Stories
Turn a Fort Leonard Wood Graduation into a Weekend Getaway
Your soldier’s graduation at Fort Leonard Wood is one of the proudest moments in both their life and yours. As you journey to Pulaski County to honor their accomplishments, why not turn the celebration into a weekend-long vacation? Fort Leonard Wood and the communities around Pulaski County are full of unique experiences that range from monuments to the U.S. Armed Forces to Route 66 nostalgia. Check out some of our favorite stops and enjoy your graduation getaway!
See the Sites
The heart of the Ozarks is home to numerous tributes to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. One of the most incredible tributes lives on Fort Leonard Wood at the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex. Named for Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army John Barton Mahaffey, the complex is home to three U.S. Army museums honoring the history of the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. All three museums are free and open to the public. Near the Mahaffey Museum Complex, the Military Police Regimental Walkway and Memorial Grove provides a quiet space to honor the fallen soldiers of the Engineers, Chemical Corp and Military Police with walking trails and statues throughout. The World War II Company Area and Historic Vehicle Park — both also located near the complex — offer a rare, up-close look at authentic military equipment and machinery through the years.
Many sites outside Fort Leonard Wood also honor the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women. Located up the road from Sverdrup Gate, the African American USO Chimney pays homage to Black service members with a remnant of the club’s original building. In Saint Robert, the Saint Robert Military Tribute & Freedom Rock Display features a collection of murals painted on gigantic boulders, including the titular Freedom Rock with a 12-by-10-foot mural honoring Medal of Honor recipient General Leonard Wood, the Rough Riders, and the history of Fort Leonard Wood. Also in Saint Robert, Patriots Point features a 130-foot flagpole — the tallest in the county — along with benches and a memorial boulder. In Waynesville, the Missouri Veterans Cemetery & Veterans Memorial provides a quiet, solemn atmosphere to remember the veterans we’ve lost. Veterans memorials in Crocker and Richland provide additional places to honor those who have served.
More to Explore
Other historical sites around Pulaski County provide a rare look at life from the 19th and 20th centuries. Cruise down America’s most famous highway, Historic Route 66, and discover destinations honoring the time-honored tradition of the road trip. Sample delicious fudge at Uranus Fudge Factory & General Store. Bask in the warm glow of restored neon signs at the brand-new Route 66 Neon Park. And snap some Insta-worthy selfies at the murals and iconic Route 66 Shield in Downtown Waynesville. Sites like the Old Stagecoach Stop, the 1903 Courthouse Museum, and the Frisco Depot Museum preserve the proud history of our communities and the industries that shaped them. And of course, the natural grandeur of the Ozark outdoors is brimming with adventures, including float trips, fishing, and golfing.
Where to Stay
Fort Leonard Wood has three hotels located on the base — Candlewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express – Foster Lodge, and Holiday Inn Express – Morelli Heights. But if you’re looking for lodging with a homier feel, our Specialty Stays invite guests to explore a wide range of properties to suit any occasion. Book a stay in a rustic cabin or stay in a modern rental property and make yourself at home during your stay!
Getting to Fort Leonard Wood
If you’re flying into St. Louis, Springfield, or Joplin, Fort Leonard Wood is easily accessible to drivers via Interstate 44. For a more direct option, Waynesville-Saint Robert Regional Airport offers daily, direct flights to and from Chicago and Dallas via Contour Airlines, ensuring you spend less time traveling and more time with your soldier.
A weekend escape with your soldier awaits — order your 2025 Getaway Guide for even more one-of-a-kind encounters, including relaxing float trips, thrilling fishing opportunities, military monuments and museums, the brand-new Route 66 Neon Park, and can’t-miss events you’ll want to plan your getaway around