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We want to thank the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Picking 4 Fun Stops

For us, the day is best when it starts with some coffee. To be honest, we knew our trip was a little later in our morning, so we had a cup before heading out. Once on the road, we anxiously awaited a chance to sample the goods at a local haunt. It would also offer us a chance to see more of Kansas’ “first city”. With only a handful of hours for our visit, we narrowed down our itinerary to include 4 fun stops in Leavenworth, Kansas. On to number one.

#1) Harbor Lights Coffeehouse

Harbor Lights Coffeehouse is a staple of downtown Leavenworth and was our first stop of the day. We filled our bellies with some of the trademark breakfast sandwiches, as well as a homemade scone. As we dined, we noticed that most of the customers appeared to be locals, so we knew we were in good company. The relaxed atmosphere was apparent, and this place seems very family-friendly. Have you ever realized that although you have visited an area many times, you just haven’t really explored it? That is the case for us and Leavenworth. The city is so close to our home town, yet we somehow have failed to recognize its historical significance.

Frontier Army Museum

We have made multiple visits to the Army base for our kids’ sporting events, yet never really looked to see what else there was to do. This day trip gave us a chance to rectify that, and a visit to the Frontier Army Museum would certainly be one of our 4 fun stops in Leavenworth. This often-overlooked FREE museum is filled with frontier artifacts. Their Lewis & Clark exhibit is educational and they even include some of the other notable explorers to the region. You will want to check out our article, before planning your visit. We give a little advice on making a smooth entry onto the base. (You can read more about the museum here.)

Winter Weather

Like many Midwestern cities, Leavenworth sits beside a river. This affords the residents and visitors some picturesque scenes, especially in winter. During our visit to the downtown area, we wandered over to the Leavenworth Landing Park. This area is where the Port of Leavenworth sat during the mid-1800s. These days it includes a nice walking path that overlooks the Missouri River. We watched as the ice flows drifted by on the current. It was cold, but somehow very peaceful.

Pullman Place

Just a couple of blocks from the park was our lunch destination. Pullman Place is a local diner that has embraced the importance of the railroad by incorporating it into the decor. We picked this place because it looked like a promising spot to get a good meal, in a casual setting. Our choice was spot-on, as the restaurant serves up plentiful dishes of comfort food. Pullman Place is a local favorite and we quickly discovered why.

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

Now that our hunger had subsided, it was time to visit our final destination on our tour of 4 fun stops in Leavenworth. The C. W. Parker Carousel Museum may sound like a great place to take kids, because it is. That is why we decided to visit. After all, aren’t we all kids in some way or another? What better way to bring out the childhood wonder and imagination than with a ride on a carousel. There is something magical about the bright colors, upbeat melodies, and animated characters that help whisk us back to our childhoods. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time at this stop, as it can be quite engrossing.

Make Your Plans for Leavenworth

As you can see, finding 4 fun stops in Leavenworth, Kansas was very easy. We only scratched the surface of Kansas’ “first city” during this visit. You can find more fascinating finds by visiting the Leavenworth Visitors Bureau website. We are confident that this destination will make for an enjoyable day trip, and that you will leave with memories that will last for years. Our hopes are that these types of articles will spark your explorer spirit and you will strike out on your own adventures. Perhaps you have already uncovered some hidden gems and would like us to showcase them on our blog. Drop us a comment or an email and we will try to check it out. In the meantime, Travel Safely!

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We want to thank the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Interactive Staff

Our visit to the carousel museum was our final stop, during our day in Leavenworth, Kansas. When we arrived, we were introduced to Jerry, who would be our tour guide. It became immediately apparent that he has a true love for the care and maintenance of this unique attraction. We would spend the next couple of hours hearing the amazing history behind C.W. Parker, as well as the carousel business in general.

In the main lobby of the museum there was an assembly of people working on the restoration of some horses. We watched as one lady worked at cleaning an ages-old piece, as part of this process. It was interesting to observe the interaction between her and some visitors. Like Jerry, her love for these pieces was evident. We found out that it can take as long as 18 months to completely restore a piece. Of course, much depends upon how much damage has to be undone.

Next up, we noticed another lady, who was in the process of lacquering a recently renovated horse. The amount of detail is amazing, as each horse seems to have its own personality. Once again, she was more than willing to answer any questions we had about the work she was doing.

The Earliest Days

After giving us the once around of horse repair, it was time to check out some of the carousels. Jerry led us into the main gallery, which holds three unique merry-go-rounds. The oldest by far is the Primitive Carousel. Built sometime between 1850 and 1860, this hand operated carousel is the oldest working version in the United States. It was last operated in 1920, and is on loan from National Carousel Association.

Unlike the ornate versions that most of us are familiar with, the Primitive Carousel is far more plain. Each horse is assembled from eight pieces of wood. The details come from hand painting, as well as leather and metal accents. The manes and tails are real horse hair. Due to the delicacy of this piece, we weren’t taking a spin on this carousel. It was still impressive to see a piece that has survived for over 150 years.

C. W. Parker Comes to Leavenworth

It’s odd to think that just last summer we were first introduced to the name C. W. Parker. During a visit to Abilene, Kansas we stopped in the Dickinson heritage Center. Here we found one of the last rocking horse carousels left in existance. We even got to take a spin on this classic attraction. (You can see a video of it in action here.) Abilene was home to the first Parker carousel plant, and by 1900 was supplying all types of amusement devices across the nation. He soon realized that he needed to scout out a new location, which would offer better railroad access.

In 1911, C. W. Parker began moving his operations to Leavenworth, Kansas. He built a new, larger factory space, which would afford him plenty of room to expand. During this same period, the carving of the horses became more fanciful. As we watched the carousel spin, we couldn’t help but notice the feisty expressions on many of the horses. World War I and the Great Depression took a toll on carousel makers, but Parker adapted and survived. After his death in 1932, his son continued the business until 1955.

It’s All in the Details

Much of the attraction of a carousel comes from the intricate designs. When a child first sees an opportunity to ride a carousel, the decision must be made where to ride. Everyone has their favorite animal, and Parker’s versions offered plenty of choices. Do you hop on one of the whinnying ponies or perhaps a speedy rabbit. Those wanting a gentler ride may find a seat in one of the carriages that offer a steadier ride. We even heard that some kids will try to figure out which horse rises highest, so they end up with the best view.

Taking a Spin

Now that we had a good feel for the history of these amazing pieces, it was time for taking a spin. After watching the other kids enjoying themselves, we were certainly ready. The only thing left was to pick our steeds. Crystal asked Jerry which was his favorite, and it was the one with the Leavenworth and Lansing plaques. Later we found out that Jerry was the person who actually carved and created this horse. What a talented guy. Since Crystal had hers picked, I chose to ride next to her.

After creating this video, I decided a couple of things. First, Crystal was having way too much fun in the background. Second, we need to invest in some new equipment that will allow us to make steadier video shots. We have seen an uptick in the number of viewers, when we include videos, so we will certainly try to increase our output in the future. For now, we will just have to get by with the shaky hand versions.

Healthy Alternative

After taking a spin, we were ready to see more of the museum. Jerry pointed out a diminutive carousel sitting nearby. This is a self-powered version that was designed for children. The idea was to get them out in the fresh air and let them get exercise from the use of such a device. We are sure many kids would like it for a while, but would tire of being the “horse power” behind this carousel.

Changing Times

Earlier we mentioned the changing landscape of carousel making, after the Depression. Builders like C. W. Parker found ways to modernize the making of their devices. One of the cost saving methods was to cast the horses out of aluminum. While this increased output, at a lower cost, it took away much of the originality of the individual pieces from before. The Liberty Carousel is an example of this style of device and is used frequently for children’s parties at the museum.

Making Memories

Our time at the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum had come to an end, as it was time for us to start on our way home. We had learned so much about this unique industry and the people who made it work. During our visit, we had the opportunity to make some new friends, and took a spin on a carousel that is over 100 years old. All in all, we have to say it was a great visit. Don’t you think it’s time for you to make your plans for a visit to this uniquely Kansas attraction?

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A Local Love

We were burning through our day quicker than we expected. By the time we stopped for lunch, it was already mid-afternoon. Fortunately, our breakfast at Harbor Lights Coffeehouse had done a good job at sustaining us. (You can read about our breakfast experience here.) With another museum to tour, we knew we should fill up first. Fortunately, the museum and lunch were just a couple blocks from each other. We hoofed it to Pullman Place, and found that the Saturday lunch rush had just finished. The staff seated us immediately and we spent a few moments to scan the menu.

Training Your Tastes

Pullman PLace Family Restaurant has a menu filled with the type of dishes one would expect at a family diner. Comfort foods, handhelds, burgers, and blue plate meals make up the majority of the options. While some would want to opt for more creative dishes, we knew from the reviews that this place offers good value for solid flavors. After placing our order, I slipped away to check out the railroad decor. The restaurant has multiple dining rooms, and each is covered with an assortment of signs, pictures, old posters, and other train themed artifacts. There is even one dining table that has a model train running under the plexiglass top.

Homestyle Eats

The menu at Pullman Place is filled with many dishes we would include on our own menu at home. We noticed many standards, so it actually makes choosing harder. After dining at so many specialty restaurants, good old homestyle eats were sounding really good. I chose to skip over there selection of salads, soups, and burgers. My eyes landed on the Triple Decker BLT. The meal includes a side of fries and a pickle spear, which all combined to be more than I could finish.  Crystal found one of her favorites, when she spotted the French Dip Sandwich. Slices of roast beef are nestled on a hoagie bun and served with Au Jus. Her meal was also accompanied by fires and a pickle, which meant that neither of us left hungry.

Make Tracks to Pullman Place

Even though the day was not sunny and warm, we were still having a blast exploring Leavenworth, Kansas. After a couple of months of staying close to home, this day trip was exactly what we needed. It reminded us how much we enjoy meeting new people and seeing new sights. Winter may not be finished having its way with the landscape, but short trips like this help keep our travel spirits soaring. In the back of our minds, we know that Spring is just around the corner. While we wait, we know that we can always enjoy a short run to our neighbor to the north. Are you ready to get back on the road?

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 Exploring The West

The Frontier Army Museum has a nice collection of displays that focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, These two explorers, along with a sturdy crew, departed St. Louis in an effort to explore the lands making up the Louisiana Purchase. This two-year excursion subjected them to unforgiving elements, rough terrain, and dangerous waters. During their expedition, they would meet many of the Native Indians, and find them to be a mix of friendly and hostile.

Tools of the Trade

At the Frontier Army Museum, we found that the exhibit was set up in chronological order. This allowed us to move through time, as we worked our way by the displays. The collection of artifacts is impressive and includes many of the tools that would have been used by surveyors to chart the new lands. Some of theses items are the type that Lewis would have collected prior to departing on this epic journey.

Simple Directive

President Thomas Jefferson had successfully negotiated the Louisiana Purchase from France. For $15 million, America had expanded by over 800,000 square miles. In anticipation of a successful purchase, Jefferson asked Congress to help finance the expedition prior to all of the final details being worked out. In the end, 45 people departed the edge of the known continent on May 14, 1804. While we have all heard the exploits of this brave bunch, it is often forgotten that they were on a U.S. military expedition. Lewis and Clark had both served during the Revolutionary War and this excursion was being done by the Corps of Discovery.

Additional Explorations

While the largest portion of the explorers exhibit focuses on Lewis and Clark, there are others who also are noted. John Fremont was a scientific explorer who took multiple excursions across the Great Plains, through the Great Basin, and into Oregon territory. In 1842, Fremont led an expedition into the Rocky Mountains with the assistance of his guide, Kit Carson. During this excursion, one of the mountains was scaled, a flag was placed, and Fremont claimed the mountain range for the United States.

The Army’s Role in Exploration

In 1838, a group of Army officers were assembled to become the U.S. Army Corps of Topographical Engineers. Their assignment was to map and design federal civil works, such as lighthouses. This group would work to map out the new territory for future expansions. A variety of expeditions provided much needed information regarding boundaries and topographical anomalies. Some of the information gathered was used to help plan the routes for the transcontinental railroad.

Frontier Army Museum’s Helpful Tools

Although our main purpose for our visit to the Frontier Army Museum was now completed, we didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to see the rest of the exhibits. The museum offers a feature that helps visitors gain a better understanding of the exhibits. The “Audio Stop” feature is a keyed in number combination, that is used on your cell phone. After dialing the base number, you will be prompted to enter the specific exhibit number. Then you will hear a recorded piece about the display. It really helps expand the experience, like hearing details about this carriage that Abraham Lincoln used on his only visit to Kansas territory.

Early Ordinance

As we made our way through the museum, the topics shifted from exploration to defending the new territories. The Frontier Army Museum would obviously focus on this important role during the expansion of the modern civilization spread west. Forts were built to protect settlers from attacks, as well as to offer bases from which patrols could spread. One of the galleries at the museum holds a variety of cannons and howitzers that would have been used for defense, as well as in battles with foreign armies.

These howitzers would have seen action during the Mexican-American War in the 1840’s. The gallery also holds an assortment of displays that show ways these weapons were transported. One can almost imagine a train of ponies crossing the dusty plains, as they moved to and from strategic positions.

Moving the Army Forward

The final gallery held even more surprises. Old wagons and assorted equipment for packing out supplies showed just how rugged life would have been for the soldiers on the trails. Having to bring along all possible items needed in the field would have required great discipline. With all of these frontier items, we were a little shocked to see an old “Jenny” hanging from the rafters. The Curtiss JN-4D was a biplane produced for the Army, beginning in 1915. Manufactured in New Jersey, this became the primary training device for pilots preparing to battle in World War I. It became one of the most adaptable planes of its time.

Discovering Our Past

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook places that are right under your nose. Like others, we love exploring new destinations, which hold untold stories and treasures. Visits to places like the Frontier Army Museum remind us that no matter how much we see, there is still more to discover in our own backyard. We hope that stories like this will spark you to look a little deeper at places close to your home. Vacations are great for exploring new places, but there are plenty of weekends just waiting to be filled with little treasures like this one we found in Leavenworth, Kansas.

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Plenty of Seating Options

The old brick building is decorated on the outside with a “ghost sign”, which are often seen in older downtown areas. (Check out some we found in Galena, Kansas in this article.) The inside of Harbor Lights Coffeehouse has a few seating options. Plenty of tables are available for dining or just socializing over a cup of coffee. Just inside the door, they have some comfy lounging chairs positioned around their fireplace. This looks like a good spot to chill out with a friend.

Getting Our Eats On

Harbor Lights Coffeehouse has a fairly straightforward breakfast menu. The three main choices are wraps, bagels, and panini sandwiches. All include eggs and options increase from there. For our morning, we decided to order two varieties and split them. On the left is the Sweet & Spicy Panini, which includes egg, sausage, pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo, and a sweet sauce. The combination of heat and sweet really hit the spot. The sammie on the right is their Southwestern Panini. This version also has egg, sausage, pepper jack, and the chipotle mayo. What makes it different is the pico de gallo slathered just under the surface.

Dessert Anyone?

When we entered, one of the first things we noticed was their dessert case. While it was a little early for these sweets, we did add a Blueberry Scone to our order. Looking over the delicious treats, we noticed a variety of cheesecakes. Some of the flavors included Peppermint, Chocolate peanut butter, and S’mores. The one that really stood out was the Maple Bacon Cheesecake. Crumbled bacon pieces garnish this sweet and savory dessert option. We will certainly have to be sure to check these out during our next visit to Leavenworth.

Gathering Place

During our visit to Harbor Lights Coffeehouse, it was apparent this was more than a place to just drop by for some coffee. The owners have assembled a number of games and toys for guests to use during their visit. We have seen similar sights at other coffee houses, but here they were actually being used. On either side of us, there were families enjoying some together time in this friendly space. Clearly, we were in one of the locals hangouts. While some of them were certainly curious about our use of a camera, they were also quite willing to accept us into their weekend routine.

A Real Hidden Gem

After finishing our breakfast, we still had a little time to enjoy, before heading to our next stop. Even though the fireplace wasn’t needed on that warm morning, the seating area was still just as comfortable and inviting. Crystal took the opportunity to make herself at home in one of their oversize lounge chairs. Harbor Lights Coffeehouse has the right combination of good eats, delicious coffees, and an inviting space. It’s easy to see why the locals love this place. You will certainly want to add a visit to your next trip to Leavenworth, Kansas.

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