Receiving orders to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas (or anywhere new, really), can bring up a mix of emotions—excitement for a new adventure, apprehension about the unknown, and maybe even a little trepidation, especially if you haven’t lived in the Midwest yet.
When you start asking your network about Fort Leavenworth, you usually hear two things about the post.
- There’s a strong sense of community, and connecting with neighbors and friends should be easy.
- If your spouse is stationed there for school, they’ll have a lot of downtime to hang out with the family.
Photo from army.mil
About Fort Leavenworth
Fort Leavenworth is one of the oldest permanent military installations west of the Mississippi River, with a rich history dating back to 1827. Located in northeast Kansas along the Missouri River, the installation sits just 30 minutes from the Kansas City metropolitan area, providing access to various big-city amenities and attractions.
You probably know Fort Leavenworth as the home of the Army's Command and General Staff College. In many ways, it’s the home base for most field grade officers across the Army. It’s also the location of the Army's Combined Arms Center. All in all, Fort Leavenworth is a hub for military education and training, with a population of around 8,000 military members, civilians, and family members.
Yes, tornado season is a threat. It runs from April through October, but twisters can appear any time of year. You’ll learn to stay tuned to your local weather. Fort Leavenworth keeps everyone updated through the Fort Leavenworth Garrison Homepage, Facebook Page, and Digital Garrison App.
Housing photo via Frontier Heritage Communities
Fort Leavenworth Housing Options
Fort Leavenworth offers a variety of on-post and off-post housing options. Leavenworth Residence Communities manages the on-base neighborhoods, including single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes with two to five bedrooms. The residences come with modern amenities and access to community perks like playgrounds, sports courts, and a community center.
If you'd prefer to live off post, the nearby city of Leavenworth has several family-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. Some popular off-post areas include River Front, Parkview, and Heritage. MilitaryByOwner has homes listed for sale in those areas ranging from about $400,000 to $600,000. Rental properties are also available. You can expect a three-bedroom home to cost around $2,000 to $2,500 monthly.
If you’re interested in MilitaryByOwner’s current Fort Leavenworth housing inventory, here’s your chance to review the options.
- Leavenworth: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent
- Lansing: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent
- Kansas City: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent
Photo from Canva
Childcare and Schools at Fort Leavenworth
One of the top priorities for many military families is finding quality childcare and education options, and many parents start with the on-post Child Development Center (CDC). The CDC takes care of children ages six weeks to five years old, with multiple locations across the installation and before and after school programs available.
For school-age kids, the Unified School District 207 operates the on-post schools, which include two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. These DODEA-accredited institutions maintain the academic standards and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Many military families also choose to enroll their children in the nearby Leavenworth public school district or local private options.
Off-base families typically attend the schools assigned to their address, with occasional exceptions. Do note that some families choose to live in Missouri to attend public schools.
Kids frequently attend these school districts near Fort Leavenworth.
Missouri School Districts
If you need help researching public schools, read Kansas School Report Cards and Missouri School Report Cards for more information.
Do You Know About These Resources for Military Kids?
Mike Blair, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Photo
Exploring the Area Near Fort Leavenworth
While Fort Leavenworth may feel a bit remote initially, there are plenty of ways to stay entertained and engaged, both on the installation and in the surrounding region. Just thirty minutes away, the Kansas City metropolitan area offers big-city amenities like professional sports, world-class museums, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Closer to home, the city of Leavenworth has a charming, historic downtown filled with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and breweries. Nature lovers love the miles of hiking and biking trails along the Missouri River, including the beautiful River Front Community Park right on post. The area also has several golf courses, including the on-post Trails West Golf Course.
The Flint Hills region southwest of Fort Leavenworth is a natural wonder for outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive tallgrass prairie landscape is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
History lovers will enjoy visiting sites like the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, and the Richard Allen Cultural Center.
For a truly unique experience, you can even tour the maximum-security Lansing State Penitentiary just down the road. It’s now vacant, and the Lansing Historical Society hopes to turn it into a tourist attraction. 
Trails West Golf Course, MWR, Fort Leavenworth
Life on Fort Leavenworth
Of course, Fort Leavenworth has a whole list of amenities and programs specifically catered to the unique needs of military families. The on-post fitness facilities, sports leagues, youth activities, and community events make it easy to stay active and engaged.
One of the best assets of Fort Leavenworth is the Trails West Golf Course, an 18-hole championship-caliber layout that winds through the scenic Missouri River valley. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the beautiful views and well-maintained fairways and greens.
The installation also has an array of fitness facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor sports courts, and a year-round indoor aquatics center. Families will also find plenty to keep kids entertained, from multiple playgrounds and parks to the community center with basketball courts, game rooms, and youth activity programs.
History buffs can delve into Fort Leavenworth's rich military legacy by exploring the Buffalo Soldier Monument, the Frontier Army Museum, and the Disciplinary Barracks, the U.S. Army's only maximum-security prison. The original historic U.S. Disciplinary Barracks on Fort Leavenworth allows visitors. The current Disciplinary Barracks do not offer tours, but you can visit the First City Museum on Thursdays to see its extensive jail and prison displays.
Fort Leavenworth Military Spouse Resources
Military spouses, if your time at Fort Leavenworth is one for personal and professional development, connect with these resources to start on the right track.
- Army Community Service
- Employment Resource Center
- Home Based Business Guide
- Fort Leavenworth Education Center
A Tight-Knit Military Community
Perhaps the greatest asset of Fort Leavenworth is its strong sense of community. This is a place where neighbors look out for one another, and military families support each other. With a little bit of exploration, you'll discover that the Fort Leavenworth area has so much more to offer than you might have initially expected. So start exploring, get plugged into the community, and embrace all Fort Leavenworth offers. Before you know it, this corner of Kansas will feel like home.
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