Major city · United States
LeavenworthLeavenworth, Kansas
Half a day for the historic fort and carousel museum, or a full day if you add a prison tour. Not a base — visit from Kansas City or Lawrence.
Leavenworth, founded in 1854 as the first city in Kansas, sits on the Missouri River and is best known for Fort Leavenworth (the oldest active fort west of the Mississippi) and the federal penitentiary. The historic district has Victorian homes and a carousel museum. Most visitors spend a few hours here as a side trip from Kansas City or Lawrence.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid)
- Airport
- MCI
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Leavenworth911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Leavenworth, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLeavenworth is generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMCI Kansas City International (About 45 min drive; no direct public transport).
- Getting aroundCar is essential.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (diner)$2–4
- BeerBeer (domestic, bar)$4–6
- Museum or sight ticketCarousel Museum entry$5–10 (check)
- Budget bedMotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedMotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$100
- High-end bedMotel room (double), a night, per roomUS$150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$40 · Mid US$80 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MCI Kansas City International (About 45 min drive; no direct public transport)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Jan (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Leavenworth: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
6 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
12 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
Dec
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential. The city is compact but spread out; no public transit. Parking is free and easy.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30 min
Car via US-7 or I-70, about 30 min
Museums, barbecue and the Speedway.
Door to door: 40 min
Car via US-24 and US-40, about 40 min
University town with a walkable downtown and the Clinton Lake area.
Door to door: 50 min
Car via US-75, about 50 min
State capitol, Brown v. Board of Education site and the Kansas Museum of History.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Historic District
Walkable to museums and restaurants; limited hotel options.
Near Fort Leavenworth
Closer to the fort but fewer dining choices.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $40–70 excl. bed
- Mid
- $70–120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel room (double)1 × 1 night × US$100 | US$100 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$80 | US$160 |
| Car rental (one day, economy)1 × US$50 · check | US$50 |
| Gas for 50 miles1 × US$10 | US$10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$32 |
| Trip total≈ US$176 per person per day, bed included | US$352 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (diner) | $2–4 |
| Burger and fries (Homer's Drive In) | $8–12 |
| Korean bibimbap (Hyundai Korean Restaurant) | $12–18 |
| Beer (domestic, bar) | $4–6 |
| Carousel Museum entry | $5–10 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Fort Leavenworth is an active military base: you need a valid ID (passport or US driver's licence) to enter. Non-US citizens may need to arrange access in advance.
- The federal penitentiary does not offer public tours; you can only view it from outside.
- Many restaurants close early (by 8–9 pm) and some are closed on Sundays.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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LeavenworthLeavenworth, Kansas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Embassy
Embassies are in Washington, DC; consulates in Kansas City, MO (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- KCI Airport → Leavenworth (taxi/rideshare): about $60–80, 45 min
- Leavenworth → Kansas City (car): about 30 min, no toll
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Leavenworth. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Fort Leavenworth access rules for non-US citizens: check the base website.
- C.W. Parker Carousel Museum hours and seasonal closures: check the museum site.
- Prison viewing point: confirm the best public spot.
Sources
Ask about Leavenworth
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