Family Day (the day before graduation)
WednesdayMost branches hold a family event the day before: a short ceremony, then time with your recruit on base. Check your unit's schedule.
- FreeDevil's Elbow bridge.
- EatRoute 66 diners
Fort Leonard Wood basic training graduation graduation: family guide to Fort Leonard Wood (St. Robert and Waynesville)
Every Thursday, all yearFort Leonard Wood (St. Robert and Waynesville), United States
Every week, families fly to Fort Leonard Wood (St. Robert and Waynesville) for Fort Leonard Wood basic training graduation, often with two days and no plan. This guide covers base access basics, where to stay, what to do after the ceremony and the area if your recruit has to stay close.
Know before you go
- Family Day is usually the day before graduation.
- Bring a REAL ID-compliant photo ID and check the base visitor rules: everyone in the car is screened.
- Hotels near the base fill on graduation weeks. Book as soon as your recruit's graduation date is confirmed.
Airport to Fort Leonard Wood
Waynesville-St. Robert (TBN) has a few flights; Springfield (SGF) is 1.5 hours and St Louis (STL) 2 hours.
Main gate off I-44 at St. Robert.
Public transport directions to Fort Leonard Wood
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | St. Robert chains | Next to the gate. |
| Mid-range | Rolla | 30 minutes away with more choice. |
| Splurge | Lake of the Ozarks resorts | 1.5 hours away. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn St. Robert/Ft. Leonard Wood
- Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express St. Robert
- Splurge: Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Graduation day
ThursdayThe ceremony is in the morning. Many graduates leave the base with family right after.
- Easy outingOzark caves
- EatSt. Robert restaurants
The day after
FridayIf your graduate has leave, take a full day out. If not, see the area on your own.
- Half-dayBig Piney River float
- Family pickRoute 66 drive
Arriving early
Flights and hotels near bases fill up. Arriving a day early gives you a free day.
- Free ideaPost museums (check access).
- Rain or heat backupEngineer, MP and Chemical museums on post.
Family-friendly picks
- Ozark rivers and caves.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Rolla.
3 tours worth booking for Fort Leonard Wood
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Big Piney River float | Half day | Families |
| Ozark caves | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Route 66 drive | Half day | Everyone |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Engineer, MP and Chemical museums on post.
Getting around on event days
- You need a car.
Day trips from Fort Leonard Wood (St. Robert and Waynesville)
- Rolla: 30 minutes
- Lake of the Ozarks: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Fort Leonard Wood.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Fort Leonard Wood basic training graduation?
Fort Leonard Wood basic training graduation takes place every thursday throughout the year.
How do I get from the airport to Fort Leonard Wood?
Waynesville-St. Robert (TBN) has a few flights; Springfield (SGF) is 1.5 hours and St Louis (STL) 2 hours. Main gate off I-44 at St. Robert.
Where should I stay for Fort Leonard Wood basic training graduation?
For most visitors the best base is Rolla: 30 minutes away with more choice.
What else can we do around Fort Leonard Wood basic training graduation?
Good short outings in Fort Leonard Wood (St. Robert and Waynesville) include Big Piney River float, Ozark caves, Route 66 drive. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Fort Leonard Wood basic training graduation?
Family-friendly picks: Big Piney River float, Ozark caves. Ozark rivers and caves.
How far is Fort Leonard Wood from Fort Leonard Wood (St. Robert and Waynesville) centre?
About 3 km in a straight line. Main gate off I-44 at St. Robert.
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Everything we cover in Fort Leonard Wood (St. Robert and Waynesville)