FORT RILEY: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Welcome to Fort Riley, home of the 1st Infantry Division famously referred to as The Big Red One. The fort was originally established in 1852 along the junction of two rivers to protect the travel routes of settlers heading West. It was named for Major General Bennett C. Riley, who had led the first military escort along the Santa Fe Trail in 1829. The Fort was used through the years as the home of the US Cavalry including the famous “Buffalo Soldiers.” It served as a major training and replacement center during both World Wars. Covering more than 101,000 acres of land, the fort has a daytime population of around 25,000 with around 7,700 residents. Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Fort Riley to help aid you in your transition to your new post home.

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

Where Is Fort Riley?

The fort is located at the junction of the Kansas River, Smoky Hill, and Republican Rivers next to the aptly named Junction City and is about 71 miles due west of Topeka. This north central Kansas region is known as the Kaw.

Fort Riley

407 Holbrook Ave Fort Riley, KS 66442

Fort Riley Kansas Map

Fort Riley Directions

Junction City International Airport Transportation

There is no post shuttle, however, there are multiple transportation options from the Junction City International Airport. Certified military taxi companies may drop off passengers on post, however, rideshare companies may be required to drop passengers at the gate. The USO, located at Terminal 1 does have a discounted shuttle that must be reserved in advance. The Metro Transit System (MTS) travels from the Airport to Downtown, where one may catch a trolley, train, or bus to reach the post. Check the Junction City commuter website for more information.

Driving Directions to Fort Riley

If Driving West on I-70 or from Topeka or Kansas City International Airport (KCI):

1. Take Hwy 435 South to I0-70 West
2. I-70 W becomes the Kansas Turnpike West (tolls apply)
3. Exit at Topeka and continue on I-70 W.
4. Take exit 301 for Marshall Army Airfield and stay on Henry Drive to arrive at the Main Post.

If Driving East on I-70

1. Proceed East on I-70 to S Washington St in Junction City
2. Take exit 296
3. Follow S Washington St, Trooper Dr, and Thomas Ave to Hampton Place
4. Turn left onto Hampton Place

Fort Riley Transportation Office

Fort Riley Household Goods / Transportation Office

210 Custer Ave Fort Riley, KS, 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-6683 or 1 (785) 239-3020

Fort Riley Transportation Office Hours

• Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

  : 0830-1600

• Tuesday, Thursday

  : 0700-1600

Entering Fort Riley and Post Amenities

Guards will conduct a 100% ID check at all gates. All visitors must have a valid military ID or proceed to the visitor control center for a pass. Pass information and entry requirements can be found here.

Fort Riley Welcome Center

885 Henry Drive Marshal Air Field Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-0302

Hours

: Monday through Friday 080-1730, closed every other Friday.

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Staff Duty Desk

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-2119 or 0969/8332/8302/8300 All in-processing soldiers must report to the 1tst Replacement Company (with the exception of the following units: MEDDAC, DENTAC, CID, and mobilized reservists) and sign in through the Staff Duty Desk located in Bldg 208 on Custer Avenue (Main Post). Enter at the rear of the building and proceed to the basement office of Central Processing Center. The desk is staffed 24/7. Uniform is OCPs during working hours (0800-1700 Monday through Friday). Soldiers should contact their gaining unit or sponsor for specific instructions or any particular policies. If arriving for AIT and you need help in contacting your sponsor, call 1 (785) 340-2875 or 1 (785) 239-5739. Sergeant First Class and above can proceed with check in on their own timeline while Staff Sergeants and below will be placed in a platoon with the 1st Replacement Barracks for processing. Single soldiers or geographic bachelors will be housed in the barracks during processing. If arriving at the Manhattan (MCI), Wichita (ICT), Kansas City (KCI) Airports and in need of transportation, the staff duty is authorized to send a driver to retrieve you during a PCS move. New arrivals should hand carry the following documents:

• DA Form 31 - PCS Leave form signed by the previous unit
• PCS orders and extra copies
• Medical, dental, and immunization records
• Birth certificates, marriage license, divorce decrees, or adoption documents if applicable
• Military Personnel Records (MPRJ)

Fort Riley Visitor Control Center

Bldg 885 Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-2982 or 1 (785) 239-2982

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  : 0500-2100

• Saturday and Sunday

  : 0800-1600

Fort Riley DEERS Office

The ID Card Section/DEERS office is your stop for DEERS/RAPIDS and ID card issues. You can make appointments for ID cards and DEERS by calling ahead or using the site here. For help on how to use the RAPIDS site for scheduling appointments, follow the instructions located here. Soldiers in the 1st Infantry Division should contact their unit S-1 for ID card services rather than using the RAPIDS appointment link. Services are by appointment but walk-in customers are seen between 0730 and 0800. Appointments will take priority, however.

Fort Riley ID Card Section/DEERS

BLDG 210 Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-3654

Fort Riley ID Card/DEERS Hours

• Monday through Thursday

  : 0730-1600

• Friday

  : 0730-1500
• Closed Weekends and Holidays

Fort Riley Gate Hours

Gate hours and status can be found here.

• Henry Gate

  - 24/7

• Ogden Gate

  - 0500 to 2200 Daily

• Trooper Gate

  - 24/7

• Grant Gate

  - 0500-2000 Monday through Friday

• Estes Gate

  - 0500-1900 Monday through Friday

• 12th Street Gate

  - 0500-1900 Monday through Friday for commercial traffic only. Outbound traffic is not authorized.

• Four Corners Gate

  - Four Corners Gate is open to Military tactical vehicles only.

• Rifle Range Road

  - Closed

Fort Riley Commissary

Pick up groceries, dine, and shop in the department store-style exchanges located conveniently on the post.

Fort Riley Commissary

2310 Trooper Dr Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-3737

Fort Riley Commissary Hours

• Monday through Saturday

  : 0900-2000

• Sunday

  : 1000-1800

Fort Riley PX

Fort Riley Main Exchange

Bldg 2210 Trooper Dr Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 784-2026

Fort Riley Post Exchange Hours

Monday through Saturday

: 0900-2100

Sunday

: 1000-2000

Irwin Army Hospital Exchange

Bldg 600 Huebner Road Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 784-3600

Fort Riley Post Exchange Hours

• Monday through Friday

  : 0900-1600

Fort Riley Barber Shops

Barber Shop

Bldg 2210 Trooper Blvd Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 492-2340

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  : 0900-1900

• Saturday

  : 0900-1800

• Sunday

  : 1100-1700

Barber Shop Custer Hill

Bldg 6914 Trooper Drive Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 492-2222

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  : 0800-1800

• Saturday

  : 0900-1700

• Sunday

  : 1000-1700

Barber Shop I Custer Hill

Bldg 720 Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 307-0093

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  - 0800-1800

Barber Shop II

Bldg 580 Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 375-9006

Hours

:

• Tuesday

  - 1130-1430

Barber Shop III Custer Hill

Bldg 7640 Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 492-0810

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  : 0800-1600

Stylique Beauty Salon Custer Hill

Bldg 6914 Trooper Drive Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 784-3733

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  : 1000-1800

• Saturday

  : 0900-1800

• Sunday

  : 1100-1700

Fort Riley Post Office

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

Fort Riley Post Office

5302 Ashby Ave Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-5200

Hours

:

• Monday through Friday

  : 0830-1630

• Saturday

  : 1000-1200

Fort Riley Finance Office

The Finance Office offers financial help to all service members and their families.

Fort Riley Finance Office

212 Custer Ave Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-6028 or 1 (785) 239-8821

Fort Riley Legal Office

Active duty, dependents, and retirees are eligible for legal assistance in most areas. For a full list of what services the office can perform and which services on which they can only provide legal advice, check their website here.

Legal Services

216 Custer Ave, 2nd Floor Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-3117

Legal Service Office Hours

• Wills by appointment only, power of attorney/notary service walk-ins during all hours

• Monday through Thursday

  : 0800-1700, appointments: 0900-1530

• Friday

  : 0800-1500 (power of attorney and notary service)

Fort Riley Library

5306 Hood Dr, Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 239-5305

Fort Riley Hotels

Candlewood Suites

6956 Jackson Ave Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 560-3080

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

Where Should I Live Near Fort Riley?

Cities Near Fort Riley

There are three cities just outside of Fort Riley: Junction City, Ogden, and Manhattan with the post boundaries sitting against Junction City and Ogden and Manhattan just a few miles to the Northeast. 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 Riley

There are great communities in all three towns Ogden and Junction City have a very easy commute time to post of five minutes or less while Manhattan is slightly longer at an easy 15 minutes. Manhattan is home to Kansas State University so it features a lot of apartments and cheaper housing for college students. Many people enjoy putting a little distance from post to separate home life and the military.

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

Fort Riley Schools

There are five elementary schools and one middle school on post which are part of the Geary County Unified School District 475. They have a handy military resource page here which can help in getting your kids enrolled and settled quickly. The district has 14 elementary schools (including the five on post), two middle schools (one on post), and one high school.

Unified School District 475

123 N. Eisenhower Dr Junction City, KS 66441

Phone

: 1 (785) 717-4000 Ogden and Manhattan are covered by Manhattan-Ogden Public School District 383 which has nine elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools as well as several early learning centers.

Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383

2031 Poyntz Ave Manhattan, KS 665502

Phone

: 1 (785) 587-2000 For any questions or help, your school liaison officer is there to assist you in your transition.

Fort Riley School Liaison Officer

6620 Normandy Drive, Custer Hill Fort Riley, KS 66442

Phone

: 1 (785) 240-3261 Find more local school information at The Best Fort Riley Schools: Daycare - High School.

Fort Riley Weather

Fort Riley is in tornado country so it can go from bright sunshine to dark clouds very quickly. Winters are harsh due to high winds dropping the temperatures with a wind chill so make sure you pack warm clothes and outer shells that block wind from stealing your body heat especially when in the field. Summers are hot and slightly humid though not as painfully humid as farther south. Yearly average low temperatures are around 20 degrees in the winter and sometimes get to the single digits while summer highs average 92 degrees and can very occasionally break 100. To find out more in-depth weather information visit our blog Fort Riley Weather: What To Expect When Moving Here.

Things to Do Around Fort Riley

Outdoor Activities

There are plenty of outdoor activities especially with three rivers and a large lake surrounding the post. Fishing and camping are popular pastimes in Milford State Park and Tuttle Creek State Park as well as hiking in the Konza Prairie which is home to herds of majestic buffalo. You can visit Custer’s house and the US Cavalry Museum.

Sports, Special Events, and Entertainment

During football season, check out a game at Kansas State which is located right in Manhattan just a short drive from the post. Rodeos are popular in the area as well as the Heritage Days Festival, the springtime Tulip Festival which has hundreds of vendors and art against a backdrop of fields of tulips on the prairie, and Christmas concerts by the 1st Division Band. There are music festivals like Jammin’ in Junction City and a pageant held by the Kaw Indians called the Voices of the Wind People. The post’s website has a great list of events that can be found here.

Suggested Read

: 30 Of the Best Things to Do on Fort Riley

Restaurants Near Fort Riley

Here are three restaurants located near Fort Riley recommended by TripAdvisor.

1. Stacy’s

118 W Flint Hills Blvd Junction City, KS 66441

Phone

: 1 (785) 238-3039 Classic diner food with stacks of pancakes, crispy bacon, brunch selections, burgers, and friendly service.

2. Bella’s

605 N Washington St Junction City, KS 66441

Phone

: 1 (785) 762-1772 A local Italian spot with great food, and a nice quiet atmosphere that’s great for a quiet night out with your significant other.

3. Freddy’s Custard and Steakburger

802 E Chestnut St Junction City, KS 66441

Phone

: 1 (785) 210-1123 A takeout restaurant serving up classic ice cream sundaes, burger baskets, and fries in classic malt shop style. Looking to explore more options? Check out the 23 of the Best Fort Riley Restaurants.

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

Conclusion

We hope this guide helps get you on your feet quickly. There’s a lot to see and do in a new place and with both Kansas City and Topeka close by, you’ll want to start exploring right away. Check out our related articles in the links for more information as you make your transition.  

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

 

Last Updated:

9/30/2021