City prepares for snow and ice season 2021-2022

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The City of Leavenworth is led by the elected City Commission. In addition, there are appointed review boards and commissions that advise the city on various issues.

The City of Leavenworth is committed to the prudent use of public money. Fulfilling this commitment is the responsibility primarily of the Finance Department. The employees of the Finance Department are accountable for all aspects of the organization's financial management with the exception of property tax administration, which is conducted through the collaborative efforts of the county appraiser, county clerk, and county treasurer. 

The Finance Department is responsible for:

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Business Support

• Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce
• Leavenworth Main Street
• Leavenworth County Development Corporation
• Americans with Disabilities Act Information

Events and Activities

• Register for our annual City Tennis Tournament taking place on May 24 and 25.

• Construction at Buffalo Bill Cody Park. The west parking lot and restroom building will be closed until later this fall. 

• Register for our summer swim team, The Riptides.

Building permits are issued by the Building Inspections Division.  Please click here to email Building Inspections.  

The Public Works Department is the administrative entity that coordinates the delivery of many infrastructure services to the citizens of Leavenworth. The department includes several divisions: streets, storm sewers, stormwater, trash collections and recycling, engineering, building inspections, sewers (water pollution control) and mapping.

Select the newsletter(s) to which you want to subscribe or unsubscribe.

Column 1

• Staff Directory
• Boards and Commissions
• City Commission
• Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Stormwater Projects

Column 2

Column 1

THINGS TO DO IN LEAVENWORTH

As the “First City of Kansas”, Leavenworth is the ideal place to explore the state's history. We have a carousel museum complete with a restored 1913 C. W. Parker Carousel; visit the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum and discover the Black Dignity Portrait Collection. Those who love to shop can spend hours strolling our 28-block historic district, boasting dozens of locally-owned shops with crafts, gifts, and specialty items. Dining options range from iconic barbecue to authentic Mexican, Thai and Jamaican and everything in between.

The Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Leavenworth, Kansas.  The Convention and Visitors Bureau is responsible for promoting our community as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work.  Our staff is prepared to help visitors and residents, tour operators, and meeting and convention planners prepare for their visit to Leavenworth and our community. 

The Building Code Board of Appeals determines the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction, and provides for reasonable interpretation of the provisions of the Building Code. Members must be qualified by experience and training in order to provide these interpretations on matters pertaining to building construction. The five members shall consist of one architect or engineer, one citizen-at-large and three people engaged in the trade. Each appointee shall not succeed himself/herself to more than one succeeding five year term.

Meetings

The Deer Management Advisory Committee shall make reports and recommendations to the Governing Body on all matters relating to the efficient and effective operation of the deer management program. 

Meetings

• As often as needed but at least quarterly. 

Members

• 7 members - 3 year terms - appointed by the City Commission.

The Library Board is responsible for the general operation and maintenance of the City Library and makes and adopts rules and regulations for the administration of the library.  The Mayor of the City is an ex officio member of the board with the same powers as appointed members.

Meetings

• Second Thursday of each month, 4:30 p.m.

Members

• 7 members - 4 year terms, appointed by the City Commission

Contact

The Plumbing Board consists of an architect or engineer, a member at large, and three licensed people of the trade.  The Board reviews and recommends interpretations of the Uniform Plumbing Code to the City Commission for adoption every three years.  The Board issues plumbers and gas fitters certification.

Meetings

• "As needed" basis

Members

• 5 members - 5 year terms, appointed by the City Commission

Name of this committee was changed by Resolution B-2049 adopted 1-22-2013, to Convention and Tourism Committee – 10 members to be comprised of at least 2 members from the local hotel industry, 3 members from the tourist attraction industry, 1 member from Fort Leavenworth and 1 member from Leavenworth Main Street. In appointing such members, the City shall attempt to create a representative balance of large and small businesses, and businesses from the various geographical areas of the City. Each appointee will be a 3 year term.

The Leavenworth Preservation Commission was established to inventory, promote, list, record, protect, preserve and enhance places, areas, features or sites within the City that have special significance of an architectural, archaeological, cultural or historical sense.  The commission advises the City Commission and cooperates with other historic agencies and organizations concerning preservation of the city's historic and cultural heritage.

Please contact staff to discuss proposed work and to determine needed level of review.

Meetings

The Parks & Community Activities Advisory Board is comprised of nine members including one representative from the education community such as a teacher or administrator, one representative from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the remaining seven members shall be selected from the City at-large. The members serve 3-year terms as appointed by the City Commission.

Meetings are normally scheduled for the second Monday of each month. They begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Community Center.  All regular meetings are open to the public.

A list of licensed tree trimmers can be found under the "reports" menu.

The City of Leavenworth requires permits and licenses for various types of business operations. Forms are available for download below and fees can be paid at the Office of the City Clerk. 

Looking for a building permit or trade license? Visit our Building Inspections Division page here.

All dogs residing in the City of Leavenworth that are three (3) months old or older and all pot bellied pigs require a city license. Licenses expire March 31 of each year. Licenses not renewed by March 31 will be assessed a late fee. If you have a new dog or are new to the City you have 30 days to register your dog before a late fee is assessed.

The City of Leavenworth does not restrict dog ownership based on breed

You may register to vote at Leavenworth City Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to the Voter Registration Instructions issued by the Office of the Kansas Secretary of the State to register to vote, you must:

The following are some of the structural requirements for setting up a new food service establishment in the City of Leavenworth. These are not all of the required regulations and are provided as a general checklist. Contact the applicable City Department for additional information.

Records maintained by the City of Leavenworth may be public records that are open for inspection and/or copying by the public. The Kansas Open Records Act provides for some records to be kept private. These exceptions include personal information of public employees, medical treatment records, items protected by attorney-client privilege or the rules of evidence, certain records containing personal information for Census purposes, notes and preliminary drafts, criminal investigation records, and several other specific records. For a complete listing of exemptions, see K.S.A. 45-221. 

Proclamations are prepared by the Office of the City Clerk to provide an opportunity for the Mayor to recognize exceptional events. The goal of a proclamation is to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of local citizens, organizations, and to honor occasions of importance and significance to the City of Leavenworth.

Contract awarded to Mid-American Road Builders - March 12, 2019

Contracts awarded to Mow Joe and Yonts Lawn Care - March 12, 2019

Gary Carlson Business Park is nearly full and the Leavenworth County Development Corporation is exploring options for an additional business park. The new park would be adjacent to the current undeveloped property. The park is intended to attract large scale job providers to Leavenworth.

The previous business park was built using Countywide Sales Tax dollars. The City of Leavenworth would like feedback on a similar new project. It would not require an increase in tax dollars.

Leavenworth's sister cities are Omihachiman, Japan, and Wagga Wagga, Australia. Sister Cities International was founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the intent of promoting peace through cultural exchange.

The Sister City Board, along with the Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau, coordinates many Sister City events and activities.

The City of Leavenworth Public Information Officer is responsible for the City's communication efforts. 

• Our website, www.leavenworthks.org. 

• Channel 2 for cable subscribers in the City of Leavenworth

• Videos of City Commission meetings

The City of Leavenworth has adopted a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan and designated a Neighborhood Revitalization Area. This area includes the Leavenworth Downtown Area. With this designation all-new taxable improvements can receive a rebate of 95- percent of the property taxes levied against the new improvements each year for five years.
 

Updated May 20, 2020
A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rain water from a roof, driveway or street and allows it to soak into the ground. Planted with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens can be a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from your property. Rain gardens can also help filter out pollutants in runoff and provide food and shelter for butterflies, song birds and other wildlife.

More complex rain gardens with drainage systems and amended soils are often referred to as bioretention.

The City of Leavenworth Home Ownership Program can provide up to $8,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for qualified applicants to purchase a home within Leavenworth city limits.

The City of Leavenworth prides itself in its distinction as the first city of Kansas. Leavenworth's history is celebrated by active participation in historic renovation projects and by offering incentives to residential and business entities who look to improve the community by restoration efforts. The Community Development and Planning offices coordinate several programs that encourage historic preservation and restoration of Leavenworth's historic buildings.

New and existing commercial, retail, or industrial businesses may be reimbursed 50% of the costs for the development of their business. Owners may be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar matching grant up to $5,000 for single unit locations and up to $15,000 for multi-tenant locations. Grant monies are awarded to encourage building updates and/or renovations to new and existing businesses. These funds are not available for routine repairs and maintenance. Examples of improvements considered for the grant include:

The City entered into an economic development agreement with Zeck Ford, a locally-owned car dealership in Leavenworth. The business owner plans to double the size of their business and purchase a vacant lot adjacent to the property. Plans call for two funding options: a Sales Tax and a tax-increment finance (TIF) district similar to others that the City has utilized. A TIF district means that property taxes would be used for infrastructure and cannot be used for vertical or building construction. A TIF must also be agreed upon by the County and school district.

The Finance Department is responsible for preparing and publishing the City's annual Operational Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. The Finance Director works closely with the City Manager and the City Commission to develop a proposed budget.

Once the City Commission has approved and finalized the budget, it is published in the newspaper, and a public hearing is held before voting on the budget.

The Budget is on an annual cycle, January to December. The adoption of the Budget typically takes place in the summer for the upcoming year.

The Finance Department is responsible for preparing and publishing the City's annual budget. The Finance Director works closely with the City Manager and the City Commission to develop a proposed budget.

Once the City Commission has approved and finalized the budget, it is published in the newspaper and a public hearing is held before voting on the budget.

The budget is on an annual cycle, January to December. The adoption of the budget typically takes place the summer before each budget cycle.

Media Contact: Melissa Bower, Public Information Officer

Aug. 20, 2014

The Leavenworth City Commission voted Aug. 19 to approve the City’s operating budget for 2015 with a 21-mill property tax drop. The mill levy decrease was paid for by a 1-percent increase in sales taxes that was approved by Leavenworth voters in February 2014.

 Leavenworth Mayor Mark Preisinger said the Commission believes strongly in its efforts to lower property taxes in Leavenworth.

Each year, the City of Leavenworth prepares a formal Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is audited by an independent external auditing firm. Simply put, the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is a set of government financial statements that provides the financial position of the organization in accordance with industry standards. 

The City of Leavenworth has received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program annually since 1994.

The following information may be of value to citizens in general and construction permit holders in particular – especially when it comes to rainfall information.

Local Governments of Leavenworth County have installed on-line weather stations as shown below:

City of:

• Leavenworth (4)
• Lansing (3)
• Basehor (1)

And Leavenworth County (1)

City of Leavenworth Weather Stations – Current Status

Are you interested in a career in law enforcement or have you ever wondered what it's really like to be a police officer? The Leavenworth Police Department offers citizens the chance to ride along with one of our finest. If you are interested in seeing police work first-hand, please fill out the application and mail or deliver it to the Leavenworth Police Department located at:
 
601 S. 3rd Street Suite #2055
Leavenworth, KS 66048
 

Detectives

Patrol consists of four shifts of uniformed police officers who provide 24-hour police response to emergency and non-emergency situations. They conduct initial investigations of criminal activity, gather evidence, apprehend offenders, and generate different types of reports including arrest, offense, and accident reports. In addition, Patrol conducts traffic enforcement and supplements other functions of the police department whenever necessary.

Ride Along

The Records Division holds all police reports generated by the Leavenworth Police Department. This Division is responsible for entering all reports into the computer system, keeps all criminal and traffic accident reports on file, and provides controlled access to information contained in the reports.
 
The Evidence Unit receives and maintains the chain of custody of physical evidence and found property. An inventory of all property is maintained.
 

 See benefits and more information here. 

Special Weapons And Tactics Team - S.W.A.T.

• Branches (fee required - see Fee Schedule)
• Trees must be free of dirt and less than 12 inches in diameter, no roots or root systems still attached (fee required - see Fee Schedule)
• Leaves and grass clippings (no fee required)

• March through November open Tuesday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. with last load accepted at 3:50 p.m. 

Feb. 21, 2017

On Feb. 18, 2017, Water Pollution Control was notified of a private line sanitary sewer overflow at 2:15 p.m.  at 804 S. Fourth Street. A private sewer line had overflowed onto the ground and into a storm drain.  An estimated 300 gallons of sewer water was released into the storm drain.

April 3, 2017

On April 3, 2017, a resident contacted Water Pollution Control that a manhole was overflowing at 8:30 a.m. in the 1400 block of Ottawa Street next to the creek. Excessive rainfall was the likely cause. An estimated 4,500 flowed into the nearby creek.

ACTIONS TAKEN: Water Pollution Control staff responded to the scene and were able to open the line causing the manhole to overflow. The manhole stopped overflowing around 9:30 a.m. "Contaminated creek" signs have been placed around the area.

Risk to public: Residents should avoid the marked area. 

LOCATION: Federal Prison Lift Station at 12th Metropolitan

ACTION TAKEN: A concerned citizen that lives on Dakota Street called stating the creek smelled like sewer. WPC responded and found the lift station for the Federal Prison had overflowed but was no longer overflowing when our crew arrived.

RISK TO PUBLIC: The City of Leavenworth and Public Works would ask that citizens keep children and pets away from the creek between 12th and 13 Street from Metropolitan to Ottawa Street.

Water Pollution Control received a call May 30, 2017 at 8:30 am from a concerned citizen stating that a manhole behind their house was overflowing into the creek.

ACTION TAKEN:  Upon arrival the citizen showed WPC the manhole that was 75 yards into the woods behind his house. WPC located the downstream manhole and within 30 minutes had the blockage removed and the manhole was no longer overflowing. WPC then cleaned up around the manhole and placed contaminated creek sign along the creek that run east of 2nd Ave to 4thstreet between Maple street and Elizabeth street.

On Dec. 27, 2017, a citizen reported a sewer overflow near 1906 Fifth Avenue. A water main had broken causing treated water to leak into the sanitary sewer, overflow into the street and then back into the storm drain.

ACTIONS TAKEN: Leavenworth Water Pollution Control responded to the call at 4:15 p.m., turned off the water main and stopped the overflow at 4:30 p.m. An estimated 10,000 gallons of treated drinking water leaked into the sanitary sewer, causing it to overflow. The City reported the incident to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

At 8:43 p.m. January 8, a citizen contacted the City about a sewer smell near 720 Kickapoo Street. Upon arrival, Water Pollution Control (WPC) staff found a manhole overflowing at an estimated rate of 25 gallons per minute. Staff cleaned the sewer line and stopped the manhole from overflowing. Normal sewer line flow returned.

Water Pollution Control (WPC) received a call June 3, 2018 at 11:57 p.m. from an individual at 727 Shawnee Street stating that their sanitary sewer was backing up into their basement.

ACTION TAKEN:  When WPC crews arrived at 12:20 p.m., they noticed that the individual was pumping water from the basement into a storm drain in the alley. WPC stopped this process and informed the individual that sewer water would contaminate the storm drain. WPC cleaned the sewer line which returned to normal flow. WPC placed a contaminated creek sign out and took E. coli samples.

UPDATE: As of July 31, bacteria levels had returned to acceptable levels and contaminated creek signs have been removed.

At 7:30 a.m. July 24 an employee from Kansas Gas Service called Water Pollution Control (WPC), stating the manhole near the intersection of 18th and Spruce Streets was overflowing. Upon arrival, WPC staff found the manhole overflowing and the runoff was flowing into the nearby stream.

While working for the City of Leavenworth, a contractor replacing a manhole at 740 Dakota Street broke a stormwater line. There was 75 gallons of sanitary sewer water that ran into the storm drain and flowed south toward Ottawa Street and into a nearby creek. Water Pollution Control placed contaminated creek signs out and is taking E. coli samples. The City asks citizens to stay out of the open areas between Pawnee and Ottawa Streets and Broadway and 7th Streets.

The Engineering Office is primarily responsible for the coordination of capital projects related to the development and reconstruction of the City's infrastructure. Other responsibilities for which the Engineering Office is responsible include the detailed review of subdivisions, lot splits, and commercial building site plans, coordination of underground conflicts with utility companies, and in-house design and inspection of capital projects related to the City's infrastructure. Public relations occupy a significant part of staff times.

GIS stands for Geographical Information Systems

Geography refers to anything that can be located in physical space, primarily those features on the earth's surface. Information Systems is a computer-based technology that stores, retrieves, edits, analyzes, and publishes geographic information.

The City of Leavenworth is working on many public improvement projects.

Projects that are out for bid are advertised in the Leavenworth Times and on Drexel Technologies under the plan-room
 

You can view the city's planned projects using the project dashboard. The dashboard is an interactive page that shares details about individual projects.

Documents Related to the 2017 Wastewater Rate Study

Have a sewer emergency? Call us 913-682-1090 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Water Pollution Control is a division of the Public Works Department that oversees the treatment of wastewater. The plant is at 1800 S. 2nd Street.

The City of Leavenworth has a joint-use agreement with the Department of the Army for the use of Sherman Army Airfield at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The airfield is located on Fort Leavenworth, approximately one mile north of the City of Leavenworth. Although this is a military airfield, civilian access is unlimited. 
 

The Development Regulations serve the following purposes:

1. To promote the health, safety, comfort and economic development of the city;
2. To preserve and protect property values throughout the city;
3. To regulate the height, number of stories and size of buildings; the percentage of lot coverage; the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces; and density of population;
4. To divide the jurisdictional area into zones and districts;
5. To regulate the location and use of buildings and land within each district or zone. 

All uses identified in the zoning districts, use table or elsewhere in the Development Regulations as a special use in any particular zoning district shall require approval of a special use permit.  Applications for special uses may be submitted by the owners or agents of any property affected.  Issuance of a special use permit requires review by the Planning Commission and final approval by the City Commission.  Barring any delays, the approval process may take up to 90 days.  Requirements for special use permits may be found in section 2.04 of the Development Regulations.

Any person or business wishing to install permanent or temporary signage in the City of Leavenworth is required to obtain a sign permit prior to installation.  Sign requirements may be found in Article 8 of the Development Regulations.

Building permits are issued by the Building Inspections Division.  Please click here to be directed to the Inspections and Permits Division.

During the summer season, the Riptides compete in the East Kansas Swim League which is made up of 9 other teams. The team competes with Bonner Springs, Gardner, Olathe, Piper, Tonganoxie, Eudora, Lansing, DeSoto and the Lakes Team (Lake of the Forest and Lake Quivira). All swimmers, ages 5-18 years, compete in their own age group against swimmers of equal ability. The coaching staff places emphasis on skill development, improving stroke mechanics, and fun! 

Parent (or other team member family) participation at swim meets is expected.

The Riverfront Community Center pool is available for birthday parties and special events.  Currently, we may offer:

• Open Swim Parties - reserve the balcony during open swim and enjoy cake and presents overlooking the pool.

• Private Parties - available on Fridays starting at 8 p.m. and on Saturdays starting at 5 p.m.

Physical Address:  1201 Riverfront Park Road

Park Hours:  6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily

Amenities:

Work began in March 2014 to repair stone work. After some setbacks with resourcing the stone, work was finally completed on the front entrance. All of the replacement sandstone meets historic guidelines as dictated by the grant funding the City received for this project.

Fees: 

Equipment Operator I: The City of Leavenworth is seeking qualified, motivated applicants for the above full time position. This position will operate a variety of light to heavy equipment and trucks utilized in construction, maintenance and repair activities, perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance of light, street, water, sewer and storm drainage systems. Minimum Qualifications: HS Diploma or GED; two years experience in use of light to heavy equipment; possess a valid driver’s license at the time of application and obtain a CDL within 120 days of employment. Salary: $32

Park Technician I: The City of Leavenworth is seeking qualified applicants for this FT position. This is an entry level position which performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance/operation of City buildings, grounds, and parks. Min.

Recreation Worker: Must have knowledge of sports programs; ability to communicate verbally and in writing; responsible for crowd control and operation of programs. Routine work involves monitoring programs/facility, assisting in set up/take down of equipment, preparing written reports and tabulating scoring. Must be at least 21, willing to work evenings & weekends and possess a valid driver’s license.

Attracting and retaining quality employees is a high priority for the City of Leavenworth. We offer a Comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package.

Benefits:

The City of Leavenworth offers a Comprehensive benefits package which includes:

The mission of the Leavenworth Fire Department is to preserve the safety and well-being of our citizens and visitors to Leavenworth. It is the Firefighters' responsibility to be prepared both mentally and physically to meet the challenges of this mission. Firefighting is the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing and preventing fire. Firefighters work a regular 24-hour shift, which include weekends and holidays.

Brush Site

Utility & Billing Information

Your Elected City Commission

Municipal Code of Ordinances

Leavenworth County Government

How to Register to Vote

April 4, 2019

The Brush Site has been reopened following flooding of the Missouri River. It will be available for Free First Saturday April 6. It will have free disposal to residents only during regular hours from Tuesday, April 9 to Saturday, April 13. (The Brush Site is closed Mondays)

The Brush Site, 1803 S. Second St., takes organic waste disposal such as branches, leaves and grass clippings.

Contact the Municipal Service Center, 913-682-0650 for more information

• Bi Weekly Erosion and Sediment Control Inspection Report Form
• BMP Inspection Checklist
• Project Inspection Log
• Single Family & Small Project Erosion Control Plan Example
• SWPPP Handout

In 1827, Colonel Henry Leavenworth founded Fort Leavenworth on the bluffs of the Missouri River. For the next several decades Fort Leavenworth played an important role in keeping the peace among the various Indian tribes and the increasing number of settlers heading west. By the 1840's, travel to Oregon and California had begun and thousands of wagons passed through Fort Leavenworth on the way to the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails.

By a special act of Congress, the reservation for the U.S. Penitentiary was deeded by the War Department to the Justice Department in 1897 to build the United States Federal Penitentiary (USP) in Leavenworth, Kansas. The decision was made, at least in part, based on the labor available from the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Ft. Leavenworth. They, in fact, were used for the first phase of construction and were the first prisoners to be incarcerated in 1903.

The Midwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility prison has a capacity of 464 inmates.  The J.R.C.F. began processing inmates in 2010.  The prisoners are housed in separate areas depending on crimes committed.  This facility is under the supervision of the U.S. Army Corrections Command and houses male offenders.  The security level is minimum to medium. 

The facility does not give public tours.

​The new US Disciplinary Barracks was completed in 2002 and is now a 515-bed facility which is considerably smaller than the original one which at one time housed more than 1,000 inmates.  The USDB has operated since 1875.  

The USDB is the US Military's only maximum security prison that houses male service members convicted at court-martial for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.  The USDB is staffed by the 15th Military Brigade. 

• Guided walking tours of the city and historical museum
• Unique specialty and antique shops

• Farm, winery and distillery tours

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Groups of 20 or more can arrange for a private tour during the week. 

320 S. Esplanade Street, Leavenworth, KS
(913) 682-1331

This 1880s Victorian house features elaborate handcrafted woodwork, beautiful stained glass windows and elegant antiques from the Victorian era to the early 20th century.  The Carroll Mansion also is a research center for early Kansas history that includes 30,000 glass plate negatives taken by pioneer photographers. The museum is home to the Leavenworth County Historical Society, formed in the centennial year of the founding of the city. Guided tours are available. A $10 admission is charged. 

Agri-tourism is a field that is growing in popularity as producers try to diversify as well as educate their customers.  

Agri-tourism combines the essential elements of the tourism and agriculture industries, attracts members of the public to visit agricultural operations, is designed to increase farm income and provides recreation, entertainment and educational experiences to visitors.

All of our agri-tourism businesses below are located within Leavenworth County, Kansas.   

​624 Olive Street
Leavenworth, KS  66048
(913) 682-7949
 

National Fred Harvey Museum - Leavenworth  - Web Page

National Fred Harvey Museum - Leavenworth - Facebook Page

The Performing Arts Center in downtown Leavenworth is managed by the City's Parks and Recreation Department. The River City Community Players provide the Leavenworth area  community with unique theatrical experiences in an early 20th century Art Deco Theater that has been modified for live theatrical productions.  Currently the RCCP shows four main stage productions a year with two being musicals and two being non-musicals productions. There are also two youth productions produced throughout the seasons in addition to an annual Christmas show.  

The Richard Allen Cultural Center (Museum) opened its doors in 1992 - across the street from the historic Bethel A.M.E. Church which was part of the Underground Railroad. The center offers a glimpse into the history of African-Americans locally and nationwide. It was created to ensure that the rich heritage of African-Americans and their profound effect on American society would not be lost. The center is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and disseminating the history of African-Americans.

There are a variety of unique shopping options in the 28-block historic downtown shopping district of "The First City in Kansas.”

Come see our variety of home goods, gifts, garden items, fun & funky jewelry, clothing, specialty teas and foods, antiques, furniture, sewing, knitting and quilting supplies, original art and more. Here is a list of just some of those locally owned, family-operated shops.

The City of Leavenworth has 424 acres of parks, play areas, and spacious grassy areas.  The parks offer numerous amenities such as a dog park, tennis courts, playgrounds, softball and baseball fields, picnic shelters, horseshoe courts, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, an outdoor summer aquatic center, a campground, and trails.

Bowl

Welcoming and Friendly Places of Worship in historic Leavenworth.  We also offer a Church Tour of several of the area churches on this list.  If you are interested in setting up a tour please contact the CVB Office at cvb@firstcity.org. 

The city of Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth offer a wide variety of unique, historical and entertaining sites and experiences for your group to discover. We've made it easy for tour operators to review information on our attractions, view our Visitors Guide and build their group itinerary. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks notice for tour arrangements, we do not offer same day tours.

PLAN YOUR NEXT GROUP TOUR TO LEAVENWORTH, KS

We offer many different itineraries to choose from whether it's one day or three days we've got you covered.  

We also create customized itineraries specifically geared to what your groups like to do.  

So whether you choose one of our suggested itineraries or let us build a custom itinerary - you will be glad you choose to Visit Leavenworth KS.

Book a Room Now

Save 10% by using the QR Code below: 

90 rooms
1,400 square feet of meeting space
1101 N 4th Street
913-758-9303

Book a Room Now

308 rooms
214 Grant Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS
913-684-4091

Unescorted guests need to go to the Fort Leavenworth Visitor Control Center to gain access to the fort and day passes in order to stay. Reservations are recommended.  

Book a Room Now

Save 10% by using the QR code located below:

Extended stay hotel with 90 rooms with kitchenettes
1,100 square feet of meeting space
1001 N 4th Street
913-297-5400  

16 rooms
1500 South 4th St, Leavenworth, KS 66048
913-682-0499

Call to reserve a room.

Leavenworth County offers two area campgrounds for you to choose from, Riverfront Campground located within the City of Leavenworth and Suncatcher Lake & RV Resort located a short 7 miles from downtown.  

Welcome to Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth.  Leavenworth is the "First City of Kansas" and Fort Leavenworth is known as the "Post that opened the West", and also as the "Best Hometown in the Army".  We invite you to explore our town and visit our historic attractions, shop in our 28-block historic downtown shopping district, and dine in our distinctive restaurants.  You will be delighted with all our town has to offer!  
 

Phone: 913-682-2583

The Leavenworth Police Department encourages citizens to provide any information they have related to criminal activity. We also respect that sometimes, citizens wish to provide this information anonymously. If you have any information you wish to provide to us while remaining anonymous, please call our CLUE hotline at (913) 682-CLUE or 913-682-2583. You do not have to provide your name if you wish and all phonecalls are confidential.

1201 Riverfront Park Road
913-290-0034

Amenities:
Boat Ramp (seasonal)
Portable Restroom
25' x 25' Shelter - Reserve by the day ($25 Resident/$35 Non-resident), 7 tables included. Minimum 48-hour advance purchase required, longer if noise and/or beer permits are needed. Reserve online through Eventbrite (convenience fees apply).

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal
411 Kiowa Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 682-8454

Pioneer Chapel
500 Pope Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
Phone: (913) 684-8983
(English and Spanish services)
​
Sacred Heart and Saint Casimir
Sacred Heart, 1405 2nd Avenue, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Saint Casimir, 715 Pennsylvania Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 772-2424

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
209 N 7th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone:(913) 682-1033

Memorial Chapel
626 Scott Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
Phone: (913) 684-2210

​Pioneer Chapel
500 Pope Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
Phone: (913) 684-8983

Frontier Chapel
625 Thomas Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
Phone: (913) 684-2210

Fairmont United Methodist Church
15422 Meyer Road, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 727-1044

First United Methodist Church
422 Chestnut Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 682-5374

Jarbalo United Methodist Church
23580 211th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 727-5121

Assembly of God Korean Church
1000 N 10th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 682-3766 

New Hope Assembly of God
511 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 351-4673

Leavenworth has the facilities and locations to host your next conference, wedding, meeting, seminar, reunion or special event.  With more than 600 hotel/motel rooms and 14+ venues to choose you will find your perfect location in the "First City of Kansas".  

The Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau can assist you with welcome packets, hotel options, name badges, registration assistance, setting up site inspections, spousal tours, and transportation options.  

The Nez Perce Native Americans surrendered in Montana Territory in 1877 and were eventually brought to Fort Leavenworth as prisoners of war.  It was at the final surrender of the Nez Perce when Chief Joseph gave his famous "I Will Fight No More Forever" speech in October of 1877.  The conflict stemmed from the refusal of several bands of the Nez Perce "non-treaty Indians", to give up their lands and move to a reservation in Idaho.  Another example of a violation of the 1855 Treaty of Walla Walla, which granted the Indians 7.5 million acres in the Pacific Northwest. 

The USMP was established in May 1875 and later renamed the USDB.  The center court of the old USDB has a display describing "The Castle" a massive stone building with eight wings radiating from a central six-story rotunda that used to house the military prisoners.  There are additional kiosks located throughout the courtyard that contain the history of the other buildings as well.  The Disciplinary Barracks was relocated to a new facility on Fort Leavenworth in 2002.

​Wayside Point of Interest #13

Command and General staff College (CGSC) is the Army's senior tactical school.  Its beginnings trace back to the School of Application for the Cavalry and Infantry established here in 1881.  The Lewis and Clark Center, dedicated in 2007, was named for leaders of the Corps of Discovery.  Fort Leavenworth is known as "The Army University" and "The Best Hometown in the Army."

Wayside Point of Interest #2

A World-Class Museum, learn the story of Fort Leavenworth from 1827 to 1917 and the history of the frontier Army from 1804 when Lewis and Clark passed by present-day Leavenworth and Fort Leavenworth. This museum features rotating exhibits that highlight uniforms, weapons, and equipment used during the fort's early days.  A permanent exhibit is the "Beyond Lewis and Clark" - the Military Exploration of the American West.

Hours are Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Federal holidays.  

Click here to check The Weather Channel's 10-day forecast for Leavenworth. 

For fence or sign permits please contact, Community Development at 913-680-2626.

The City of Leavenworth utilizes the 2018 International Residential Code for all aspects of construction related activities that involve single family dwellings, duplexes, townhomes and accessory structures, to include new structures, additions, renovations and repairs.

City Commission regular meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

City Commission regular meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

City Commission regular meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

5th Tuesday of the month 

City Commission Study Sessions are at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

City Commission regular meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Regular Meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

The City of Leavenworth is committed to the prudent use of taxpayers’ money. Fulfilling this commitment is the responsibility primarily of the Department of Finance. The employees of the Finance Department are accountable for all aspects of the organization's financial management with the exception of property tax administration, which is done through the collaborative efforts of the county appraiser, county clerk, and county treasurer. To fulfill its responsibilities, the Finance Department has a staff of four public servants.

The Finance Department is responsible for:

Taxis

A-1 Taxi
(913) 682-2224

Good Samaritan Taxi
(913) 547-0766

Rick's Airport Express
(913) 651-4649

Veterans & Yellow Cab Co.
(913) 682-7200

RideLV Micro Transit 
913-758-9443

City Commission Study Sessions are at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Study Sessions are at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Study Sessions are at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Study Sessions are at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Study Sessions are at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Study Sessions are at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

5th Tuesday of the month 

City Commission Regular Meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Regular Meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

City Commission Regular Meetings are at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.

Any person or business wishing to install a fence or replace/maintain an existing fence in the City of Leavenworth shall obtain a fence permit prior to installation or repair.  Fence requirements may be found in section 6.08 of the Development Regulations.

The fence permit application below is required, but payment for the permit may be submitted online here.

Any subdivision of land in the City of Leavenworth requires approval of a plat application.  Depending on the type of application required for the requested subdivision, approval of such application may require review by the Planning Commission and final approval by the City Commission and may take up to 90 days.  Requirements for platting may be found in section 2.02 of the Development Regulations.

Please contact staff for an application.

The City of Leavenworth strives to serve the public in the best way possible. Below, check out ways to contact the city, different methods of learning about the city and frequently asked questions.

2019 - 16th Terrace & Thornton Phase 1 Stormwater Repairs

Approved by the Leavenworth City Commission Feb. 28, 2017
Printable copy in the links below.

10th Avenue Park is located at 10th Avenue and Gatewood Street, west of Warren Middle School.  The park features soccer fields , two parking lots, and a walking/jogging trail. 

Paved walkways were installed by the Leavenworth Soccer Association in 2009.  In 2012, a bridge was constructed across Five-Mile Creek.

Physical Address:  3003 Shrine Park Road

Park Hours:  6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily

City tennis tournaments and local school tennis events are sometimes held here. The ball field is utilized by the City's spring and summer softball leagues. Five-Mile Creek runs along the back part of the park and a tributary of the creek cuts through the middle. There is also a small 1/4-mile walking path next to the creek. In 2018, new playground equipment was installed.

Amenities:

Havens Park consists of 65 acres. Havens Park features a parking area and walking/bicycle trails, some sections are paved. An improvement plan proposal for this location includes keeping the park as close to its natural state as possible.  

Amenities:

Physical Address:  4103 South 4th Street

Park Hours:  6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily

This park consists of 20 acres of land, just outside the main gates of the VA. On April 17, 2020, a 9-hole disc golf course was installed. 

Fitness stations were installed a few years ago along the trail. Ten individual stations were sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Each station suggests various exercises to help achieve total body fitness. 

The park consists of 3.4 acres of land.  New play equipment installed in 2020 allows for children to be challenged at two age levels - one set is for children ages 2 through 5, the other set is for children ages 5 through 12.

Amenities:

Physical Address:  1300 Shawnee Street

Park Hours:  6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.

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Restaurants

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Records maintained by the City of Leavenworth may be public records open for inspection and/or copying by the public. The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) provides for some records to be kept private. These exceptions include personnel information of public employees, medical treatment records, items protected by attorney-client privilege or the rules of evidence, certain records containing personal information for census purposes, notes and preliminary drafts, criminal investigation records, and other specific records. For a complete list of exemption see K.S.A. 45-221.

April 19, 2019 | Community News

The City of Leavenworth will honor Arbor Day at a tree-planting ceremony 2 p.m. Friday April 26. We will meet at the soccer complex at 14th and New Lawrence Road, west of Warren Middle School. A redbud tree will be planted in memory of Dan Williamson, former finance director for the City for 23 years. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

Oct. 19, 2018 | Public Information Office
 

The City of Leavenworth will celebrate the opening of the new playground equipment at Buffalo Bill Cody Memorial Park 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Shrine Park Road and Limit Street with a free community cook-out.

The event is rain or shine at the park picnic shelter.

The City will cut a ribbon dedicating the new equipment at noon. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served at noon for free to all community members.

Accounting is responsible for analyzing, recording, and reporting the financial transactions of the City. These transactions are audited in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and other financial reports. Finance staff are responsible for the recording of fixed assets, journal entries, and the monitoring of all projects for the City.

Area of Responsibility

General Accounting

Procurement is the centralized purchasing function responsible for making purchases of products and services for the City of Leavenworth.

Areas of Responsibility

There is no difference. They are different names for the same tax.

The top three sources of revenue are Sales and Use Taxes, Charges for Services, and Property Taxes. 

Solid Waste Collector: The City of Leavenworth is seeking qualified, motivated applicants for the above full time position.  Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from HS or GED equivalent; possess a current valid driver's license; be able to work flexible schedule as needed to complete a 40 hour workweek, M-F; be able to obtain a CDL license within 120 days; 6 months experience in the operation of trucks and other light automotive and non-automotive equipment and a minimum of 6 months physical labor experience.  Salary: $25,771.70 per yr plus excellent benefits.  Interested candidates

https://client.pointandpay.net/web/CityofLeavenworthPermits

• Indepedence Court Bank Stabilization Study

Port of Leavenworth, 1854 to 1875

In 1854 the Missouri River was the freeway of commerce.  This Landing was the heart of old Leavenworth. The natural landscape, transportation and business combined to make Leavenworth the largest and most important city on the early Western Plains.

Passengers and supplies stopped here because of the excellent overland connections available.  It was the jumping-off point for overland travel to the vast west. In 1865 over 400 boats landed here, from which one firm alone hauled off over 50,000 tons of supplies. 

Historic Wayside Tour #3 - Carry A. Nation - Cyclone Carry

Carry Amelia Nation, the Kansas Prohibitionist, who became internationally known for breaking up saloons, was born in Kentucky in 1846. The widow of an alcoholic she remarried and settled in Medicine Lodge, Kansas.

The state constitution prohibited the open saloon but many Kansas towns had them.

Mrs. Nation launched a one-woman campaign against alcoholic spirits carrying a hatchet and a Bible. She prayed for fallen souls and left hatchet marks on bars.

Historic Wayside Tour #5 - Star of the West Saloon
 
Located at this spot was the Star of the West Saloon, which was in business from around 1869 until 1887. Although no famous events or persons are associated with this saloon, the Star of the West was a fine representative of the wild and woolly activities that took place in Leavenworth in the days when it was a frontier town.

Wayside Tour #7: Stockton Hall - "The Liberator and the Assassin"
  
Leavenworth's Stockton Hall was built in 1857 at the southwest corner of Fourth and Delaware streets. Although not the first of the town's public halls, Stockton was to become the most famous. It was a frame building forty-five by one hundred and twenty feet, with storerooms on the ground floor. The upper floor was combination meeting hall and theater frequently used by traveling theatrical troupes.

Wayside Tour #9: William Tecumseh Sherman - "Local Lawyer and Total Warrior"
  
The law firm of Sherman, Ewing and McCook was on the 2nd floor of a wooden building located in front of this pedestal. All four partners in the firm became general officers in the Union Army during the Civil War. The most famous member of the firm was William Tecumseh Sherman who led Union forces on the famous "March to the Sea".

Mural and Statue Safari Stop #3

The seal of the First City of Kansas, founded in 1854, nearly seven years before the Kansas Territory was declared an official state. Found on the eastern side of the River City Community Players historic Art Deco theater, this mural was painted in 1978 by local artist Michael Young. It's a tribute to America's early westward expansion and Leavenworth's contributions to two historic byways: The Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.

Wayside Tour #14: Unsung Heroes of Leavenworth's African-American History

The distinguished ladies and gentlemen presented here made significant contributions to military, education, civil rights and community service. Mr. Blanche K. Bruce is known for having tutored approximately 1800 young men for entrance to the military service academies with only three failing to qualify. He was the first black graduate of the University of Kansas and was Principal of Sumner Elementary School for 54 years.

Wayside Tour #16 : Federal Prison

Wayside Tour #19: The Carroll Mansion

Welcome to the Carroll Mansion and 5th Avenue Historic Homes Wayside Marker.

The Leavenworth CVB is ready to help. Downloadable hi-res photos and news releases are just a click away. You'll learn about Leavenworth's amenities - our attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping options, cultural arts and heritage. 

We look forward to assisting you with your assignment. 

Let us help you with:

Story ideas | Editorial support | Images | Fact checking | Filming in Leavenworth

Every Community must compete with every other community for their share of the world's attention, customers, and investment. To compete, people need to be aware of a community, have a positive impression, and want to visit to experience the community and meet its people. Addressing this need for destination promotion is for the benefit and well being of every person located within the community. While Destination Marketing Organizations (DMO) are uniquely positioned to do this, it is with all our partners in this endeavor that make us shine as a community.

Wollman Aquatic Center is the perfect summer activity for children and adults.

1300 Shawnee Street, Leavenworth, KS
(913) 682-7946

Enjoy riding on a completely restored 1913 carousel which was handcrafted right here in Leavenworth at the turn of the century.

320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS
(913) 682-1331

123 S. Esplanade Street
(913) 651-2203

Activities for youth include sports leagues, swim classes, and special events, plus specialized classes for adults. Activities are open to anyone regardless of residency.

Crown Lanes is dedicated to providing a safe and fun place for children of all ages to enjoy bowling. Ask about our cosmic bowling and half-price arcade night!

834 Spruce Street, Leavenworth, KS
(913) 682-6444

There is no Study Session for June 18, 2019

Physical Address:  1100 Ohio Street

Park Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.

This park consists of 9.5 acres of land. The softball fields are utilized by the City teams for games and practices.

Amenities:

The City's X page (formerly Twitter) is maintained by Public Information Officer Melissa Bower. She can be reached at melissab@firstcity.org.

Park Hours:  6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.

Union Park is a one-half acre, triangular park with a fountain, landscaping, and benches.

Amenities:

• Benches
• Fountain
• Garden Area

Park History:

2019 Stormwater No. 2 - South Stormwater Repairs

Stubby Park Stormwater Project

Independence Court Bank Stabilization Study

17624 Santa Fe Trail
Leavenworth, KS 66048
(913) 683-3366
(267) 210-5041

We invite you and your family to host your special event with us out here on the farm.

18962 Santa Fe Trail
Leavenworth, KS 66048
(520) 249-0480

A family-friendly u-pick patch along the original Oregon Trail.

18807 158th Street
Basehor, KS 66007
(913) 724-9463

We host a variety of entertainment events throughout the year.

531 Dawson Street
Easton, KS 66020
(913) 773-0157

We are a family-owned apiary offering local, specialized honey and natural skin care products from the beehive.

Historic Wayside Tour #18: The Harvey House
  
Into the grunt and growl life of the southwest frontier, Fred Harvey brought an era of gracious manners, delicious food, good women, and high standards of service. Frederick Harvey was born in London in 1835. At fifteen Harvey immigrated to the United States. His first job was as a "pot-walloper", a dishwasher, in a New York restaurant. He saved a portion of his two dollars a week salary and in 1860 he opened his first eating establishment in St. Louis.

A quorum of the Leavenworth City Commission may be in attendance.