Leavenworth KS

Leavenworth, Kansas – A charming city steeped in history and Midwestern hospitality, Leavenworth is where the past meets the present. Known as the "First City of Kansas," this riverside gem offers a blend of small-town warmth, military heritage, and scenic beauty. Whether you're taking a stroll along the Missouri River, exploring historic sites, or enjoying local shops and cafés downtown, Leavenworth invites you to slow down, connect, and discover a place that feels like home.

• Population: ~36,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70-90°F), cold winters (20-40°F), colorful spring and fall.
• Places To Visit: Fort Leavenworth, Carroll Mansion Museum, Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park, Leavenworth Landing Park.
• Top Activities: Touring historic military landmarks, walking the Riverfront Trails, browsing local boutiques, attending seasonal festivals, and enjoying family-friendly parks.
• Famous Food: Kansas City-style BBQ at local joints, homestyle Midwestern comfort food, fresh bakery goods, and classic diner breakfasts.

Leavenworth, Kansas is a historically rich city known for its military presence, vibrant local economy, and close-knit community. From healthcare to public service, several industries offer rewarding careers for residents. Here are the top five jobs currently in demand in Leavenworth.

Top 5 Jobs in Leavenworth, KS

Leavenworth, KS might be known for its history and military roots, but students here have some great spots to chill, unwind, and have fun after classes. Whether you're studying at the University of Saint Mary or just looking for somewhere to hang out with friends, Leavenworth has a mix of cozy cafés, scenic parks, and cool downtown spots worth checking out.

Riverfront Park – Overlooking the Missouri River, this peaceful park is perfect for scenic walks, relaxing by the water, or tossing a frisbee around. It’s a go-to for students who love nature and want a quiet place to clear their heads.

St. John’s Catholic Club Bowling Alley – This hidden gem offers affordable bowling nights in a laid-back setting. Great for group outings without breaking the bank, and perfect when you just want to laugh and bowl a few frames.

Harbor Light Coffeehouse – Cozy lighting, comfy couches, and great coffee—this local café is a student favorite for both studying and socializing. Live music events and open mic nights are a fun bonus too.

Weston Bend State Park – Just a short drive away, this gorgeous park offers hiking trails with awesome overlooks. It’s a peaceful escape when you need a break from campus life and want to be in the trees.

Downtown Leavenworth – From local boutiques to quirky art galleries and classic diners, downtown is a fun place to explore. Try a weekend walk with friends and stop by spots like Sis’ Sweets or Karma Cakes for delicious treats.

High Noon Saloon & Brewery – If you're 21 and up, this local brewery is a chill hangout with live music, game nights, and a friendly vibe. It’s a great reward after a long week of classes.

First City Museum and Selfie Spot – Surprisingly fun! Check out cool local exhibits and snap some pictures for your feed at selfie walls set up in the museum—a creative way to explore Leavenworth’s culture.

Carroll Mansion Museum Garden – You don’t even have to go inside to enjoy the tranquil garden space. It’s an underrated spot for reading, journaling, or catching up with a friend among the flowers.

Even in a small city like Leavenworth, students can find unique, fun, and affordable ways to relax and connect. Sometimes, the best hangouts aren’t flashy—they’re just the perfect mix of chill vibes and good company.

Leavenworth, KS is a welcoming city recognized for its historic charm and strong educational community. Whether you are seeking public or private colleges and universities, Leavenworth offers quality options that prepare students for successful futures in diverse fields.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Leavenworth

University of Saint Mary (public programs) – While primarily a private institution, the University of Saint Mary collaborates with local and state education departments to offer several publicly accessible courses and programs aimed at professional and adult learners.

Kansas City Kansas Community College – Pioneer Career Center – Located in the heart of Leavenworth, the Pioneer Career Center is an extension of KCKCC, offering affordable, hands-on programs in healthcare, business, technical fields, and more.

Fort Leavenworth Army Education Center – Serving both military and civilian students, the Education Center partners with accredited public colleges to provide education pathways in criminal justice, management, and counseling.

Highland Community College – Technical Center (nearby) – Just a short drive from Leavenworth, this technical center offers associates degrees and technical certificates geared for immediate employment in growing industries.

Johnson County Community College (outreach programs in Leavenworth) – Though based outside Leavenworth, JCCC hosts continuing-education and workforce training options regularly in the city, supporting both traditional and adult learners.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Leavenworth

University of Saint Mary – A highly respected private Catholic university right in Leavenworth, USM is known for its outstanding nursing, education, business, and liberal arts programs. The university is praised for small class sizes and personalized learning.

Park University (Fort Leavenworth Campus) – Park’s private campus within Fort Leavenworth focuses on flexible programs for military students and their families, offering degrees in management, criminal justice, and information technology.

Benedictine College (nearby in Atchison) – While not within the city but very close, Benedictine is an acclaimed private Catholic institution with well-rounded programs in the sciences, business, and humanities.

Central Christian College of Kansas (Degree Completion Program, Leavenworth) – Central Christian offers evening and online degree completion programs for Leavenworth’s working adults, emphasizing business, psychology, and leadership.

Grantham University (now part of the University of Arkansas Grantham, online programs serving Leavenworth) – Known for its fully online format, Grantham provides convenient and accredited degrees in engineering, business administration, and healthcare, making higher education accessible to local and military-connected learners.

Whether you seek a traditional college experience, skills training, or flexible online learning, Leavenworth’s colleges and universities are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and thrive in their careers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these institutions for more specific program information—they’re eager to support you on your educational journey!

Leavenworth, KS may be a smaller community, but it offers a variety of quality high schools that help students thrive academically, socially, and personally. Whether you're looking at public institutions focused on academic achievements or private schools offering personalized education, Leavenworth has commendable options that prepare students for college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools in Leavenworth, KS

• Leavenworth High School – As the largest public high school in the city, this school offers a wide range of academic programs, advanced placement courses, and extracurricular activities. It’s known for its strong music and athletic departments.
• Basehor-Linwood High School – Located nearby in Basehor, this high school is well-regarded for its academic rigor, modern facilities, and strong commitment to student development through STEM initiatives and civic engagement.
• Piper High School – Just a short drive from Leavenworth in Kansas City, Piper offers some of the highest test scores in the region. It provides a rich curriculum including college-credit courses and a focus on technology integration.
• Lansing High School – This public high school in nearby Lansing boasts a strong academic record and a variety of sports, arts, and leadership programs. It’s also known for its supportive teachers and inclusive community.
• Tonganoxie High School – Serving students just outside of Leavenworth, Tonganoxie High blends small-town values with high academic standards, featuring excellent support services and a commitment to college readiness.

Top Private High Schools in Leavenworth, KS

• Immaculata High School – Though recently closed, Immaculata remains a historically significant private Catholic school in Leavenworth that had a reputation for academic excellence and strong moral and spiritual development. Its legacy continues to impact the community.
• St. James Academy – Located in Lenexa, a short drive from Leavenworth, this school offers a faith-based education with a strong academic foundation, including AP and honors programs. It’s highly recognized for fostering leadership and service.
• Bishop Ward High School – This Kansas City-based Catholic school is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and diverse student body. It offers a safe, values-driven environment focused on college readiness.
• Maur Hill - Mount Academy – A premier Benedictine school located in Atchison, just north of Leavenworth, MH-MA is a boarding and day school that draws students from across the globe. It provides rigorous college-prep education along with strong mentorship.
• Kansas City Christian School – Though located slightly farther out in Prairie Village, this private school is respected for its academic excellence and nurturing Christian environment, preparing students for higher education and life beyond the classroom.

Choosing the right high school is a major decision, but families in and around Leavenworth, KS, can feel confident knowing they have access to some excellent options. Whether seeking advanced academics, a values-based education, or a supportive public environment, there’s a school here to help every student succeed.

Leavenworth, Kansas, is a historic city known for its military tradition, charming downtown, and vibrant community life. While it doesn't host any major league professional sports teams like bigger metropolitan areas, its proximity to nearby Kansas City allows residents to passionately follow and support top-tier teams across multiple sports. Leavenworth sports fans enjoy quick access to world-class games just a short drive away, creating an enthusiastic and devoted fan base.

Football – Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

• Kansas City Chiefs – Playing just a 45-minute drive from Leavenworth at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs are one of the NFL's most exciting and successful franchises. With Super Bowl wins in 1970, 2020, and 2023, they’ve become a powerhouse thanks to stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and coach Andy Reid. Chiefs Kingdom runs deep in Leavenworth, where nearly everyone rocks red and gold on game days.

Baseball – Kansas City Royals (MLB)

• Kansas City Royals – The Royals captured nationwide attention with their World Series championships in 1985 and 2015. They play at Kauffman Stadium, lovingly known as "The K," which is only a short drive from Leavenworth. Royals games are a go-to summer activity for many locals, with iconic players like George Brett, Salvador Perez, and Alex Gordon forever etched in the city's baseball history.

Soccer – Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

• Sporting Kansas City – This Major League Soccer team, based in nearby Kansas City, Kansas, is adored by Leavenworth’s soccer fans. Sporting KC has two MLS Cup championships (2000, 2013) and multiple U.S. Open Cup wins. They play at Children’s Mercy Park, known for its electric atmosphere. Players like Graham Zusi and Johnny Russell make the club a consistent contender and a fun team to rally behind.

Hockey – Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)

• Kansas City Mavericks – While not an NHL team, the Mavericks play professional hockey just a short trip from Leavenworth and offer a thrilling game-day experience. Competing in the ECHL, this team brings fast-paced action that fans of all ages enjoy. Their games are held at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri, and they serve as a great introduction to live professional hockey in the region.

Basketball – Kansas City Knights (Former) & G-League Hopefuls

• Kansas City Knights – While no NBA franchise currently plays nearby, the Kansas City Knights generated excitement in the early 2000s as part of the American Basketball Association. Although the team has since folded, the region has shown it can support high-level basketball, and there's ongoing discussion about one day bringing professional basketball back.

While Leavenworth doesn’t host its own major league teams, its location gives sports lovers front-row access to nationally recognized franchises. From the electric atmosphere at Arrowhead to the family fun of Royals and Mavericks games, there's no shortage of pro sports excitement within driving distance. Whether you're tailgating on Sundays or cheering in soccer scarves, living in Leavenworth means you’re part of a passionate and proud sports community.

Leavenworth, Kansas, might be known for its historic prison, but this charming Midwestern town has so much more to offer! With a rich heritage, friendly community, and scenic views along the Missouri River, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Here are 10 fun facts that make Leavenworth truly unique:

1. First City of Kansas – Leavenworth holds the title of the first city incorporated in Kansas, dating back to 1854.
2. Home of the Famous Fort – Fort Leavenworth, established in 1827, is the oldest active U.S. Army post west of the Mississippi River.
3. A Presidential Connection – General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became the 34th U.S. President, was once stationed at Fort Leavenworth.
4. A City of Trees – Leavenworth has been recognized as a Tree City USA thanks to its commitment to urban forestry and lush green spaces.
5. Harvey House History – The city was an early stop on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, and even had a Harvey House restaurant, part of a famous chain that fed train travelers in style.
6. Penitentiary Pride – The United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth is one of the country's most well-known prisons and has been featured in many books and films.
7. Haunted Legends – Local legends and ghost stories swirl around the city’s historical buildings, making it a fun spot for ghost tours and paranormal fans.
8. Museum Magic – The Buffalo Soldier Monument and Frontier Army Museum honor African American troops and showcase military history with powerful exhibits.
9. Riverfront Views – Located along the Missouri River, Leavenworth offers stunning trails and parks where you can walk, picnic, or watch bald eagles fly by.
10. Warm and Welcoming – Known for its hospitality, Leavenworth has a strong sense of community where locals greet you with a smile and small-town charm shines bright.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or someone just passing through, Leavenworth has a story (and a surprise!) around every corner.