Road Trips from Leavenworth, KS
Leavenworth, KS, is your launchpad for a variety of Kansas road trips. You've got options ranging from quick, under-two-hour drives to more substantial half-day excursions. Many routes offer a mix of highway and surface roads, and several include access to parks, including the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. If you're looking for a day trip with a good drive score, or something a bit longer, Leavenworth sets you up well.
Total Routes
15
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
8
Under 2 hours
8 total in this range
Osage City, KS
1h 56m97.4 mi one way
This 97.4-mile trip to Osage City, KS, takes about 1.9 hours, mostly on highways. It's a solid option if you want to visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, which is nearby. It's longer than the drive to Kansas City, KS, but offers park access.
Aubry, KS
1h 5m48.4 mi one way
Aubry, KS, is a quick 48.4-mile, 1.1-hour trip with a good drive score of 8. This route is a mixed drive and is closer than the option to Osage City, KS. While it doesn't have specific parks listed nearby, it's a convenient short hop.
Carbondale, KS
1h 29m77.3 mi one way
This 77.3-mile route to Carbondale, KS, is a 1.5-hour drive that's mostly highway. Like Osage City, it offers proximity to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. It’s a bit longer than the drive to Holton, KS.
Kansas City, KS
45m32.4 mi one way
The shortest option at 32.4 miles and just 0.8 hours, Kansas City, KS, is a quick drive. This route is a mixed drive with a solid score of 8. It's significantly closer than any other destination, making it ideal for a very brief outing.
Lenexa, KS
49m35.3 mi one way
Full-day getaway
Gypsum, KS
3h 22m179.3 mi one way
This is one of the longer trips, covering 179.3 miles and taking 3.4 hours, primarily on surface roads. It boasts a high drive score of 9 and includes park access to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. It’s a more substantial drive than the options closer to Leavenworth.
Milford, KS
2h 39m138.5 mi one way
Milford, KS, is a 138.5-mile drive that will take approximately 2.7 hours. This route is a mixed drive with a high score of 9 and includes access to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. It's a longer excursion than the trips to Holton or Aubry.
Madison, KS
2h 43m137.8 mi one way
This 137.8-mile trip to Madison, KS, takes about 2.7 hours and is focused on highways. It has a drive score of 9 and provides access to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. It's comparable in length to the Milford, KS, drive.
Andover, KS
3h 17m185.2 mi one way
Andover, KS, is a longer haul at 185.2 miles, requiring 3.3 hours of driving. This highway-focused route has a drive score of 8 and includes park access to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. It's one of the furthest destinations available.
Benton, KS
3h 14m182.5 mi one way
Benton, KS, is a 182.5-mile destination taking about 3.2 hours, with a highway-focused drive. It offers park access via the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, similar to other longer routes. It's a considerable drive compared to closer options.
Weekend trip
Colby, KS
6h 25m372.1 mi one way
For the longest trip, head to Colby, KS, a 372.1-mile journey taking 6.4 hours. This route is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive' with a score of 8. It's significantly further than any other option, making it a true road trip.
Attica, KS
5h 10m260.3 mi one way
Attica, KS, is a 260.3-mile drive that will take around 5.2 hours, mostly on highways. This route has a drive score of 8. It’s a longer trip than the drives to Benton or Andover, KS, offering a different stretch of highway.
Browse by Mood
Gypsum, KS
3h 22m179.3 mi one way
Milford, KS
2h 39m138.5 mi one way
Madison, KS
2h 43m137.8 mi one way
Osage City, KS
1h 56m97.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Long daylight returns and parks begin peak bloom.
Summer
Fewer closures but plan for heat and heavier traffic.
Fall
Cooler temps and foliage make it the underrated season here.
Winter
Shorter days — prioritize shorter drives or southbound routes.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Leavenworth, KS city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.