5 Reasons to Visit Leavenworth, KS, on Your Next Family Road Trip

Are you making plans to get away this summer, even if it’s just for the weekend? The road to Leavenworth is a short, easy drive, so drop by and discover the “First City of Kansas.”

1. Give the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum a whirl

A favorite of families everywhere. Don’t miss the chance to ride the carousel, and hang on, because it’s fast! It’s been around since 1913 and has been expertly restored. The museum is filled with carousel horses, jackrabbits and pigs, oh my! Admission for a self-guided tour is $5, while a guided tour plus carousel ride is $6. Stop by just to ride the carousel for $1.50, or invest in a 20-ride punch card for $20. This attraction is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Take a walk and train-spot along the Missouri River

You can stand under an overpass or on the 3 Mile Creek Trail and feel the ground shake from the power of the trains. Kids will get a kick out of this! Play a game and see if you can count how many railcars go by.

Before you arrive, you can learn some interesting facts about the Missouri River to share with your youngsters. Then, enjoy a ¼-mile hike along the 3 Mile Creek Trail as it meanders back into downtown Leavenworth. This summer, the trail offers an extra treat: StoryWalk, an interactive reading experience that allows children to read a book page by page as they stroll the riverfront.

3. Feed your hungry crew, but eat like the locals do

Leavenworth has a treasure trove of great family restaurants to choose from while you are in town. Take The Depot, famous for its great homemade food and historic venue, an 1887 train depot. Pullman Place is another locals’ favorite for amazing pancakes, hot sandwiches, specialty burgers and more, all surrounded by a cozy railroad train motif. You can polish lunch off with a sugary treat from Karma Cakes or Sis’ Sweets.

4. Get curious about agriculture

Leavenworth-area attractions include a bounty of agri-tourism adventures. Your family can ride horses at Watkins “C” Ranch, meet the pollinators of Next to Nature farm, pick their own berries or flower bouquet and more.

5. Stick around town for a splash

Leavenworth’s brand-new splash pad at Hawthorn Park proved to be a big hit this summer. Other Hawthorn perks include a playground with wheelchair adaptable equipment, softball fields, horseshoe courts and restroom facilities. Families can even make a day of it by renting a picnic shelter for private parties.

You can also make a night (or two) of it at six local hotels that feature swimming pools. The Hampton Inn and Suites, Home2 Suites by Hilton, TownePlace Suites by Marriott and America's Stay Inn offer indoor pools, while swimming at the Fairfield Inn and Suites and the Holiday Inn Express at Fort Leavenworth is done outdoors.