GUIDE TO FORT LEONARD WOOD MISSOURI MILITARY BASE

Welcome to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, the home state of Walt Disney, Budweiser, Kansas City Barbecue, and Mark Twain! What could be more American?

The Fort Leonard Wood Missouri military base dates back to early 1941. It was built during the dark days leading up to America’s entry into World War II when the US Army was much smaller and poorly equipped.

The installation was built as an infantry training center to expand the Army to improve American readiness in the lead up to World War II. The post itself is named for Major General Leonard Wood, Medal of Honor recipient and commander of the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry, more commonly known as the “Rough Riders.” Wood was the commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt before being promoted and eventually becoming Chief of Staff of the Army.

Situated in the Ozark Mountains, the terrain is rugged and wooded. The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence is a large training post and one of the Army’s Basic Combat Training (BCT) centers. The post also serves as the training center for Army Engineers, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) specialists, and Military Police. If you're wondering how big Fort Leonard Wood is — it is home to around 15,000 people and covers a total area of around 97 square miles. Fort Leonard Wood is in central Missouri, about two and half hours equidistant between Kansas City and St Louis. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Fort Leonard Wood to help aid you in your transition to your new post home.

1. Where Is Fort Leonard Wood?
2. Google Map View
3. Getting There – Directions to the Post
4. Entering Fort Leonard Wood and Post Amenities
   • Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel
   • Fort Leonard Wood Visitor Center
   • Fort Leonard Wood DEERS Office
   • Fort Leonard Wood Gate Hours
   • Fort Leonard Wood Commissary
   • Fort Leonard Wood Exchange
   • Fort Leonard Wood Barber Shops
   • Fort Leonard Wood Post Office
   • Fort Leonard Wood Finance Office
   • Fort Leonard Wood Legal Office
   • Fort Leonard Wood Library
   • Fort Leonard Wood Hotels
5. Where Should I Live Near Fort Leonard Wood?
6. What Schools are Near Fort Leonard Wood?
7. What’s the Weather Like in Fort Leonard Wood?
8. Things to Do Near Fort Leonard Wood

Where Is Fort Leonard Wood?

Fort Leonard Wood Welcome Center

316 Missouri Ave, Bldg 100 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0590 or 1 (573) 596-3642

Fort Leonard Wood Map

Directions to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Fort Leonard Wood Greyhound Bus Station

There is a Greyhound Bus station in the city of St Robert, MO outside the main gate. Check here for schedule information.

St Louis Lambert International Airport Transportation

There are shuttle services from the St Louis airport through USA Express and StL Shuttle Service.

Driving Directions to Fort Leonard Wood

Driving I-44 West from St Louis

1. Take I-44 West for 129 miles.
2. Take exit 161 and turn left onto Missouri Ave.
3. Continue .3 miles and you will arrive at the Main (North) Gate.

If Driving I-44 East from Springfield

1. Get on I-44 East and continue 80 miles.
2. Take exit 161 for Missouri Y/Interstate 44 Spur towards Fort Leonard Wood.
3. Turn right onto Missouri Ave.
4. Continue .2 miles and you will arrive at the Main (North) Gate.

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Transportation Office

Getting your personal goods to your next duty station is one of the biggest headaches of a PCS move. But the Fort Leonard Wood transportation office is here to help you get your things where they need to go.

Fort Leonard Wood Transportation Office

14673 1st St, Bldg 380 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0617

Fort Leonard Wood Transportation Office Hours

• Monday through Friday –

  0800-1700

Entering Fort Leonard Wood and Post Amenities

Security personnel conduct 100% ID checks at all gates for all-of-age persons when entering the Leonard Wood post. You must have a valid DoD ID or state or federal ID. To obtain a visitor’s pass, you will need a valid picture ID, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and your assignment or TDY orders (not required for visitors).

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Active duty Army personnel will report to the Central In/Out Processing Office in Building 470, Room 2102 between 0730 and 1630. If arriving during non-duty hours, single soldiers should report to the Charge of Quarters in 1st Brigade, Building 844, 1 (573) 596-0225. If arriving with your family, report to the Post Lodging Office in Building 470.

• Marine Corps personnel will report to Bldg 842 during both duty and non-duty hours.
• Navy personnel will report to Bldg 838 during both duty and non-duty hours.
• Air Force personnel will report to Bldg 1703A between 0730 and 1630. If it’s after hours, non-prior service students should report to Charge of Quarters, Bldg 1729, and TDY personnel should report to
• Post Lodging, Bldg 470.
• AIT students should report between 0730 and 1630 to Bldg 470, Room 2102.
• Basic trainees should report to the Reception Station at Grant Hall, Bldg 2100.

While checking in, you are advised to hand-carry the following documents:

1. Military ID
2. Driver’s license
3. Social security cards
4. Medical/Dental records
5. Military Orders/Records (multiple copies)
6. Shipping papers
7. Vehicle insurance and registration

Welcome Center

316 Missouri Ave, Bldg 100 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0590 or 1 (573) 596-3642

Fort Leonard Wood Visitor Center

Fort Leonard Wood visitor passes will be issued to those with a valid reason for entering the installation. Those coming for family day or graduation do not require a pass, however, all other visitors must undergo a security screening.

To obtain a visitor’s pass, you will need a valid picture ID, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and your assignment or TDY orders (not required for visitors).

Fort Leonard Wood Visitor Center

316 Missouri Ave, Bldg 100 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0590 or 1 (573) 596-3642

DEERS Fort Leonard Wood

Book an online appointment and skip the waiting room.

Fort Leonard Wood DEERS Office

Dillard Hall (Bldg 470) 13486 Replacement Ave 2nd Floor, Room 2101 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0744

Fort Leonard Wood DEERS Office Hours

• Monday through Friday –

  0800-1600

• Thursday -

  0800-1200

Fort Leonard Wood Gate Hours

Important visitor access information and regulations can be found on the post website here.

• Main Gate (North):

  Open 24/7

• Visitor Center:

  Open 24/7

• West Gate:

  Open 24/7

• East Gate:

  5 to 9 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and all Federal Holidays

• South Gate:

  Open 24/7

Fort Leonard Wood Commissary

Getting your groceries, toiletries, home goods, and other sundries are easy at the Fort Leonard Wood Commissary, right here on post.

Fort Leonard Wood Commissary

689 Nebraska Ave Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0783

Fort Leonard Wood Commissary Hours

• Monday through Saturday -

  0900-1900

• Sunday -

  1000-1800

Fort Leonard Wood Exchange

143 Replacement Ave, Bldg 487 Ft. Leonard Wood, MO 79906

Phone:

1 (573) 329-1900

Fort Leonard Wood Exchange Hours

• Sunday through Saturday - 0900-1900

Fort Leonard Wood Barber Shops

There are multiple barber shops to get your weekly trim and keep looking fresh.

Barber Shop Locations & Hours

Barber Shop

6181 Cooley Ave Bldg 1711 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 578-7777

Hours:

• Monday -

  1700-1700

• Tuesday through Friday -

  Closed

• Saturday -

  1100-1800

• Sunday

  - 1100-1700

Exchange Reception Barber Shop

4566 Oklahoma Ave Bldg 2100 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 320-2404

Hours:

• Monday through Friday -

  By appointment only

• Saturday through Sunday -

  Closed

Manscen Barber Shop

14010 MSCoE Loop, Bldg 3201

Phone:

1 (573) 329-3253

Hours:

• Monday through Tuesday -

  0730-1630

• Wednesday through Thursday -

  0730-1330 & 1400-1630

• Friday -

  0730-1300

• Saturday through Sunday -

  Closed

Mini Mall Barber Shop

13455 Artillery Circle, Bldg 1026

Phone:

1 (573) 329-5770

Hours:

• Monday through Wednesday -

  Closed

• Thursday through Friday -

  1500-1800

• Saturday -

  1100-1800

• Sunday -

  1200-1700

Troop Branch Barber Shop

12994 12th St, Bldg 744

Phone:

1 (573) 578-7777

Hours:

• Monday through Friday -

  By appointment only

• Saturday -

  1600-1900

• Sunday -

  1300-1600

Troop Store Barber Shop

6925 Colorado Ave, Bldg 835

Phone:

1 (573) 578-7777

Hours:

• Monday through Friday -

  By appointment only

• Saturday through Sunday -

  1300-1600

Fort Leonard Wood Post Office

Get your letters and packages delivered where they need to go properly and on time with the help of the Fort Leonard Wood Post Office.

Fort Leonard Wood Post Office

233 Illinois Ave, Ste 1 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 329-5909

Hours:

• Monday through Friday -

  0800-1630

• Saturday -

  0930-1330

• Sunday

  - Closed

Lobby and PO Box access are open 24/7.

Fort Leonard Wood Finance Office

Financial services and assistance are available to all personnel on the installation.

Fort Leonard Wood Finance Office

140 Replacement Ave, Room 1123 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0710

Fort Leonard Wood Finance Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0730 - 1600

Fort Leonard Wood Legal Office

Any type of legal assistance is available to service members including powers of attorney, wills, tax information, household goods claims and more.

Fort Leonard Wood Legal Assistance Office

Building 315 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0629

Fort Leonard Wood Legal Office Hours

• Monday through Friday -

  0800-1200 & 1300-1600

• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays -

  Closed

Fort Leonard Wood Library

The library offers community and academic services with a large online catalog. Currently, it is offering curbside pickup only.

Bruce C Clark Library

14020 MSCoE Loop at 1st St & Nebraska Ave, Bldg 3202 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

Community:

1 (573) 563-4113

Academic:

1 (573) 563-4109

Hours:

• Monday through Thursday -

  1100-1300 & 1500-170

• Friday -

  Open by appointment only

• Saturday, Sunday & Holidays -

  Closed

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Hotels On-Base

Candlewood Suites is an on-post hotel. Booking is available through IHG Army Hotels website and can be found here.

Candlewood Suites on Fort Leonard Wood

4990 Nebraska Ave Bldg 2020 Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 586-4800

Hotels Near Fort Leonard Wood

Hampton Inn St Robert at Fort Leonard Wood

103 St Robert Plaza Dr St Robert, MO 65584

Phone:

1 (573) 336-3355

Holiday Inn Express & Suites St Robert at Fort Leonard Wood

605 State Hwy Z St Robert, MO 65584

Phone:

1 (573) 336-2299

Fairfield Inn by Marriot at Fort Leonard Wood

131 St Robert Blvd St Robert, MO 65584

Phone:

1 (573) 336-8600

Where Should I Live Near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Military Base?

Cities Near Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. The nearest towns to the post are St Robert, Waynesville, Dixon, Crocker, and Plato Missouri. St Robert is the town closest to the main gate of the post. If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Best Places to Live Near Fort Leonard Wood

According to livability surveys the highest rated town is Crocker, MO followed by Waynesville, and then St Robert. With Waynesville School District serving most of the area including post, as well as being a slightly shorter drive to Fort Leonard Wood (around 8 miles as opposed to Waynesville which is 15 miles), this seems the best of all options when picking a place to live off post.

Fort Leonard Wood Schools

The Waynesville R-VI School District serves the communities of Waynesville, St Robert, and Fort Leonard Wood with grade K-12. There are five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. You can look here for enrollment information on their website.

Waynesville R-VI School District

200 Fleetwood Dr Waynesville, MO 65583

Phone:

1 (573) 842-2097 Find more local school information at The Best Fort Leonard Wood Schools: Daycare - High School.

Fort Leonard Wood Weather

The weather in Fort Leonard Wood is typical of the South. The summers are hot and humid with a higher chance of rain in the spring and early summer. The winters are cold but snow and wind are not big problems. You’ll want to bundle up but you can leave your snow pants and parka in the closet. The mountains tend to hold a high chance of clouds making the area partly to mostly overcast for most of the year. Visit the post website’s weather center for up-to-date information.

Things to Do on Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, Military Base

Outdoor Activities

This is a fantastic post for outdoor activities. Located in the Ozark Mountains and just west of the Mark Twain National Forest, there are plenty of hiking trails, river activities, camping, horse riding, fishing, and more. The weather is very supportive of outdoor activity with a unique mixture of southern heat in the summer, cool and pleasant fall and spring, and cold winters thankfully without much snow. You’ll experience all four seasons distinctly and can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and spring blooms.

1. Bridal Cave

526 Bridal Cave Rd Camdenton, MO 65020

Phone:

1 (573) 346-2676 Check out the Bridal Cave for a fantastic cave tour or float down the Big Piney and Gasconade Rivers while surrounded by the wooded hills.

2. Antique and Sweet Trail

137 St. Robert Blvd. Saint Robert, Missouri 65584

Phone:

1 (573) 336-6355 Shop along with Antique and Sweet Trail which runs all over Pulaski County with stops like Bear Ridge Antiques and Ozark Country Flea Market.

3. Trail of Tears

If you are interested in Native American history, you can walk along the Trail of Tears, part of which is near Fort Leonard Wood along the Roubidoux Creek and marked with seven historical markers.

4. Route 66

You can also drive part of historic Route 66 which features a number of local attractions along the 90-minute drive including Devil's Elbow Bridge and the Uranus Fudge Factory.

Restaurants Near Fort Leonard Wood

Missouri is famous for its barbecue but that’s not all you’ll find to eat near post. Here are the top three Yelp rated restaurants near Fort Leonard Wood.

1. Ozark Tavern

492 N Dakota Ave Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473

Phone:

1 (573) 596-0001 A popular spot for cheap beer and American pub food and barbecue with friendly service.

2. Callies Finger Foods

878 Missouri Ave, Ste 4 St Robert, MO 65584

Phone:

1 (573) 451-2447 This cash only spot serves up Chicago Style food; hotdogs, steakburgers, and pizza puffs.

3. Route 66 Taco Company

946 Missouri Ave, Ste 1 St Robert, MO 65584 Phone: 1 (573) 232-1399 A local shop that serves up tacos, burritos, and wings with interesting twists including bulgogi tacos and crispy chicken bacon avocado tacos. Looking to explore even more options? Check out the 19 of the Best Fort Leonard Wood Restaurants.

Explore the Army Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri Military Base!

Know before you go! Moving to a new home can be daunting but some research and the help of the resources available can make it much less jarring. This guide should get you on your feet to enjoy the mountains and forests and prepare you for training. We hope you and your family enjoy your time in Missouri!  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

 

Last Updated:

6/11/2024