Leavenworth

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Leavenworth KS Convention & Visitors Bureau
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.

Loews Kansas City Hotel
Loews Kansas City Hotel
4 out of 5
1515 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO
The price is CA $272 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $272
CA $327 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the bar ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,431 reviews)
"Great location, very clean and comfortable rooms. Reception staff were great."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Loews Kansas City Hotel
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 CA $130 per night from May 27 to May 28
CA $130
CA $166 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,429 reviews)
"Very nice rooms, bathroom sink and tub different sections. Very helpful and nice employees."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport
Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport
3 out of 5
11832 Nw Plaza Cir, Kansas City, MO
The price is CA $107 per night from Jun. 2 to Jun. 3
CA $107
CA $129 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,317 reviews)
"The water pressure in shower was poor. Common complaint I’m sure."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport
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 breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (231 reviews)
"Very fun place to stay. I really enjoyed the chalkboard and the environment of an old-school change to a hotel."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Leavenworth Local Hotel
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 Carroll Mansion and C.W. Parker ...
9/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
Basketball Tournament Overnight Stays/Family
"Appreciated the option for multiple bedrooms, stayed for a basketball tournament in KC. HUsband and kids are 6'5" and up and is nice to have Queen size options for the whole family. Also two bathrooms made it nice. Washer/Dryer in the unit was absolutely fantastic to get uniforms washed up. Will ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2024

Condotels
West Plaza Cozy Comfort Unit A
West Plaza Cozy Comfort Unit A
Kansas City
Stay at this apartment in Kansas City. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions T-Mobile Center and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Clean and good location
"Good location. Easy off street parking. comfortable couch. Lots of games and books. Well stocked with kitchen tools and dishes. Very clean. Safe area near westwood park n'hood. Close to grocery and cvs. Perfect for me to visit my daugter who lives in Plaza. Will book again."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

West Plaza Cozy Comfort Unit A
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Leavenworth