The complete post guide to Fort Leavenworth

Jessica Evans
Updated onSep 1, 2022 1:41 PM PDT
6 minute read
Fort Leavenworth

A color guard team prepares to post the colors at the start of the 30th anniversary of the dedication of the Buffalo Soldier Monument. (U.S. Army photo)

SUMMARY

Ft. Leavenworth is the second oldest active Army post west of Washington, D.C.! It’s also the oldest permanent settlement in…

Ft. Leavenworth is the second oldest active Army post west of Washington, D.C.! It’s also the oldest permanent settlement in Kansas, so no matter where you look, you’re going to find some history. Speaking of history, lots of folks contend that Leavenworth is haunted. In fact, it’s  considered one of the most significant historic military installations in the Army. The posts’ 5,634 acres contain a 213-acre National Historic Landmark District (NHLD), which was established in 1974.

For years, Leavenworth has lovingly been referred to as the “Intellectual Center of the Army,” because the post supports TRADOC by maintaining the Army Combined Arms Center. It’s also home to the Military Corrections Complex, including the DoD’s only max security prison where lots of high profile military criminals end up. Aside from that, Leavenworth is home to the Foreign Military Studies Office and the Army Command and General Staff College. Regardless of whether or not you call it the Sunflower State or the Wheat State, a posting to Leavenworth is sure to be exciting. Housing is decent, the weather is … interesting, and there’s a decent amount of stuff to do - if you know where to look.  

Ft. Leavenworth Location 

Ft. Leavenworth is located in Leavenworth, KS, along the Missouri River. The fort is strategically located in roughly the center of the United States. It is the oldest Army post west of the Mississippi River.

More than 4,000 Soldiers and Airmen from over 34 units, comprised of active-duty and reserve components, have traveled to MTC Leavenworth during the summer of 2014 to assist or take part in Warfighter exercises at Mission Training Complex Leavenworth, Fort Leavenworth Kan. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Tyler Mitchell/Released)

Directions

Fort Leavenworth can be reached by car using the following routes. 

Heading in from the north? Take I-35 S to I-29 S and follow signs.

Driving from the south? Take I-45 N to I-35 N, then take I-335 N to US-73 N and follow signs.

Making the trek from the east? Take I-70 W to I-29 S and follow signs.

Coming from the west? Take I-80 E to I-29 S and follow signs.

Transportation

Flying to the closest airports: Kansas City International Airport

Kansas City International Airport (17 miles) - Kansas City International Airport is served by all major airlines and several smaller ones.

Ft. Leavenworth is relatively centrally located in the United States. That means driving will be relatively easy from any location. Having a vehicle would allow you to easily visit nearby Kansas City. Otherwise, you might be stuck on post.

Contacts at Fort Leavenworth

Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program: (913) 684-2822

Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers (BOSS): (913) 684-1703

Chaplain: (913) 684-2210

Child Development Center: (913) 684-5135

Civilian Personnel Advisory Center (CPAC): (913) 684-2747

Commissary: (913) 684-4903

Dental Clinic: (913) 684-6250

EFMP - Family Support: (913) 684-2871

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): (706) 791-4551

Family Advocacy Program (FAP): (913) 684-2822

Hospital Main Number: (913) 684-6000

Household Goods/Transportation Office: (913) 684-5656

Housing Office: (913) 684-3052

ID/CAC Card Processing: (913) 684-4452

Information and Referral Services: (913) 684-4357 

Inspector General: (913) 684-4685 | (913) 684-4686

Legal Assistance: (913) 684-4944

Lodging Reservations: (913) 684-4091

Medical Appointments: (913) 684-6250

Post Operator: (913) 684-4021

Public Affairs Office: (913) 684-1725

School Liaison Office: (913) 684-1655 | (913) 684-1743

Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention Resource Center: (913) 684-2810 | (913) 684-2818

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

VA Facilities: (913) 682-2000

Victim Advocacy Hotline: (913) 683-2537

Welcome Center: (913) 684-3600 | (913) 684-4091

Wellness Center: (913) 758-3403

New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the the 102nd Military Police Battalion, stand in front of the Joint Regional Corrections Facility, Fort Leavenworth, K.S., June 8, 2018. ( U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Capt. Katie Chen, HHC 102nd MP Battalion)

Mission and Units 

Because it’s the intellectual home of the Army, Ft. Leavenworth’s main mission is to educate, train, and inspire the Army’s next generation of leaders. To deliver diverse and quality services, as extraordinary as the people we serve, to foster a sense of belonging. Furthermore, Leavenworth seeks to be the driver of change to create a multi-domain operations-capable Army by 2030. 

In the first place, the major unit at post is the Army Combined Arms Center. The CAC includes the Army University, Army University Press, Army Management Staff College (AMSC), the Combined Arms Research Library (CARL), the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), and the SHARP Academy.

Additionally, the Army SHARP Academy (ASA) educates and trains Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs), Victim Advocates (VAs), SHARP Trainers, and Program Managers, and is responsible for Army-wide SHARP Education, Training, and Leader Development.

Also at Fort Leavenworth is the Munson Army Health Clinic (MAHC), the Smith Dental Clinic, and a Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF). Additionally, there are plenty of MI and MP units, too, including the 902nd Military Intelligence Group and the 15th MP Brigade, the 40th MP Brigade, and the 705th MP Brigades.

The Fort Leavenworth community gathered to lay wreaths at the installation's cemetery as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Dec.19, 2020. Nearly 3,000 wreaths were donated and distributed by Leavenworth community volunteers. (U.S. Army photo by Audrey Chappell)

Ft. Leavenworth History

Built in 1827 to protect the Santa Fe Trail, Fort Leavenworth was originally called Cantonment Leavenworth and began with only 14 officers and a few hundred men. 

Leavenworth played a vital role during the Civil War as the home of Camp Lincoln, a training center for volunteers. 

After, it served in peace-keeping capacities between Indigenous tribes and the large number of settlers heading west. 

Later, the War Department established the Disciplinary Barracks in 1875. 

Then 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.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, and George S. Patton all studied at Leavenworth. 

Things to Do Around Fort Leavenworth

Hotels

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Leavenworth (0.3 miles)

Home2 Suites by Hilton Leavenworth Downtown (1 mile)

Hampton Inn Leavenworth (1.1 miles)

The Fort Leavenworth Sergeant Audie Murphy Club color guard, led by 1st Sgt. Jason Jinks, presents the colors during the NASCAR Hollywood 400 race at the Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, Kansas, Oct. 18, 2020. The Soldiers represented Fort Leavenworth and the Combined Arms Center. (U.S. Army photo by Audrey Chappell)

Food Scene 

If you’re thinking BBQ, you’re correct! Kansas is known for lots of different foods but the standout star is, by far, barbecue. But, if you’re ready to try something outside the box, be sure to seek out bierocks. German settlers brought them to the Sunflower State way back. They’re pockets of dough filled with ground beef and cabbage and surprisingly addictive.

Speaking of dough, make sure you don’t skip the grebble! It’s a savory deep-fried bread that will forever change how you think about fried foods. 

When it’s time for dessert, why not try a sour cream and raisin pie? It might sound like a strange flavor combo, but trust us. One bite and you’ll be hooked. 

Activities

Richard Allen Cultural Center (0.4 miles) focuses on recognizing and preserving African-American heritage. The center offers exhibits, tours, and research opportunities. It’s located across the street from the historic Bethel AME Church, which was part of the Underground Railroad.

Kansas City Zoo (40.3 miles) is home to more than 1,700 animals and is over 200 acres. A world-class zoo with animals from around the globe, including penguins, polar bears, elephants, tigers, and more!

Worlds of Fun (32.3 miles) is the premier amusement park, featuring 235 acres of rides and slides. Experience seven roller coasters, huge water slides, thrill rides, Planet Snoopy for the whole family, and a brand new Oceans of Fun.

Housing at Ft. Leavenworth

You have plenty of housing options when you call Leavenworth home! Of course, all single service members ranks E1-E5 have to stay in the barracks. However, don't expect to find lodging in summer months.

Call the Military Housing Office for the most current information as soon as you receive orders.

Like a lot of DoD installations, an independent company ensures quality housing is available to service members and their families. At Leavenworth, Frontier Heritage Communities owns and manages all housing. The company offers several different types of neighborhoods to suit your needs. Wait lists can be long, so calling the MHO as soon as you get orders is ideal. Find out more about potential options here.

Jeff Baker (left, number 8) takes an early lead in the running phase of the 24th annual Command and General Staff College Triathlon at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., May 4, 2013. Baker would finish in first place overall. The event was sponsored by the Army Command and General Staff College and Fort Leavenworth Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Schools Near Ft. Leavenworth 

Mil-kids have tons of options when it comes to schools. 

Ft. Leavenworth Unified School District 207 serves grades K-9 that reside on post. 

Similarly, grades 10-12 have their own school, too. These students attend Leavenworth High School (USD 453) in the city of Leavenworth.

Some Kansas school districts allow out-of-district enrollment if certain criteria are met, but most Missouri school districts do not allow out-of-district enrollment. Call the School Liaison Office for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Leavenworth a good place to live?

That's definitely a personal decision, but most who have spent time at Leavenworth call it the "Best Hometown in the Army”!

Where Is Fort Leavenworth?

Fort Leavenworth is located in Leavenworth, KS, along the Missouri River.

Can civilians enter Fort Leavenworth?

Of course! Fort Leavenworth encourages civilians to visit their historic post. Don't forget your government-issued ID and plan to stop at the Visitor Control Center first. All vehicles must have current tags, proof of insurance, and registration.

What Schools are Near Fort Leavenworth?

If you’re looking for K-12 Schools, you’ll find several districts on and near post. Check out our school section up top!

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