Leavenworth, Kansas

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Vintage Leavenworth, northeast from Lawrence Avenue and Cherokee Street,

courtesy Wichita State University

Dwight D. Eisenhower Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Located at 4101 S 4th Street Trafficway. While visiting the Veterans Administration Center and its grounds, you will want to see the Chapel of the Veteran's. The chapel, built in 1893, features architecture reminiscent of the early European cathedrals. In 1921, this attraction was made famous in Ripley's "Believe It or Not" as the only church in which Protestant and Catholic services were conducted simultaneously.   It is open year round from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except during weddings or funerals.

First City Museum – Located at 209 Delaware this museum features a collection of early frontier memorabilia and artifacts including buggies and cutters that were manufactured in Leavenworth. Currently also houses a 1913 C. W. Parker Carousel, made in Leavenworth, possibly the olderst primitive carousel in the United States, a mock-up of the United States Penitentiary, plus other prison memorabilia.  The museum is open Thursdays & Fridays Noon - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. For special visits or tours please call (913) 682-1866 or 800-844-4114.

Frontier Army Museum -- Located at Fort Leavenworth, the original collection began in 1939 when the wagon shop at Fort Leavenworth closed and the horse-drawn vehicles were relocated and called the "Old Rolling Wheels Museum". In 1960, the Museum was officially recognized as an Army Museum and has continued to preserve one of the finest collections of nineteenth century military artifacts in the country. The Museum exhibits material culture of Frontier Army soldiers who served west of the Mississippi River between 1804 and 1917. The Museum is free and open to the public Mon.-Fri. 9:00am to 4:00pm, Sat. 10:00am to 4:00pm, Sun. and Federal Holidays 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter.

Leavenworth Landing Park -- Located on the Missouri River, this park revives one of the major river landing sites where boats loaded and unloaded travelers and freight. The design of the Leavenworth Landing Park focuses on the role of Leavenworth as the "Gateway to the West", with emphasis on the various modes of transportation that led to the growth of Leavenworth as the major jumping off point for settlers heading west. The park includes a walking trail, sculptures of a steam locomotive and Conestoga wagon, plaza areas depicting a railroad round house and steamship paddle wheel, river overlook, landscaping and parking areas.

Performing Arts Center - Located at 500 Delaware, Leavenworth, Kansas, this 1938 theatre is placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Formally called the Hollywood Theater, this structure entertained the public on its silver screen for nearly forty years. Donated to the city by Durwood, Inc., former owners, in 1977, this theater now hosts live performances by Leavenworth's River City Community Players.  Contact the Leavenworth-Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau for a schedule of upcoming performances, (913) 682-4113.

Richard Allen Cultural Center – Located at 412 Kiowa, the museum opened its doors on July 19, 1992 - across the street from the historic Bethel Church which was part of the Underground Railroad.  The center offers a glimpse into the history of African-Americans locally and nationwide. It was created to ensure that the rich heritage of African-Americans and their profound effect on American society would not be lost. The center is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving and disseminating the history of African-Americans.  Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., (913) 682-8772, admission charged.

University of Saint Mary – Located at 4100 S 4th Street Trafficway. A private four-year college located across the street from the Veterans Administration Center. The College's administration building, St. Mary Hall, was completed in 1870.  Visitors are welcomed to visit the De Paul Library's Special Collections: The Sacred Scripture Collection, the Abraham Lincoln Collection, the Charles Dickens Collection, Hummel Collection, the Shakespeare Collection and the Kansas Collection. The college's park-like grounds include a wildlife preserve.

Wayside Tour -- Leavenworth, the "First City of Kansas", invites you to take a walk back in time and explore the history of "Where the West Began" by visiting the Historic Wayside Tour. Waysides are interactive displays located throughout Leavenworth that feature unique local artwork depicting images of historical people, structures or events associated with that site. There are 13 Waysides located in the riverfront downtown area that can be experienced as a walking tour as well as six Waysides as a driving tour. In addition, there are Waysides located at the north and south entrances on Highways  7 and 73.  Call 1-800-844-4114 for a Wayside brochure and map. You can also pick one up at the Chamber of Commerce or the Welcome Centers located at the north and south entrances to town on 4th Street Trafficway.   You can also access the brochure online by clicking Wayside Brochure

Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Kathy Weiser, November, 2003

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