5 Things to Do Near Fort Leavenworth
by Megan Harless - April 9th, 2021
Welcome to Fort Leavenworth! Most known for being the location for the military prison and a federal penitentiary right outside the gate, you will soon fall in love with this little town. Do not worry yet if small towns are not your thing, Kansas City is a short 30 minutes down the road. The area boasts many amazing events and sites to give everyone in the family something to do. Here are some of our favorites:
WWI Museum
Located in Kansas City, the National World War I Museum and Memorial offers an in-depth dive into the cause and the following events of WWI. Regardless of if you are a history lover or not, the museum has something for everyone. You will be quickly immersed into the early 1900’s of Europe as you travel through the interactive exhibits. You will see everything from the uniforms and weapons, to the impact the war took on the various countries. Do not skip out on the opportunity to also travel up the memorial tower for beautiful view of the Kansas City Skyline.
Local Farms
Near Leavenworth there are a variety of small, family-owned farms that you can also explore. Cider Hill Family Orchard will give you the opportunity to pick apples with your family. Weston Red Barn Farm is the place to be when its time to pick pumpkins! They also offer the opportunity to explore a real working farmstead to include fresh produce and traditional farm animals. If you are looking for a place with some horses and a good trail ride, check out Watkins C Ranch. Possibly the most popular spot will be Grinter Farms for your chance to see the Kansas Sunflowers in full action! Take a camera or schedule a family phot session to remember your time at Leavenworth.
Science City/Union City
Located right across the street from the WWI museum is Union Station. Once a bustling train station in its prime, Union Station now hosts multiple exhibits and experiences for those of any age. Plan a day downtown at this location to explore the KC Rail experience, Planetarium, an interactive science experience with Science City, giant screen movies, live theater, shops, and of course, your ability to still catch the Amtrak. Take the foot bridge over the highway from Union Station to Jack Stack Barbecue Freight House for some good grub before heading home.
Sports
If you need something to fill your sports loving soul, then you will find you are in the perfect spot! Not only are the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals in town, but there other fun and more budget friendly options available. If you are looking for a little ice action, check out the minor league ice hockey team – Kansas City Mavericks. For some more ball action, located a short 30 minutes from Leavenworth you will find the Kansas City Monarchs. Any seat at the ballpark is a good seat, and do not underestimate the general admission tickets of sitting on the grass in the outfield and letting the kids run to catch a home run or foul ball!
Charm Hunt and Parades
You will find that Leavenworth is a town worth exploring on its own! Every year the Chamber of Commerce offers various “hunts” as a way for residents to explore the town. One of the most popular ones is the charm hunt. You will receive a map of stores to stop at, go inside to get your map stamped off and to receive a charm (for a small fee you can purchase the bracelet for the charms too!) You will soon be discovering all the local favorites for coffee, donuts, gifts and more! If you miss out on the charm hunt, there is also an ornament hunt during the holidays, and a flower hunt in the spring. Not only are the hunts fun, but Leavenworth will put on some amazing parades too! Grab your blanket and line the curbs of downtown Leavenworth for Veteran’s Day, Christmas, St Patrick’s Day, and the 4th of July to celebrate in style!
Megan Harless is an Army veteran and Army spouse. This mom to three earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Charleston in West Virginia and has completed Labor and Postpartum and Infant Care training with ProDoula, as well as additional training with DONA, International and Spinning Babies. Megan is also the writer behind Milspouse Chronicles and is the PCSgrades co-host of the weekly PCS Q&A webinars.
