Things To Do
in Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood is a U.S. Army installation located in the Missouri Ozarks. It serves as a training center for various military occupational specialties. The base covers over 60,000 acres and houses thousands of military personnel and their families.
Fort Leonard Wood is known for its rigorous training programs and plays a key role in preparing soldiers for combat operations.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Kickstart your day with a hike in the breathtaking Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Enjoy the stunning views and wildlife while breathing in the fresh air.
Have a picnic lunch by the river and then take a canoe or kayak out for some fun on the water. This is a great opportunity to relax and soak in nature.
Wrap up your day by cooking dinner over a campfire at one of the local parks. Stargazing here is incredible, making for a perfect end to your adventure.
Visit the U.S. Army Engineer Museum to learn about the history of engineering in the military. Engage with interactive exhibits and rich artifacts.
Explore the nearby Fort Leonard Wood Base for a guided tour that highlights its importance to American military history. Take in the ambiance of the historic buildings.
Dine at a local restaurant that features traditional American cuisine. Reflect on the day's learnings while enjoying a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong military community with a sense of camaraderie
- Access to numerous training facilities and resources
- Variety of recreational activities and programs available
- Family-friendly environment with support services
- Opportunities for career advancement and skill development
- Remote location with limited access to urban amenities
- Weather can be challenging, with hot summers and cold winters
- Limited entertainment options outside of the base
- Traffic and infrastructure can be congested during training cycles
- Frequent relocations can be disruptive for families
Best Activities in Fort Leonard Wood
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore beautiful trails along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, offering scenic views, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for fishing and swimming.
Enjoy trout fishing in the spring-fed waters of Montauk State Park, with well-maintained access points and stunning natural surroundings.
Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle through the scenic Gasconade River, featuring gentle rapids and picturesque scenery along the way.
Utilize the various bike trails on base that offer well-maintained routes suitable for both casual riders and more experienced cyclists.
Set up camp at the recreational areas within Fort Leonard Wood, providing facilities and a chance to connect with nature.
Places to Visit in Fort Leonard Wood
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers scenic views and photography opportunities in the Fort Leonard Wood area.
Features beautiful natural landscapes and picturesque spots for photography.
Provides stunning views of the Roubidoux Creek and surrounding nature, perfect for photography.
Food in Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Indulge in tender, slow-smoked meats that are slathered in tangy-sweet BBQ sauce. Visit Colton's Steak House & Grill or The Hub for a mouthwatering BBQ experience.
Must-Try!
Savor golden-brown catfish fillets served with hushpuppies and coleslaw at places like Randy's Roadkill Bar & Grill or Pulley's Riverfront Restaurant.
Delight in a generous portion of breaded and fried steak smothered in creamy gravy. Head to Kirby's Kitchen for an authentic taste of this Southern classic.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this vibrant market to sample fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade jams. You can also enjoy ready-to-eat treats like kettle corn and gourmet pastries.
Join the bustling Food Truck Fridays event to discover a diverse selection of street food offerings. From wood-fired pizzas to gourmet tacos, this weekly gathering has something for everyone.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Familiarize yourself with military customs and courtesies, as Fort Leonard Wood is a training base for various branches of the armed forces. This includes addressing service members by their ranks and using proper greetings.
Fort Leonard Wood hosts a diverse population of service members and civilians. Be mindful of cultural differences and practice inclusivity by being open and respectful towards people's backgrounds and beliefs.
Adhere to proper dress codes when on base. Recognize the importance of uniform regulations for military personnel and dress appropriately when visiting the base or participating in events.
Safety
Tipping in Fort Leonard Wood
Ensure a smooth experience
In Fort Leonard Wood, as in many places in the United States, tipping is a customary practice, especially in the service industry. Commonly, customers tip restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. The standard tipping rate is generally 15-20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. Military personnel and civilians alike often adhere to these norms while dining or using various services in and around the base.
Payment methods in Fort Leonard Wood reflect broader trends in the United States, with cash, credit cards, and debit cards being the most widely accepted forms. Mobile payment options are also becoming increasingly popular. Military personnel often have access to specific base resources and can utilize military pay systems for transactions. Additionally, ATMs are available for cash withdrawals, and many local businesses cater to both military and civilian customers, accepting various payment methods.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Fort Leonard Wood, with comfortable temperatures and beautiful blooming flowers. It's a popular time for outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking.
Summer in Fort Leonard Wood brings warm temperatures perfect for enjoying the many outdoor recreation opportunities, including swimming, fishing, and boating in the area's lakes and rivers.
Fall is a stunning time to visit as the foliage changes color, creating a picturesque landscape. The weather is still pleasant, making it an ideal time for exploring the outdoors.
Winter can be cold in Fort Leonard Wood, but it's a great time for activities like ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and enjoying the peaceful snowy scenery.
Fort Leonard Wood at Night
Hiking in Fort Leonard Wood
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking area along the Gasconade River, offering trails that showcase beautiful views and varied terrain.
A marked trail located within the Fort Leonard Wood area, providing a peaceful hiking experience through wooded landscapes.
Located a short drive from Fort Leonard Wood, this national forest features numerous trails for hiking, nature watching, and enjoying the outdoors.
A breathtaking area that offers both hiking trails and water activities, with stunning views along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
About an hour's drive away, the park features trails that wind through forests and along the lake, perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
Aiports
How to reach Fort Leonard Wood by plane.
Located approximately 100 miles northeast of Fort Leonard Wood, STL is the largest international airport in Missouri, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Approximately 190 miles northwest of Fort Leonard Wood, MCI serves the Kansas City metropolitan area and provides various domestic connections and international flights.
Located about 70 miles southwest of Fort Leonard Wood, SGF serves the regional area and offers a selection of domestic flights, with connections to larger hubs.
Around 110 miles east of Fort Leonard Wood, COU is a smaller airport providing regional service primarily to major airports.
About 100 miles north of Fort Leonard Wood, BLV is primarily a military airport with some commercial flights, located in Belleville, IL.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Fort Leonard Wood, representing a significant portion of the population.
A prominent demographic group, contributing to the cultural diversity of the installation.
A growing demographic group, encompassing individuals of various backgrounds from Latin American countries.
Includes individuals from various Asian backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural environment.
Represents individuals identifying with more than one racial group, reflecting the increasing diversity.
A smaller demographic group, adding to the rich tapestry of the community.
A minority group that contributes to the community's cultural diversity, though smaller in number.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular team sport played widely, especially in military installations, fostering camaraderie and physical fitness.
A commonly played sport that promotes teamwork and agility, often played in gyms and outdoor courts.
An increasingly popular sport that involves two teams competing to score goals, emphasizing endurance and strategy.
A popular sport played on beaches and courts, often enjoyed in recreational leagues or during social events.
A favored individual fitness activity that is accessible to many and often features community events like races.
A team sport similar to baseball, enjoyed recreationally and competitively amongst military personnel and families.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fort Leonard Wood.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Midwestern cuisine may be meat-centric, several local establishments, such as Z Loft Hotel Bar & Grill and La Familia Mexican Restaurant, offer delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes, including fresh salads, flavorful veggie tacos, and plant-based entrees.
Visitors adhering to a gluten-free diet can find accommodating options at restaurants like The Hub and La Familia Mexican Restaurant, where staff members can provide insights and suggest suitable menu items for those with gluten sensitivities.