PWTM: Fort Leavenworth, KS

One of the most challenging aspects of the military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.

We here at Army Wife Network want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Leavenworth, KS.

While well-known for the United States Disciplinary Barracks and the United States Penitentiary, there is a lot more to Fort Leavenworth. It is the home of the Command and General Staff College (also known as ILE), which sees frequent, massive turnover each year as one year’s students move out and the new year’s students come in. There are also many “permanent party” families in the area, sometimes mixed with students depending on housing needs, though students are usually housed separately from permanent party. You’re only 40 minutes from downtown Kansas City, MO, commonly referred to as KCMO, but Kansas City, KS, or KCK, is much closer (maybe 20 minutes from post). The people are incredibly friendly in the area, which makes it an easy place to love.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Fort Leavenworth is home to the following units:

  • 15th Military Police Brigade
  • 40th Military Battalion
  • 705th Military Police Battalion
  • 902nd Military Intelligence Group
  • Army National Guard, Battle Command Training Center
  • Battle Command Training Program
  • Command and General Staff College
  • Combined Arms Center – Training
  • Headquarters Combined Arms Center
  • Joint Center for International Security Force Assistance
  • National Simulation Center
  • Special Troops Battalion
  • TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity
  • US Disciplinary Barracks
  • School of Advanced Military Studies
  • Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate
  • US Federal Prison Leavenworth
  • Mission Command Training Program

Surrounding Cities: 

  • Leavenworth (right outside the gate)
  • Lansing, KS (7 miles)
  • Weston, MO (10 miles)
  • Platte City, MO (11 miles)
  • Five Points, KS (12 miles)
  • Basehor, KS (16 miles)
  • Springdale, KS (18 miles)
  • Bonner Springs, KS (20 miles)
  • Atchison, KS (25 miles)
  • Kansas City, KS (29 miles)
  • Liberty, MO (32 miles)
  • Shawnee, KS (33 miles)
  • Olathe, KS (34 miles)
  • Lawrence, KS (36 miles)
  • Mission, KS (38 miles)
  • Overland Park, KS (40 miles)
  • Independence, MO (42 miles)
  • Lee’s Summit, MO (57 miles)
  • Louisburg, KS (61 miles)
  • Abilene, KS (151 miles)
  • Omaha, NE (170 miles)
  • Wichita, KS (200 miles)

Closest MAJOR City: 

  • Kansas City, MO (32 miles)

Names of Area Colleges: 

Weather: Here, you will experience all four seasons, though spring and fall feel short compared to summer and winter. Winter regularly brings snow, below freezing temperatures, and a cold wind. In summer, expect to see temperatures in the upper 90s, sometimes hitting triple digits. There tends to be a breeze or strong wind year round. Spring and fall are beautiful seasons here. Prepare for tornadoes as they are not uncommon.

Time Zone: Central Time Zone

SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION

To access the post website, click here

Map of the area 

Historical Facts/Landmarks: Fort Leavenworth is the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi River and has devoted more than 170 years of service to the nation. Established in 1827, Fort Leavenworth has one of the largest and oldest National Historic Landmark Districts in the Department of the Army. In 1881, Gen. William T. Sherman established the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry. That school evolved into the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, which is still at Fort Leavenworth. Here are some additional historic landmarks and locations:

This post and the surrounding area is overflowing with history. It’s one of our favorite things about the location! — Shawna J.

HOUSING

On-post Housing is managed by Frontier Heritage Communities.

Each community has a mayor, who is there to voice resident concerns. They also usually run Facebook pages for the neighborhood, so be sure to join your neighborhood page if living on post! —Sarah P

Major realty/rental companies in the area:

SCHOOLS

School Liaison Officer 

School Districts: 

On-Post Schools—There are three elementary schools on post, and children will attend based on the neighborhood in which they live. This presents the opportunity for students to walk or ride their bicycles or scooters to school each day. The local school district is highly rated in the state of Kansas and nationally.

Off-Post Schools 

ON-POST SERVICES

“In the fall, there is a PAIR day, which highlights all the activities in the surrounding area. Lots of coupons and a great way to one-stop shop for all there is to do and see. Vendors from all around come in to sell you on their events. There is a PAIR day in the spring as well, but it is much smaller. Make sure you go early as it gets crowded.” —Shawna J.

OFF-POST INFORMATION

Health Care: 

Best place for beauty services: 

Shopping malls: Legends Outlets in KCK and Zona Rosa Town Center in KCMO

RESTAURANTS

Fort Leavenworth:

Leavenworth, KS:

Weston, MO:

KCK:

KCMO:

Shawnee, KS:

Lawrence, KS: 

Overland Park, KS:

MUST DO

Fort Leavenworth:

  • Take the Haunted Tour of Fort Leavenworth

Fort Leavenworth is one of the most haunted installations in the United States, and if you get stationed here, keep an eye on the haunted tours offered in the fall, usually October. They sell out quickly and with good reason! —Sarah P.

Leavenworth, KS:

In the fall, the downtown businesses do a charm hunt. You go in to the local stores and get free charms for your charm bracelet. It is a great way to learn what is downtown and have a fun free souvenir of the town.” —Shawna J.

Lansing, KS:

Weston, MO: 

Atchison, KS:

Bonner Springs, KS:

KCK:

Liberty, MO:

KCMO:

Shawnee, KS:

Lawrence, KS:

Overland Park, KS:

Independence, MO:

Lee’s Summit, MO:

Louisburg, KS:

Abilene, KS: 

Omaha, NE:

Wichita, KS:

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.

Installation Facebook page: Fort Leavenworth

Military Spouse Groups: 

Buy/Sell/Trade Pages: 

Religious services: 

SPOUSE TESTIMONIALS

“Fort Leavenworth has been good to my family. The schools on post are wonderful. Bradley Elementary, for example, has a caring principal and wonderful, talented teachers. My family came here as part of CGSC, and the community here is very connected and supported. I love the Veterinary Treatment Facility, and they take great care of my pets. Leavenworth is a gem of a town, so give it a chance and explore!” —Sarah P. 

“Leavenworth is where we hope to retire. We fell in love with the area and the people who had left the military and settled down there. It truly gets a bad rap with the two major prisons being there. It’s now where we consider home!” – Dalena M.

“Fort Leavenworth is known as the best hometown in the Army for a reason. It’s a small post with lots of heart, and it was a Nirvana for our family. We’d return in a heartbeat.” —Dawn P.

“The on post schools are great. However, the off-post schools sometimes get a bad rap for ancient issues. The population in Leavenworth is quite diverse, and our military kids have thrived. The high school has the oldest JROTC program in the country and more AP classes and extracurricular activities than any other high school around. The middle school administration has very strong leadership and a burgeoning PTA that is doing great things. Don’t underestimate the opportunities in Leavenworth! Make sure to visit the military wife owned businesses in downtown Leavenworth (Candle Queen, Artistic Works, Bisque It). Leavenworth is very military friendly. Get involved!” —Hope C.

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Post with the Most

Post with the Most

Each month, we do a segment that highlights an Army installation. We do this so we can provide you with as much information about a post as possible.

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