Leavenworth County is home to museums and historic sites that showcase the region’s unique place in Kansas and American history—from early settlement and Victorian-era Leavenworth to military heritage, community life, and the arts. This page is a starting point for exploring museums across the county. We encourage you to confirm hours and ticket details directly with each location before you go.
Leavenworth County Historical Society
Carroll Mansion Museum • 1128 Fifth Avenue, Leavenworth, KS
Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 to 4:30
Research Center • 426 Cherokee Street, Leavenworth, KS (by appointment only)
Start your museum tour with the Carroll Mansion Museum—an impressive Victorian-era home and museum exhibit space—then explore deeper local history and archival collections at the Research Center, including the remarkable glass negative photo archive documenting early Leavenworth.
Reclaiming the History of the First City of KansasLeavenworth
Reclaiming History Capital Campaign
The Historical Society successfully acquired a major portion of the original Everhard Glass Plate Collection, consisting of images from nearly a century of Leavenworth and early Kansas history. The subsequent collection became the crown jewel of local photographic history. This significant and rare collection will serve to educate and inspire generations to come, of the significant role Leavenworth played in our nation’s history. Currently this collection and other collections held by the Historical Society are at risk, being stored in our major artifact, the Edward Carroll House. To ensure the safety and continued preservation of these collections, the Society has launched a capital campaign to build and endow an archive and research center of early Kansas history, which is only to be found here in the First City of Kansas. Collections will be readily accessible to researchers, students, historians, authors, and the community as a whole.
Campaign for the Building and Endowment of an Archive & Research Center of Early Kansas History
The new research center will provide for the archival storage of nearly 65 years’ worth of Leavenworth-related artifacts we have collected, in particular our rare collection of 30,000 glass plate negatives of early Leavenworth. There will be rooms for research and the study of these artifacts as well as a public area for historical presentations and meetings. The facility will also be attractive to more visitors with a significant expansion of handicap facilities such as parking, restroom, and entrances. It will provide for the sustainability of our Victorian house museum and our continuing efforts to preserve local history for future generations.
The facility will open doors to the formation of partnerships with area colleges and universities, scholars and researchers, and organizations interested in the promotion of local tourism and historical preservation.
Museums & Historic Sites Directory
Fort Leavenworth Frontier Army Museum
Location: 100 Reynolds Ave, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
The Frontier Army Museum collects and preserves artifacts that tell the story of the Frontier Army from 1804 to 1916, and Fort Leavenworth from 1827 to the present
The Richard Allen Cultural Center
Location: 412 Kiowa Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
The Richard Allen Cultural Center opened in 1992 to highlight African-American history in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 1992, the museum opened in the former home of U.S. Army Captain William Bly, a Buffalo Soldier during World War I.
First City Museum
Location: 743 Delaware St, Leavenworth, KS 66048
First City Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Leavenworth, Kansas. Inside, more than 1,000 exhibits and artifacts bring to life the story of Leavenworth—the first city incorporated in the new State of Kansas in 1854.
National Fred Harvey Museum
Location: 624 Olive Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
National Fred Harvey Museum
Discover the story of the Harvey family, the Fred Harvey Company, the Harvey House restaurants and hotels, and the famous Harvey Girls. Located in Leavenworth, the museum is currently undergoing restoration, but tours are available by appointment.
Tonganoxie Community Historical Society
Location: 201 W. Washington St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086
The TCHS Museum sits on 10 acres of a former Tonganoxie dairy farm, once part of some of the largest dairies in Kansas. The grounds feature a 1932 milking parlor, hay barn and silo, historic spring, 1916 one-room schoolhouse, 1918 church, and a 1936 fire pumper truck.
Basehor Museum Historical Society
Location: 2812 N. 155th Street, Basehor
First City Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Leavenworth, Kansas. Inside, more than 1,000 exhibits and artifacts bring to life the story of Leavenworth—the first city incorporated in the new State of Kansas in 1854.
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
Location: 320 S. Esplanade Leavenworth, KS 66048
One of three museums sponsored by the Leavenworth Historical Museum Association, the Carousel Museum is a Blue Star museum and non-profit organization that operates through community donations and volunteer efforts. Best of all, it celebrates all that is beautiful and good with carousels. Visitors can ride a carousel that’s more than 100 years old.
Lansing Historical Society and Museum
Location: 115 E Kansas St, Lansing, KS 66043
The Lansing Historical Society and Museum preserves and shares the history of Lansing and Delaware Township through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. Located in a restored 1887 Santa Fe Railway depot, the museum highlights the area’s rich past—including the railroads, coal mining industry, and the historic Kansas State Penitentiary that helped shape the community
Your tax-deductible donation is gratefully accepted by using any of the following payment options:
Additional ways to support:
We will also accept stock or IRA direct donations or in-kind contributions.
Contact the museum for additional information. (913) 682-7759
Pledge of Support:
Download Pledge of Support form.
Fill out and mail to:
Reclaiming History
Leavenworth County Historical Society
1128 Fifth Ave.
Leavenworth, KS 66048
Mail your donation to:
Reclaiming History
Leavenworth County Historical Society
1128 Fifth Ave.
Leavenworth, KS 66048
The Leavenworth County Historical Society is a 501 (c)3 non-profit corporation.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Make a Day of It
Pair museum visits with historic downtown Leavenworth, local dining, and seasonal community events for a memorable trip.