PWTM: Fort Leavenworth, KS
One of the most challenging aspects of the military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.
We here at Army Wife Network want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Leavenworth, KS.
While well-known for the United States Disciplinary Barracks and the United States Penitentiary, there is a lot more to Fort Leavenworth. It is the home of the Command and General Staff College (also known as ILE), which sees frequent, massive turnover each year as one year’s students move out and the new year’s students come in. There are also many “permanent party” families in the area, sometimes mixed with students depending on housing needs, though students are usually housed separately from permanent party. You’re only 40 minutes from downtown Kansas City, MO, commonly referred to as KCMO, but Kansas City, KS, or KCK, is much closer (maybe 20 minutes from post). The people are incredibly friendly in the area, which makes it an easy place to love.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Fort Leavenworth is home to the following units:
- 15th Military Police Brigade
- 40th Military Battalion
- 705th Military Police Battalion
- 902nd Military Intelligence Group
- Army National Guard, Battle Command Training Center
- Battle Command Training Program
- Command and General Staff College
- Combined Arms Center – Training
- Headquarters Combined Arms Center
- Joint Center for International Security Force Assistance
- National Simulation Center
- Special Troops Battalion
- TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity
- US Disciplinary Barracks
- School of Advanced Military Studies
- Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate
- US Federal Prison Leavenworth
- Mission Command Training Program
Surrounding Cities:
- Leavenworth (right outside the gate)
- Lansing, KS (7 miles)
- Weston, MO (10 miles)
- Platte City, MO (11 miles)
- Five Points, KS (12 miles)
- Basehor, KS (16 miles)
- Springdale, KS (18 miles)
- Bonner Springs, KS (20 miles)
- Atchison, KS (25 miles)
- Kansas City, KS (29 miles)
- Liberty, MO (32 miles)
- Shawnee, KS (33 miles)
- Olathe, KS (34 miles)
- Lawrence, KS (36 miles)
- Mission, KS (38 miles)
- Overland Park, KS (40 miles)
- Independence, MO (42 miles)
- Lee’s Summit, MO (57 miles)
- Louisburg, KS (61 miles)
- Abilene, KS (151 miles)
- Omaha, NE (170 miles)
- Wichita, KS (200 miles)
Closest MAJOR City:
- Kansas City, MO (32 miles)
Names of Area Colleges:
- Upper Iowa University on Fort Leavenworth
- Central Michigan University on Fort Leavenworth
- Kansas State University on Fort Leavenworth
- Webster University on Fort Leavenworth
- University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS
- Benedictine College in Atchison, KS
- Kansas City Community College in Kansas City, KS
- Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO
- University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) in Kansas City, MO
- Avila University in Kansas City, MO
- Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, MO
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience in Kansas City, MO
- University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS
Weather: Here, you will experience all four seasons, though spring and fall feel short compared to summer and winter. Winter regularly brings snow, below freezing temperatures, and a cold wind. In summer, expect to see temperatures in the upper 90s, sometimes hitting triple digits. There tends to be a breeze or strong wind year round. Spring and fall are beautiful seasons here. Prepare for tornadoes as they are not uncommon.
Time Zone: Central Time Zone
SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION
To access the post website, click here.
Historical Facts/Landmarks: Fort Leavenworth is the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi River and has devoted more than 170 years of service to the nation. Established in 1827, Fort Leavenworth has one of the largest and oldest National Historic Landmark Districts in the Department of the Army. In 1881, Gen. William T. Sherman established the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry. That school evolved into the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, which is still at Fort Leavenworth. Here are some additional historic landmarks and locations:
- Frontier Army Museum
- Buffalo Soldier Monument
- Historic Memorial Chapel
- Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery
- The Lewis and Clark Trail
This post and the surrounding area is overflowing with history. It’s one of our favorite things about the location! — Shawna J.
HOUSING
On-post Housing is managed by Frontier Heritage Communities.
Each community has a mayor, who is there to voice resident concerns. They also usually run Facebook pages for the neighborhood, so be sure to join your neighborhood page if living on post! —Sarah P
Major realty/rental companies in the area:
- Mefford Real Estate
- Heartland Residential Realty
- Falcon Falls Apartments and Homes
- Samantha Radcliffe—Realty Executives
- Collins Cook Realty
- Connie Lawrence—RE/MAX House of Dreams
- The Moreno Group
- Reilly and Sons
- Craig Veller Properties
SCHOOLS
School Districts:
- Fort Leavenworth Unified School District 207
- Leavenworth Unified School District 453
- Blue Valley Unified School District 229
- Kansas City Public Schools
- West Platte School District
- Platte County R-3 School District
On-Post Schools—There are three elementary schools on post, and children will attend based on the neighborhood in which they live. This presents the opportunity for students to walk or ride their bicycles or scooters to school each day. The local school district is highly rated in the state of Kansas and nationally.
- Elementary: Eisenhower Elementary, MacArthur Elementary, and Bradley Elementary.
- Middle: Patton Junior High School
- High School: No high school on post.
Off-Post Schools
- Elementary: Anthony Elementary, David Brewer Elementary, Earl Lawson Elementary, and Henry Leavenworth Elementary,
- Middle: Richard Warren Middle
- High School: Leavenworth High School
- Private/Charter: Leavenworth Virtual School (K-8), Xavier Catholic School (K-8), Wallula Christian Preschool (Daycare and preschool), Trinity Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten (preschool-kindergarten), and St. Paul Lutheran Church and School (PK-8)
ON-POST SERVICES
- Child and Youth Services
- Army Community Service
- PX
- Commissary
- Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library
- Munson Army Health Center
- MWR
- Fort Leavenworth Spouses’ Club
- Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations
“In the fall, there is a PAIR day, which highlights all the activities in the surrounding area. Lots of coupons and a great way to one-stop shop for all there is to do and see. Vendors from all around come in to sell you on their events. There is a PAIR day in the spring as well, but it is much smaller. Make sure you go early as it gets crowded.” —Shawna J.
OFF-POST INFORMATION
Health Care:
- Hospitals: Saint Luke’s Hospital Cushing in Leavenworth, KS; Saint John Hospital in Leavenworth, KS; and Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, KS
- Urgent Care: NextCare Urgent Care in Leavenworth, KS (immediately outside the gate); Heartland Primary Care in KCK; and Children’s Mercy Northland in KCMO
- OBGYN:
- St. Luke’s Primary Care in Leavenworth, KS; Specialists in Women’s Care in Lansing, KS; and Meritas Health Pavilion for Women in KCMO
- Dentists: Little Chompers Pediatric Dentistry in Leavenworth, KS; First City Dental in Leavenworth, KS; Adam Naler, DDS in Platte City, MO; and Peter W. Mohn in Platte City, MO
- Vision: The Optical Center in the PX on Fort Leavenworth; Family Eyecare Center in Leavenworth, KS; and The EyeDoctors Optometrists in Leavenworth, KS
Best place for beauty services:
- Be.You.tiful Hair Studio in Leavenworth
- The VaVoom Room in Leavenworth
- Bella Vita Salon and Spa in Leavenworth
- Str8 Edge Barbershop in Leavenworth (known for its personalized service)
- Eden’s Gate Salon in Leavenworth
Shopping malls: Legends Outlets in KCK and Zona Rosa Town Center in KCMO
RESTAURANTS
Fort Leavenworth:
Leavenworth, KS:
- All Slabbed Up!
- The Depot
- Harbor Lights Coffeehouse and Cafe
- Baan Thai
- Tampico Mexican Restaurant
- Pullman Place
- Acapulco Mexican Grill
- Karma Cakes
- TenPenny Restaurant and Bar
- Sis’ Sweets Cookies and Cafe
- Casa Agave
- Ava’s Island Cafe
- Three Mexicanos
- Homer’s Drive In
- Hyundai Korean Restaurant
- Island Spice Jamaican Restaurant
- June’s Northland
- Meriweather’s Coffee Shop and Cafe
- Metropolitan Steakhouse
- Wizard of Pho
Weston, MO:
- Tin Kitchen
- Noah’s Cupboard
- Weston Brewing Company
- O’Malley’s Pub (take the tour too!)
- Green Dirt Farm Creamery
KCK:
KCMO:
- Boulevard Brewing Company
- Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
- Abuelo’s
- Trezo Mare
- The Majestic Restaurant and Jazz Club
- Gram & Dun
- Cupcake A La Mode
- 54th Street Grill and Bar
- Bar Louie
- Beer Kitchen
- Beignet
- Betty Rae’s Ice Cream
- The Big Biscuit
- La Bodega
- Bristol Seafood Grill
- Cafe Gratitude (vegan)
- Char Bar
- Chez Elle
- The Corner Restaurant
- Cosentino’s Market
- Eggtc.
- The Farmhouse
- Grunauer
- Jack Stack BBQ
Shawnee, KS:
Lawrence, KS:
Overland Park, KS:
MUST DO
Fort Leavenworth:
- Take the Haunted Tour of Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth is one of the most haunted installations in the United States, and if you get stationed here, keep an eye on the haunted tours offered in the fall, usually October. They sell out quickly and with good reason! —Sarah P.
Leavenworth, KS:
- Take the Leavenworth Self-Guided Tour to learn some history of the area.
- Visit the USDB Sales Store
- Candle Queen Candles
- Queen’s Pantry Teas and British Goods
- C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
- Board and Brush
- Kansas Country Store
- Out of the Barn
In the fall, the downtown businesses do a charm hunt. You go in to the local stores and get free charms for your charm bracelet. It is a great way to learn what is downtown and have a fun free souvenir of the town.” —Shawna J.
Lansing, KS:
Weston, MO:
- Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard
- Park Trails at Weston Bend State Park
- Holladay Distillery
- Visit AppleFest in October
Atchison, KS:
- Attend the Amelia Earhart Festival in July
Bonner Springs, KS:
KCK:
Liberty, MO:
KCMO:
- Catch a number of events at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- Science City
- The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium
- Union Station
- Kansas City Zoo
- Watch a Chiefs game
- See the Royals play
- World War I Museum and Memorial
- City Market
- Kaleidoscope
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- The Folly Theater
- Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
- Kansas City Public Library
- SEA LIFE Kansas City
- Tom’s Town Distilling Company
- Worlds of Fun Amusement Park
- Coco Key Water Resort
- Drive by the The Great Car Show in July
- Catch KC Riverfest in July
- Visit the Kansas City Renaissance Festival from September through October
- Stay at Great Wolf Lodge for a fun getaway
- Step out on the ice at Crown Center Ice Terrace (seasonal)
- While touring KCMO, take the Kansas City Streetcar (it’s free!)
Shawnee, KS:
Lawrence, KS:
- Grinter’s Sunflower Farm
- Lawrence Farmer’s Market
- Laugh Out Loud Family Zone
- Wander Massachusetts Street
- Washington Creek Lavender
- Attend the Busker Festival in May
Overland Park, KS:
- Deana Rose Children’s Farmstead
- Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
- Ride the Ferris Wheel at SCHEELS
- Overland Part Farmer’s Market
- Find any number of things to do, eat, or shop for at Prairiefire
- Catch the Enchanted Faire in June
Independence, MO:
Lee’s Summit, MO:
- Paradise Park: Amusement and Family Fun Center
- Attend Downtown Days in June
Louisburg, KS:
Abilene, KS:
Omaha, NE:
Wichita, KS:
- Sedgwick County Zoo
- Wichita Riverfest from May to June
SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.
Installation Facebook page: Fort Leavenworth
Military Spouse Groups:
Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:
Religious services:
- Protestant Women of the Chapel Fort Leavenworth
- Catholic Women of the Chapel Fort Leavenworth Women of Saint Ignatius
SPOUSE TESTIMONIALS
“Fort Leavenworth has been good to my family. The schools on post are wonderful. Bradley Elementary, for example, has a caring principal and wonderful, talented teachers. My family came here as part of CGSC, and the community here is very connected and supported. I love the Veterinary Treatment Facility, and they take great care of my pets. Leavenworth is a gem of a town, so give it a chance and explore!” —Sarah P.
“Leavenworth is where we hope to retire. We fell in love with the area and the people who had left the military and settled down there. It truly gets a bad rap with the two major prisons being there. It’s now where we consider home!” – Dalena M.
“Fort Leavenworth is known as the best hometown in the Army for a reason. It’s a small post with lots of heart, and it was a Nirvana for our family. We’d return in a heartbeat.” —Dawn P.
“The on post schools are great. However, the off-post schools sometimes get a bad rap for ancient issues. The population in Leavenworth is quite diverse, and our military kids have thrived. The high school has the oldest JROTC program in the country and more AP classes and extracurricular activities than any other high school around. The middle school administration has very strong leadership and a burgeoning PTA that is doing great things. Don’t underestimate the opportunities in Leavenworth! Make sure to visit the military wife owned businesses in downtown Leavenworth (Candle Queen, Artistic Works, Bisque It). Leavenworth is very military friendly. Get involved!” —Hope C.