Fort Leonard Wood Community

Fort Leonard Wood Missouri: In-Depth Welcome Center

Fort Leonard Wood In-Depth Welcome Center

Fort Leonard Wood Missouri: In-Depth Welcome Center

Chris Walker

Introduction

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

Fort Leonard Wood 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. To improve American readiness in the lead-up to World War II, the installation was built as an infantry training center to expand the Army. 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.

Where Is Fort Leonard Wood?
Google Map View
Getting There – Directions to the Post
Entering Fort Leonard Wood and Post Amenities
Where Should I Live Near Fort Leonard Wood?
What Schools are Near Fort Leonard Wood?
What’s the Weather Like in Fort Leonard Wood?
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

Fort Leonard Wood Directions

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 WoodIf

Driving I-44 West from St Louis

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

If Driving I-44 East from Springfield

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

Fort Leonard Wood 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

Entering Fort Leonard Wood and Post Amenities

Security personnel conducts 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 Reception Station at Grant Hall, Bldg 2100.

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

Military ID
Driver’s license
Social security cards
Medical/Dental records
Military Orders/Records (multiple copies)
Shipping papers
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 Hotels

Candlewood Suites is the 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

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fort Leonard Wood Missouri Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

Where Should I Live Near Fort Leonard Wood?

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.

Hot Tip: Look for Fort Leonard Wood homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Fort Leonard Wood Schools

The Waynesville R-VI School District serves the communities of Waynesville, St Robert, and Fort Leonard Wood with schools 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 to the South. The summers are hot and humid with higher chance of rain in the spring and early summer. The winters are cold but snow and wind are not a big problem. 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.

To find out more in-depth weather information visit our blog Fort Leonard Wood Weather: What To Expect When Moving Here.

Things to Do on Fort Leonard Wood

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 Devils 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.

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Fort Leonard Wood at MyBaseGuide.

Conclusion

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: 9/30/2021