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United States Penitentiary -


category : Penitentiaries
United States Penitentiary - Leavenworth is best known for the "Federal Pen" or "Big House", which is now a medium-security prison. Construction of this historic prison began in 1897, with the first cell house opening in 1906. The Federal Penitentiary has been the home of Kansas City Boss Tom Pendergast, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, "Bugs" Moran, Manuel Noreiga, and Leonard Peltier. Their most famous prisoner was Robert Stroud, known in the movies as the "Bird Man of Alcatraz". In real life he did all of his bird work in Leavenworth, serving 28 years here before being transferred to Alcatraz.

A small herd of buffalo is located west of the main building and can be viewed from a pull-off area on Metropolitan Avenue on the north side of Leavenworth. NOTE: No public tours are available but can be photographed from across Metropolitan Avenue.


Come visit us in Leavenworth, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Eisenhower Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Cntr.

While visiting the Veterans Administration Center and its grounds, you will want to see the Chapel of Veteran's. The Chapel, built in 1893, features architecture reminiscent of the early European cathedrals. In 1921, this attraction was made famous in Ripley's "Believe It or Not"

Leavenworth, KS Historic Churches

Leavenworth Landing Park

Located on the Missouri River, the park revives one of the major river landing sites where boats loaded and unloaded travelers and freight. The design of the Leavenworth Landing Park focuses on the role of Leavenworth as the "Gateway to the West"

Leavenworth, KS Recreation

Performing Arts Center

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1938

Leavenworth, KS Theatres

Leavenworth Historical Wayside Tour

Leavenworth, the "First City of Kansas", invites you to take a walk back in time and explore the history of "Where the West Began" by visiting our Historic Wayside Tour.

Leavenworth, KS Tours

National Fred Harvey Museum

The National Fred Harvey Museum seeks to: * Restore the Harvey residence in Leavenworth to its historic magnificence. * Increase public awareness of Mr. Harvey's achievements and his contributions to civilizing the great American Southwest. *

Leavenworth, KS Museums

Things to do Penitentiaries near Leavenworth, KS

United States Penitentiary -

Lansing Correctional Facility