Leavenworth is a wonderful choice for a relaxed date day with your significant other, offering a blend of historic charm, unique attractions and standout local dining. This one-day itinerary highlights the best ways to explore the town side by side while enjoying good eats, meaningful history and a touch of nostalgia.
Start your day with brunch at The Depot. This former train station (now listed on the National Register of Historic Places) ran passenger and freight trains from 1887 to the 1980s before being transformed into a fantastic restaurant in 2015. They serve breakfast and lunch seven days a week. Definitely try the Train Wreck Scrambler or any of their omelets. And don’t skip the donut muffins — they are incredibly unique, ridiculously tasty and nearly impossible to put down.
After brunch, head to Fort Leavenworth — the oldest continually active fort west of the Appalachian Mountains, and the oldest permanent settlement in Kansas. To access the base, you’ll need to apply for a temporary pass either online or during regular operating hours at the Visitor Control Center. A REAL ID-compliant form of identification is required. Once on base, you can visit the Frontier Army Museum (free admission) and the National Cemetery. Both are well worth your time.
Next, make your way to historic Downtown Leavenworth, where you’ll find a variety of charming shops and restaurants. We highly recommend Next to Nature Farm Store and Queen’s Pantry Teas. And a stop at Popcorn Pit Stop is an absolute must.
Your next stop is the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, Leavenworth’s No. 1 attraction. It features a beautifully restored 1913 hand-carved C.W. Parker carousel. You’ll also see the oldest known primitive carousel — which was once manually turned by two men — as well as a unique 1950s aluminum carousel with wheels. A self-guided tour costs $5 and includes one carousel ride. Note: The museum is only open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00. Groups of 20 or more can arrange for a private tour during the week.
By now, you’ll likely be hungry again, so wrap up your day at Homer’s Drive In. This classic retro diner serves burgers and fries, hearty breakfasts, shakes, pie and other beloved American favorites. Another great option is The Suburban, which offers delicious entrees and unique handhelds with fun names like “The Unicorn” and “The Ooey Gooey.”
