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What to Know Before Attending a Fort Leonard Wood Graduation
Graduating Basic Combat Training is a monumental step in your soldier’s career, marking the official transition from civilian to military life. Held multiple times per week, Fort Leonard Wood graduations are a special time for family members and friends to gather and celebrate soldiers’ accomplishments. So, when the time comes to recognize your service member, ensure the occasion goes smoothly. Learn more about how to access Fort Leonard Wood, where to stay, and the amazing sights awaiting before and after the ceremonies.
Getting into Fort Leonard Wood
Located just off Interstate 44, Fort Leonard Wood is easily accessible for families traveling to Pulaski County. Air travel is especially easy with Waynesville-Saint Robert Regional Airport (TBN) located conveniently on base with direct flights to and from Dallas and Nashville via Contour Airlines. Outside Pulaski County, the two closest airports are Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) — roughly a 1-hour, 30-minute drive — and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about a 2-hour, 30-minute drive.
All guests must present the proper credentials before accessing Fort Leonard Wood, though the specifics may vary from one person to the next. The preferred method for U.S. citizens is pre-registering up to 30 days before visiting. Upon arrival at the main gate, Sverdup Gate, guests must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license and state the reason for visiting. Visitors age 17 and younger are not required to show an ID. Access to the base may also be obtained by stopping at the Visitor Center at Sverdup Gate and requesting a visitors pass. Anyone requesting access will also need to present an additional form of documentation. For more post access information, visit the Fort Leonard Wood Visitor and Gate Information page for more details and a complete list of accepted identification.
Although not required, guests should know their soldier’s unit and event location prior to arrival at Sverdup Gate. Anyone flying into Waynesville-Saint Robert Regional Airport, entering the post before Family Day or after graduation, or staying at an on-post hotel overnight must have an access pass, which allows guests to move about the installation unescorted. In addition to presenting valid ID and a copy of the hotel reservation, all guests over age 18 must pass a background check. Additionally, privately owned firearms — including concealed-carry weapons — and marijuana in any form are prohibited from the base.
Staying at FLW
Three hotels are conveniently located on the grounds of Fort Leonard Wood, minimizing travel time between your hotel and spending time with your soldier. Availability may vary between each hotel, so contact them directly for more information.
Nearby Saint Robert offers even more lodging choices within 2-5 miles of the Fort Leonard Wood main gate with more than 20 hotels located conveniently off I-44 and Historic Route 66. As the commercial center of Pulaski County, Saint Robert is also home to numerous restaurants and locally owned businesses, making it a can’t-miss destination for shopping and dining.
Specialty stays around Pulaski County also provide a comfortable, homey setting for Fort Leonard Wood visitors. From historic cabins to modern, ranch-style homes, each offers ample space to rest and recharge before and after graduation ceremonies.
Make a Vacation of Your Trip
While you’re at Fort Leonard Wood, don’t miss the many exciting attractions both on and off base. The John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex is the only location in the country with three U.S. Army museums in one building — the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Museum, the U.S. Army Engineer Museum, and the U.S. Army Military Police Museum. Across the street, get an up-close look at authentic military vehicles. Nearby Memorial Grove Park & Walking Trail offers space for quiet reflection where guests and soldiers alike can honor fallen service members. Open seasonally, the MWR Rec Plex features fun activities for all ages with a mini-golf course, go-kart track, and even ways to beat the summer heat with a pool, water slides, and a splash park. Daugherty Bowling Center provides 40 lanes of family-friendly fun, including automatic scoring, bumpers and ramps for children and beginners, and the Strike Zone Snack Bar, a full-service snack bar with a menu ranging from pizza, burgers, and sandwiches to nachos, pretzels, and sweet treats. The Outdoor Activity Center also includes numerous ways to enjoy the outdoor spaces on base with paintball, axe throwing, a rock climbing wall, and hunting and fishing.
Take your soldier off-base and celebrate their great achievements with the can’t-miss sights and sounds of Pulaski County, beginning with a delicious meal at one of many restaurants and diners. Cruise the most famous highway in American history — Route 66 and discover one-of-a-kind roadside attractions like the Uranus Fudge Factory and Route 66 Neon Park. Locally owned boutiques and antique shops carry a wide variety of unique finds and vintage goods, offering the perfect opportunity to bring home something special to commemorate your trip. Our two-day Thrift & Sweets Trail itinerary provides plenty of suggestions on how to make the most of your shopping adventure! Your soldier can also show off their marksmanship at Bow and Barrel Sportsmen Center, or enjoy some friendly virtual competition at Score, which offers numerous interactive activities via large-screen projection. Fuel that competitive side even more at The Pin Zone in Waynesville, featuring four bowling lanes as well as an arcade bursting with the latest, action-packed games as well as classic cabinets from yesteryear. Outdoor spaces around Pulaski County also beckon visitors to enjoy Mother Nature’s bounties with crystal-clear waterways proving a popular spot for float trips as well as some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Turn your Fort Leonard Wood trip into a memorable getaway! Our Getaway Guide is packed with even more must-see sites and travel tips. Order your copy or download a digital version today!