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Leavenworth, Kansas

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.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

C.W. Parker Carousel

Ride a restored antique wooden 1913 Parker carousel and tour the museum dedicated to telling the remarkable story of C. Parker, the "Carnival King". There are two other carousels in the museum. One is the oldest operating, hand-cranked, wooden carousel, built around 1860 and the other is a 1950

Leavenworth, KS One Of A Kinds

University of St. Mary

No longer a private institution, this four year college is located across the street from the Veterans Administration Center. The College's administration building, St. Mary Hall, was completed in 1870. Visitors are welcome to visit the De Paul Library's Special Collections:

Leavenworth, KS Colleges

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

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

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

Things to do near Leavenworth, KS

KC Strings Violin Shop

Nationally known for making beautiful string music, KC Strings is a full-service violin shop serving student to professional ...

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Theatre in the Park

Gardner Historical Museum

Kansas Speedway