Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Leavenworth and Northeast Kansas Tourism. All opinions and photos are mine with the exception of one courtesy image. I participated in planning the travel itinerary’s points of interests.
The water moves swiftly on the Missouri River as I walk toward the same spot where explorers Lewis and Clark stood.
In Leavenworth, the first city in Kansas, history intersects with modern attractions. Visitors gain access to iconic landmarks dating back to 1854 and a host of entertaining activities, plus 28 blocks of downtown shopping.
During my return trip to Leavenworth, I was eager to take in places I had yet to discover and revisit old gems.
Use my travel guide as an itinerary for your next overnight stay in the northeastern Kansas town, a 30-minute drive from Kansas City International Airport.
Leavenworth, Kansas: An Overnight Stay Itinerary for Guaranteed Fun
Starting the Day with Breakfast
Burr Roasters
The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans permeates the air at Burr Roasters (515 Delaware Street). A short line forms at the counters as locals sip coffee and eat breakfast at nearby tables.
I arrived hungry and ordered an English muffin breakfast sandwich with a self-serve drip coffee. A daily coffee drinker, I was impressed with the medium roast’s flavor, an indicator of the quality of the roaster’s workmanship.
PRO TIP: The Burr-ow, a backroom space dedicated to reading or board gaming, is a quiet spot to work.
Exploring Scenic Nature Sports During a Morning Walk
Leavenworth Landing Park and Three Mile Creek Trail
After an early-morning caffeine pick-me-up, park the car at Leavenworth Landing Park (301 E. Esplanade Street) and explore the quarter-mile pathway along the Missouri River for an idyllic stroll.
It’s a scenic area worth exploring for its birdwatching and native treelined grounds. The path lies parallel to an active Union Pacific railway, a nod to the town’s railroad era that replaced the Missouri River’s steamboat industry.
Public art with references to pioneer life and the railroad industry dot the landscape along the Leavenworth Landing walkway.
PRO TIP: Consider walking Three Mile Creek Trail, which connects the river’s walkway to 7th Street in historic downtown Leavenworth.
Lewis and Clark Signage
If you know the story of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, then you’re familiar with their expedition to explore west of the Mississippi River from 1804-1806. The river trek led them to the Kansas City area up the Missouri River with a stop in Leavenworth.
They recorded detailed notes about the region’s landscape for President Thomas Jefferson noting what people could expect heading west. Signage overlooking the river at 2nd and Dakota Street recognizes their visit to the area.
Esplanade Street Sidewalk Path
A stroll down Espalande Street helps you fully immerse in Leavenworth’s Victorian period. Stretching from Bob Dougherty Memorial Park to Leavenworth Landing Park, the sidewalk path offers views of the historic homes and the Missouri River.
Downtown Murals and the Statue Safari
Leavenworth’s downtown area consists of a large concentration of murals and public art.
Perhaps the most eye-catching, Explore Leavenworth Mural serves as an anchor to kick off a mural walk at 416 Cherokee Street. Artist Leigh Coffman’s depiction of the town’s events is a glimpse into its past.
It’s the tucked-away murals that excite me the most. Keep your eyes peeled for smaller paintings on doors on various buildings downtown.
My self-guided tour led me down a path across from Leavenworth City Hall (100 N. 5th Street), where I spotted benches and signage honoring self-made women who impacted Leavenworth’s history, such as National American Woman Suffrage Association leader Susan B. Anthony and singer Melissa Etheridge.
Click here to access the Mural and Statue Safari tour.
Listening to Audio Tour at Historic Walk Kiosks
History comes alive while listening to an audio tour in downtown Leavenworth. Kiosks located in front of points of interest feature QR codes. Use your mobile phone’s camera to hover over the QR code and hear the stories of the people and places that made Leavenworth a notable northeastern Kansas town.
Kiosks, like the one pictured above, are part of 21 Historic Wayside Tour stops. Access this map before walking or driving the tour. Call (913) 745-3222 plus stop # to listen at each kiosk.
Taking a Mid-Day Break for Lunch
The Suburban
Savor the flavor of freshly prepared meals on a tranquil patio surrounded by lush plants and trees at The Suburban (402 S. 20th Street). Locals highly recommended that I dine at the off-the-beaten-path restaurant. I stepped onto the back patio, and it was easy to see why.
I dined on deviled eggs with bacon and a chicken cobb salad to the beat of Jamaican music while watching hosta leaves sway.
Between sips of iced tea, I noticed the hostess lead lunchtime diners to patio tables to enjoy the scenery, which resembled a nicely designed backyard landscape.
PRO TIP: An outdoor patio bar with TVs is the ideal place to watch a game.
Exploring a Local History Museum
National Fred Harvey Museum
The story of Fred Harvey is intriguing, and as someone who works in tourism, I appreciate how he grew the restaurant, hotel, and passenger train hospitality industries. His family home, the National Fred Harvey Museum (620 Olive Street) is worthy of a guided tour.
During my walk-thru of the three-story home, a volunteer tour guide shared details about Harvey’s entrepreneurial spirit, which included buying land near Florence, Kansas, where he raised livestock and grew vegetables.
Harvey not only spearheaded the restaurant and hotel industry, but he also transported refrigerated food in iced-packed train cars headed west.
The Harvey family bought the home in 1891, where he lived with his wife and five kids until he died in an upstairs bedroom from cancer in 1901.
Volunteers restore the family residence when not providing tours. Call the museum at (813) 682-7949 to schedule one.
PRO TIP: Make sure to visit the one-time carriage house to sign the guest book and view Harvey memorabilia donated by collectors. Inquire about Leavenworth Historical Museum Association’s annual fundraiser, A Taste of Leavenworth, in early September, an event that supports the home’s renovation costs.
Shopping for Great Finds
Leavenworth Antique Mall
Leavenworth Antique Mall (505 Delaware Street) contains perhaps the most extensive collection of antiques under one roof in Kansas. The multi-floor building includes countless booths stocked by antique-loving individuals displaying everything from vintage tools to retro fashions.
If you love old collectibles, you could spend hours perusing the mall while listening to oldies music play overhead. The friendly employee at the front desk is happy to answer questions about refurbishing relics.
CJ Gift Co.
Stepping into CJ Gift Co. (430 Delaware Street) is like visiting an old friend. The owner’s familiar smile and the store’s curated displays, designed for Kansas enthusiasts, make every visit a delight.
Of course, you can always spot something delightful for the home when you’re ready to swap out your seasonal decor. From garden flags to great-smelling candles, CJ Gift Co. satisfies shoppers on a mission to beautify their space.
PRO TIP: Walk to the store’s back corner to view clearance items.
Soul Supply & Hardware
Faith-based gifts are the focus of Soul Supply & Hardware (704 Cherokee Street); however, the store’s inventory includes presents for all ages and any occasion.
Expecting parents and grandparents will appreciate the owner’s selection of kid-loving plush toys. Seasonal items, bath products, and top-selling Leavenworth t-shirts round-out the front-of-store inventory.
Reunions Antiques
For nearly two decades, Reunions Antiques’ (414 Delaware Street) relics from the past have attracted shoppers hoping to add furniture or primitive-style antiques to their collection.
The owner greeted me as he worked to display new arrivals meticulously. And if you’re searching for old furniture, his collection will exceed your expectations.
PRO TIP: The store is also home to 5th Avenue Frames. Ask them to custom frame artwork, photography, or prints.
Queens Pantry Teas
Sometimes, a cup of hot tea is just what you need, and Queens Pantry Teas (510 Delaware Street) offers samples while you shop. You will discover the Midwest’s largest selection of loose-leaf teas, British goods, and tea cups aplenty.
Consider creating a gift basket for someone while shopping for yourself. Whether one loves hot tea or cold brew, Queen’s Pantry Teas is the place to shop.
Candle Queen Candles Gift Boutique
As the name implies, Candle Queen Candles Gift Boutique (500 Shawnee Street) is a brightly-colored store selling hand-poured candles, melts, and whimsical gifts.
Imagine jarred candles with crystals protruding from them. Nearby, the shelving displays candles in scents like Margarita Slushie and Pearberry, with dried fruit hanging from twine. Expect the unexpected.
PRO TIP: Plan accordingly. The store is open on Saturdays and for special events.
Artistic Works by Lu
At first glance, Artistic Works by Lu (221 Delaware Street) appears to be a handcrafted jewelry store, but the shop also carries an extensive selection of on-trend fashions with “urban soul.”
The owner, who was busily crafting jewelry in a studio, greeted me, as did her helpful staff. I perused the store, admiring an endless boho chic apparel and jewelry inventory.
Artistic Works by Lu is where women shop when they need a go-to outfit for the weekend or a festival-ready ensemble.
Season 7 Boutique
Next door, Season 7 Boutique (208 Delaware Street) carries clothing and accessories for female dressers in search of on-trend fashions. Always stocked with Kansas City-themed shirts and jewelry, you’re bound to buy something to wear on game day.
The owners, a mother-daughter duo, carry the latest fashions for the season on display at the front of the store.
PRO TIP: Preview new merchandise when the owners go live on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. via Facebook and Instagram.
Popcorn Pit Stop
Who can resist a bag of fresh gourmet popcorn, especially when it’s made with tasty flavorings? At Popcorn Pit Stop (1116 N. Broadway), you can purchase ready-to-eat popcorn to curb cravings.
If the thought of enjoying the salty goodness of popcorn with the sweet flavor of your favorite candy bar excites you, stop by Popcorn Pit Stop for a grab-and-go bag.
Jet Produce and Meats
Go to the source, Jet Produce and Meats (26617 Tonganoxie Road), to purchase locally grown and pasture-raised meat. Also featuring an elaborate outdoor garden house with plants for sale during the spring and summer, Jet Produce and Meats grows a wide variety of vegetables.
Peruse the outdoor garden houses to shop for plants and flowering hanging baskets before entering inside the store for refrigerated food items. Travelers without coolers will appreciate jarred foods and bagged dry goods.
Enjoying Evening Entertainment
The Retro-cade
If you think about your favorite video game, can you hear the sound of its theme song? The Retro-cade (421 Delaware Street) is a total fun zone for those who want to pay a flat fee to play unlimited games.
The sounds of Space Invaders and Mortal Kombat resonate through the arcade, open Thursday-Saturday. It’s an excellent place for all ages to enjoy indoor entertainment in a nostalgic setting.
Celebrating with Friends Over Dinner & Drinks
Leavenworth Heritage Center
Perhaps the most memorable experience during my return visit to town was enjoying dinner and a show at Leavenworth Heritage Center (109 Delaware Street). The ticketed event featured Legends of the Opry with Melissa & Company, a country music cover band.
A take on Nashville’s variety show, The Grand Ole Opry, band members and guest singers played up the theatrics, dressing in comical wigs and costumes. At one point, Elvis was bringing dancers to their feet.
The reservation-required dinner and a show were entertaining, and the best part of the evening was getting to know the guests at our shared table, who welcomed me like new friends. Three hours of fun flew by.
PRO TIP: Check the live entertainment page for upcoming events and ticket information.
Willcott Brewing Company & Taproom
As the day winds to an end, Willcott Brewing Company & Taproom (600 Cherokee Street) is the ideal place for a Happy Hour cold one. I’ve imbibed at their Holton location and found the beer and the atmosphere equally pleasing at this location.
While I appreciated the tasting sample of Four Sisters Double IPA, I decided to drink a pint of 1874 Turkey Red Wit while enjoying the cool air conditioning with view of the bar’s TV.
PRO TIP: The brewery doesn’t serve food. So, if you’re hungry, buy $5 bagged pretzels or arrive on Tuesday for food truck fare.
11Worth Station BrewHouse
11Worth Station BrewHouse (305 Cherokee Street) is where craft beer lovers will find numerous taps with Kansas beers available.
An $11 flight of four 5-ounce pours made it easy for me to sample several beers, and ultimately, my favorite one was Rockcreek Brewing Company’s Cabin Fever Reliever, a hazy IPA.
If you don’t drink beer, they have a full bar for cocktails of your choice, wine, and non-alcoholic drink options.
Checking Into Lodging for a Good Night’s Sleep
Fairfield Inn & Suites Leavenworth
Out-of-towners will be glad they chose Fairfield Inn & Suites Leavenworth, (1101 N. 4th Street) located minutes away by car from downtown. Marriott Bonvoy members, like myself, can expect a lobby with modern-style furnishings and prompt customer service upon arrival.
My King Suite home-life feel helped me unwind after a fun day of exploring. In the morning, I checked emails on my laptop using high-speed internet from a in-room workstation before enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast in the lobby.
I’m glad I returned to explore what makes Leavenworth a repeatable vacation destination. I hope you discover its delightful places using this guide and my 2o21 write-up, The Top Attractions in Leavenworth, Kansas, for bonus travel recommendations.
When traveling in the area, Discover Endless Adventures in Bonner Springs or Explore the Historic Charm of Atchison.
Shop Moon Marble Company’s retail for assorted marbles, nostalgic toys, and games. Staff are eager to explain how to play marbles, if you’re want to buy a set.
I was impressed with the large turnout and visited with audience members between songs, making for a delightful experience.
I’ve raved about Quentin BBQ’s menu since it I discovered their food truck in the 
Additionally, The on-site art gallery showcases The Harvest Queen mural by George Melville Stone. A walk outdoors to Farm Town USA is fun for young kids who can participate in 
The baked bread and fruit pies are irresistible, and you can expect produce twice the size of grocery store varieties sold at reasonable prices. I made two purchases and a new friend within 15 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, prism-cut crystal for your home or a tumble stone for a friend, you’ll find it here. I enjoyed visiting with the owner, who is passionate about stone hunting and is quick to recommend the best stone for each person.
The owner handpicks brands that are also suited for youngsters and shoe lovers, and she specializes in personalized wood-etched gifts.
For what the store lacks in size, it makes up for in inventory volume, catering to shoppers seeking a casual or semi-dressy outfit for a same-day event or date night. Shop near the register for make-up and small gift items.
The owner and creator, Valerie, sews on patches and appliques to reimagined denim jeans, jackets, and overalls. Fabric swatches are sewn together to create one-of-a-kind apparel like the dress pictured above. Shop from available inventory or place an order for pick-up.
I wasn’t leaving without trying beef lasagna and garlic toast (the “light portion” is pictured below) with a small garden salad. The marinara sauce was so tasty that I used the bread to mop up every last bite.
Eventually, the town was the first home station of the Pony Express route west of St. Joseph, Missouri. As time passed, Marysville was the site of the Union Pacific Railroad’s line connecting Kansas City, Kansas, and Hastings, Nebraska.
PRO TIP: I defied blustery Kansas winds to admire artist Dr. Richard Bergen’s sculpture, and it was well worth viewing as the native grass well in the wind at its base. Don’t miss the chance to view three 
The old livery stables smell of straw, rusted farm tools, and dusty barn boards. Donated implements rest on shelving.
The post office is the oldest civilian post office in continual operation in the state, and its exterior marker honors this history, noting the contributions of the Pony Express founders Majors, Waddell, and Russell.
PRO TIP: Walk through the park to the stone historic marker honoring Marysville’s stop on the Oregon Trail. Traveling with kids? They’ll love using the castle-like playground equipment at the park, which also includes a nine-hole 
PRO TIP: The museum is open for tours from April through October. It is closed during the lunch hour from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Remember to sign the guest book after paying the 
And then I spotted the most interesting room of them all. The Jury Room.
PRO TIP: Voted Best Pie in Marshall County, don’t forget to buy a slice to go from the reach-in refrigerator.
The smell of home-cooked Chinese food permeated the theatre lobby. Specializing in Chinese entrees, Sandy’s Pantry also serves a few Mexican and American dishes. I chose the day’s special, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and sat in a retro diner booth to sip my fountain drink. My meal arrived steaming hot on a bed of white rice.
You could choose a Blue River Fish Sandwich or a Meat Lover’s Burger, which are probably fantastic, but then you’d miss out on perfectly grilled 14-ounce ribeye. I paired my steak dinner with a Blue Moon Belgian Ale (six domestic beers on tap) and enjoyed a leisurely dinner.
I struck up a conversation learning that not only is the store’s retail created entirely by Sue, but she also teachers individual and group pottery painting classes.
Whether you’d like to drop in and paint a pottery piece to take home or shop for ceramics, South Hill Pottery provides visitors with an immersive experience.
It’s the kind of place where women could spend a half day pampering themselves and then shop for a little something special.
The shelves are stocked with gifts for all ages, including toys for kids, Hallmark ornaments for collectors, and collegiate merchandise for sports fans.
The store has a decent amount of inventory, and you’ll likely find clearance items marked for sale each season.
PRO TIP: Take a photo with a black squirrel sculpture after placing your custom apparel order, which is available for pick-up the same day.
The inventory includes pendant, earrings, bracelets, and a classic bridal jewelry.
The building is a piece of art of its own. Built in 1903, the tall windows cast light indoors on the art gallery and studio workroom.
After a full day of exploring, my Airbnb retreat provided the modern, comfortable amenities I’ve come to expect from a rentable home.
I walked some of the trail’s northern edge during the cool early morning hours, enjoying the serenity periodically interrupted by bird sounds.
If you’re interested in traveling to Marysville when a 
Historically known as the birthplace of female aviator Amelia Earhart, Atchison is a thriving town once home to Kanza Indians. Lewis & Clark explored the area in 1804. Later, it became a hub for steamboats, railroads, and manufacturing.
In 1870, the Atchison railroad served as a learning rail town in the state, but times changed. The last Santa Fe train left town in the early 1990s, but the museum’s inventory of authentic artifacts keeps history alive.
I started the self-guided tour by watching a computer-generated video of Amelia Earhart welcoming guests. The life-like pilot spoke in quotable phrases inspiring museum-goers to go after their dreams.
The Virtual Reality Flight experience was worth the added time and ticketed cost. Donning a headset and using an airplane’s yoke, I attempted Amelia’s historic 1932 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. I didn’t make it to Paris, but I did land the plane safely in a farmer’s field.
A gift to his wife, Evah, the mansion features 25 rooms filled with period antiques, including an 1893 World’s Fair bedroom set, elaborate stained glass windows, and high-quality furnishings.
Walking the rest of the home’s interior, you’ll discover a 200-year-old walking wheel winder used to spin yarn wool. The parlor’s upholstered, open-arm couches with dark wood and framed artwork showcase the luxury the Hetherington family enjoyed.
Outdoors, an elaborate driveway leads to a restored carriage house that begs to be photographed.
The Evah Cray Museum is more than another stunning home in Kansas. It’s a time capsule from the past when a family decided to settle in Atchison and live in the home for 80 years. Given their wealth, they could have chosen to reside anywhere. They chose Atchison.
My tour, led by the museum’s docent, was exceptional. Expect to pay a moderate admission if you go, and you’ll want to plan to spend at least an hour touring the home.
PRO TIP: Ask about the home’s small theater, where you can watch a film about Atchison architecture. Visit the gift shop in the carriage house.
The 14-room home served as a showroom to display the types of wood his business provided and the intricate ways it could be used. You’ll notice he combined oak, walnut, and mahogany into its design from floor to ceiling. He incorporated non-traditional wall materials like leather into the wallboard design.
The cafe is where locals meet to catch up about the latest happenings in town. Where travelers like me enjoy quiet time and peruse the internet using free Wi-FI. And where you can shop for gift items from kitchen towels to home decor.
You’ll find the comfortable cafe is just what you need to set the tone for the day. The menu features freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee drinks. Return mid-day for a Signature Cocktail like The Atchison Mule of Amelia’s Final Flight.
Between bites, I enjoyed learning about Ann’s heritage, which included the Lopez & Vallejo families’ tradition of serving the community delicious food and treating customers “like a part of the family.”
I took my friend’s advice and chose the carbonara prepared with a garlic Parmesan cream sauce over spaghetti. You can expect Italian pasta dishes, shareable plates (crab cakes, anyone?), and chef-inspired main dishes ranging from Steak Diane to Chicken Madeira on the menu.
PRO TIP: The restaurant does accept walk-in diners, but the restaurant is a popular place, so consider making a reservation.
You can count on our favorite bar and grill menu items. The list includes burgers and sandwiches to chicken wings and sirloin steaks.
I chatted with the manager, Steve, while enjoying a Chicken Club Salad. This restaurant location is one of two Willie’s Sports Pub restaurants in Kansas; the second is located in El Dorado.
Whether you are shopping for blue and white ginger jars, holiday decorations, or faux botanicals, you’ll find them at Presley Pierce Interiors. Every corner of the shop draws the eye, and the window displays inspire one’s creativity.
Shoppers so appreciate the store’s merchandise that the owner often hosts pop-up events off-site in people’s homes. To track new inventory arrivals and learn about upcoming events, follow the store’s 
PRO TIP: Collectors will appreciate Thorne’s House Hot Packs containing budget-friendly starter packs. View the store’s 
I was pleasantly surprised the store’s jewelry collection was reasonably priced for its quality. A decent inventory of hats, handbags, and shoes rounded out the accessory options.
To call the Backroad Atlas a store would be to underrepresent its size. It feels more like an antique mall. Staff members are eager to assist you if you’re hunting for a particular item.
Shopping for a unique item is all the more charming thanks to the store’s cat, who occasionally visits customers to say hello.
A physician and the front rooms once owned the house were his examination rooms. As the story goes, the doctor operated on a 6-year-old child, Sallie, before the anesthesia took effect, and she died in the house. Years later, renters reported mysterious happenings, and the man felt as if he was scratched.
You can tour or stay overnight in the home known for its paranormal activity. Items sometimes crash to the floor. Figures are seen in the windows. Doors slam in the night.
A highlight of my visit was standing in the shade of the Moon Tree, a Sycamore grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. Underneath, the names of 17 astronauts who gave their lives are recognized in the memorial.
Manicured gardens and tree spaces dot the landscape. Find the gazebo to enjoy a shaded space of solitude. 
PRO TIP: Take note of Memory Lane inductees’ names paying homage to aviation greats such as the Wright Brothers and Eileen Collins.
Families with young kids will appreciate the state-of-the-art playground, then walk to nearby horseshoe pits to teach them how the game is played.
PRO TIP: On-street parking is available at no cost.
My visit was peaceful as I scanned the horizon made up of trees overlooking the Missouri River running from St. Joseph, Missouri, through Atchison, and toward Leavenworth, Kansas.
The dedicated marker remembers the Atchison man who was the victim of violence after accidentally injuring a white man while hunting.
PRO TIP: Earhart created her own fashion line, often wearing clothing from it. Learn more from 
PRO TIP: Visit the 
Final Thoughts
