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
$85 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$101 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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 Aug 18, 2025

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
$199 nightly
The price is $239 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$239 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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 Aug 15, 2025

Loews Kansas City Hotel
Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

3.5 out of 5
1491 North 98th Terrace, Kansas City, KS
$209 nightly
The price is $249 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$249 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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 Aug 17, 2025

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 Aug 18, 2025

Leavenworth Local Hotel
Amazing Locale 2KingBR/1BTH

Amazing Locale 2KingBR/1BTH

Kansas City
Stay at this condo in Kansas City. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Nelson-Atkins ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (118 reviews)
Ok
"Nice area, but place needs since work. Dryer missing the start button."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Amazing Locale 2KingBR/1BTH
Waterfront Cabin w/ Sunset View, WiFi, HUGE yard, and Fire-pit!

Waterfront Cabin w/ Sunset View, WiFi, HUGE yard, and Fire-pit!

Saint Joseph
Stay at this cabin in St. Joseph. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions River Bluff Trails Park and Krug Park are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (14 reviews)
"Cozy cabin tucked away by the river. Great view of the sunset. Kitchen had most things we needed."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Waterfront Cabin w/ Sunset View, WiFi, HUGE yard, and Fire-pit!
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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