Leavenworth Travel Guide

Tourist 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 kilometres) 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 ₹18,378 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
₹18,378
₹22,085 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,854 reviews)
Everything about the stay was great. Best hotel experience we’ve had. First time in Kansas City and we picked a good place to stay. Valet, gym, pool and concierge all top notch. Gym has the biggest variety of equipment I’ve ever seen. Room was CLEAN. Literally our only issue was with our neighbors ...

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Loews Kansas City Hotel
Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City

3 out of 5
1491 North 98th Terrace, Kansas City, KS
The price is ₹11,343 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
₹11,343
₹13,513 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Legends Outlets Kansas City and Kansas Speedway ...
9/10 Wonderful! (163 reviews)
This place is awesome for night out in KC!

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City
Kansas City Marriott Downtown

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

4 out of 5
200 W 12th Street, Kansas City, MO
The price is ₹13,379 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
₹13,379
₹16,114 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kansas City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,039 reviews)
We were located thru the walkway to other side of hotel … did not prefer that … it would have been nice to have our room closer to main area … I feel that they should’ve asked us

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Kansas City Marriott Downtown
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
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions First City Museum and C.W. Parker ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (338 reviews)
Fun place to stay that wasn’t just a normal hotel. I like how they integrated some aspects of it being a school into the hotel

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Leavenworth Local Hotel
Park House on Main

Park House on Main

3 out of 5
16 Main Street, Parkville, MO
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Parkville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and furnished balconies or patios. Popular attractions Argosy Casino ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
Great well appointed room in the heart of downtown. First class accommodations

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Park House on Main
Condotels

Condotels

3 out of 5
801 W. Eisenhower Rd, Lansing, KS
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly condo in Lansing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions DePaul Library and Ray Miller ...
9/10 Wonderful! (188 reviews)
Nice place staff was great and nice location

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Condotels
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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