton-leavenworth.
Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.

Other Information for Tourists

Getting Around: On-post access requires a visitor pass from Grant Gate Visitor Control Center (Address: 101 Grant Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 684-3600. Website: home.army.mil/leavenworth). Use rideshares like Uber or drive via US-73. Public transit via Kansas City Area Transportation Authority connects to KC (Address: 1200 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. Phone: (816) 221-0660. Website: ridekc.org). Taxis at Kansas City International Airport (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: flykci.com). Car rentals at the airport are ideal.
Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming parks or fall (September-November) for festivals; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try wood-fired pizza at Luigi’s or burgers at Ten Penny. For dietary needs, The Depot offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Leavenworth County Fair in August (Address: 100 N 5th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-3000. Website: leavenworthcountyfair.org) or Fort Leavenworth’s Independence Day Celebration (Address: 1 Scott Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 684-1674. Website: leavenworth.armymwr.com).
Safety & Health: Fort Leavenworth is very safe due to military security; follow base protocols. Clinics at Munson Army Health Center (Address: 550 Pope Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027. Phone: (913) 684-6000. Website: munson.tricare.mil). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
Sustainable Travel: Shop at the 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—Fort Leavenworth supports eco-friendly initiatives.