Leavenworth Visitor Guide
Welcome to Leavenworth, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Known as the “First City of Kansas,” Leavenworth offers a charming mix of historic charm and modern attractions. 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
- Leavenworth was founded in 1854 as the first incorporated city in Kansas, established by pro-slavery settlers but later becoming a key Union stronghold during the Civil War.
- It served as a major supply hub for westward expansion, with Fort Leavenworth (established 1827) playing a pivotal role in the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, and as the birthplace of the Buffalo Soldiers in 1866.
- Notable figures like Frederick Douglass, who spoke here in 1879, and the city’s role in shaping the Kansas-Nebraska Act are preserved at sites like the Leavenworth County Historical Society.
Interesting Facts
- Leavenworth’s population is 37,351 (2023), with a diverse demographic (73.2% White, 12.8% Black, 9.1% Hispanic per 2020 census) and a median household income of $63,260, reflecting its historic yet growing community.
- The city is home to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, showcasing a 1913 carousel and the world’s first carousel horse factory, a nod to its carnival heritage.
- Leavenworth hosts the federal penitentiary, opened in 1903, which has housed figures like George “Machine Gun” Kelly and is one of the oldest U.S. prisons still in operation.
- Its downtown, with over 150 historic buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and known for festive holiday lights, earning the nickname “Little Bavaria of Kansas.”
Local Attractions
- C.W. Parker Carousel Museum: Ride a restored 1913 carousel and explore carnival history. Open Wed-Sun, 11 AM-5 PM; admission: $6 adults. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, ground-floor access. Address: 320 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-1331. Website: carouselmuseum.org.
- Leavenworth County Historical Society (Carroll Mansion): A Victorian mansion with exhibits on pioneer and military history. Open Tue-Sat, 10:30 AM-4:30 PM; admission: $5. Accessibility: Limited, stairs to upper floors. Address: 1128 5th Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-7759. Website: leavenworthhistory.org.
- Riverfront Park: Scenic Missouri River views with walking trails, picnic areas, and historic railroad displays. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved paths, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 123 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 651-2203. Website: leavenworthks.org/parks.
- Downtown Leavenworth: Stroll historic streets with shops, murals, and seasonal festivals. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Flat sidewalks, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 416 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-3924. Website: leavenworthmainstreet.com.
- Pro Tip: Download the Visit Leavenworth KS app for real-time maps and event updates.
Local Restaurants
Savor Leavenworth’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):
- The Depot 1887: 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: 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: Offers 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: 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: Navigate with Leavenworth Trolley tours (Address: 1001 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 565-2737. Website: leavenworthtrolley.com) or rideshares like Uber. 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 for exploring.
- Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming parks or winter (November-December) for holiday lights; 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 the Christmas Lighting Festival in December (Address: 416 Cherokee St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 682-3924. Website: leavenworthmainstreet.com).
- Safety & Health: Leavenworth is generally safe, but stay cautious in busy downtown areas. Clinics at Saint John Hospital (Address: 3500 S 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Phone: (913) 680-6000. Website: saintjohnleavenworth.com). 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—Leavenworth supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals
Exploring Leavenworth is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!
Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit leavenworthks.org or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!