Why go there

Visitors who want to learn more about the settling of America’s frontier often find their way to Leavenworth. Fort Leavenworth was established in 1827 to patrol Indian territory and later to protect the vital Santa Fe and Oregon trails during America’s westward expansion. Today, the fort trains officers from around the world at its Command and General Staff College, but the public can still access the base and its various museums and monuments. The city is home to a famous federal prison, and the base houses the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks. The city — the oldest in Kansas — has developed an extensive park system along the Missouri River, and has a revitalized downtown. Plus, several mansions from when the city was one of the wealthiest on the Plains remain in this community of 35,000 people about 30 miles northwest of Kansas City.

Major attractions

The Frontier Army Museum on Fort Leavenworth gives visitors a glimpse at uniforms, weapons and unusual artifacts — a sleigh owned by Gen. George Custer, to name one — from when the fort was on the edge of America’s frontier. Both the fort and the city offer self-guided tours. The city tour will take you to downtown. The Corner Pharmacy, Fifth and Delaware streets, operates an authentic soda fountain.

Must see

The Buffalo Soldier Monument on Fort Leavenworth honors regiments of black cavalry soldiers who patrolled the Plains throughout the Indian Wars. The monument was initiated by former Secretary of State Colin Powell, who came up with the idea while stationed at Fort Leavenworth.

For the kids

The excitement goes round and round at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, 320 S. Esplanade. The museum is home to a 1913 C.W. Parker carousel that was built in Leavenworth. The carousel — complete with 24 restored horses, three ponies and two rabbits — is operational. Also available for rides is a 1950s model that features aluminum steeds. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday.

Pocketbook friendly

Leavenworth Landing Park, at Cherokee and Esplanade streets, runs along the Missouri River. In addition to walking trails and plaza areas, the park includes several sculptures of wagon trains, steam locomotives and other forms of bygone transportation that came through Leavenworth.

Fun fact

The prisons have been the home to Kansas City boss Tom Pendergast, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Manuel Noriega and Robert Stroud, who gained fame in the movies as the Bird Man of Alcatraz, although he did bird collecting during the 28 years he was in Leavenworth.

Online

Visit visitleavenworthks.com.

Save the date

The community celebrates its First City Festival on Sept. 10-11, which includes fireworks over the Missouri River.

How to get there

Leavenworth is about 11 miles north of Interstate 70 on Kansas Highway 7.