Frontier Military

Historic Byway

Travel through time, visiting multiple forts along the 168-mile-long Frontier Military Historic Byway.  Originally built to move soldiers and supplies, the Military Trail has watched American history unfold. Traveling from North to South, you'll find various landmarks such as Fort Leavenworth and Fort Scott, to other historical gems like the John Brown Museum.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Fort Leavenworth National CemeteryMarais des Cygnes Massacre Park, and Mine Creek Battlefield hold historical value from the turbulent times of "Bleeding Kansas" and the Civil War. Also, along the route, hear legends and see monuments that memorialize history across the Kansas landscape.

  • Route Description

    Distance: 168 Miles

    Traveling south to north: The byway begins at a point on U.S. Highway 69 at the Kansas/Oklahoma border. Traveling north on US-69 towards Overland Park, the byway eventually merges with Interstate 435. Continuing north on I-435 for about 30 miles, the byway then merges onto Kansas Highway 5 towards Lansing, KS. The byway continues along with K-5 for about 10 more miles and then merges with K-7 in Leavenworth. Continuing north on K-7, the byway eventually concludes in Leavenworth at the intersection of K-7 and K-92 on Spruce Street.

    Traveling north to south: Beginning at the intersection of K-7 and K-92 Spruce Street in Leavenworth, KS, head south on K-7 towards K-5. Turn left onto K-5 and Continue south on K-5 for roughly 10 miles until you reach the entrance ramp for I-435. Drive south along I-435 for an additional 30 miles and take the exit for US-69. Keep driving south along US-69 until the byway eventually concludes at the Kansas/Oklahoma border.

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  • Things to do along the way

    Photos

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    For more information about the Frontier Military Historic Byway, contact:

    Julie Steiner
    Lenexa Convention & Visitors Bureau
    913-888-1414
     
    Kristi Lee
    Leavenworth Convention & Visitors Bureau
    913-758-2948
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