In the early 1960's, Leavenworth was on the brink of economic disaster. The local business owners knew that something drastic had to happen to bring Leavenworth back from almost certain financial ruin. The picture to the left is early Leavenworth many years prior to it's transformation, but it gives you a good idea of what the town was like.

On June 10, 1965, a few of the local business owners and the publishers from the Leavenworth Echo newspaper gathered at a local cafe'. When the idea of the Bavarian theme was discussed, every person at that meeting agreed to the design and several business owners went out on a limb that very night and committed to going "Alpine". They named the venture "Project Alpine" which later became an actual committee, part the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. The Edelweiss Hotel was the first building to be remodeled and the rest, as they say, is history!

As it stands today, Leavenworth is lovingly referred to as "Miracle Town" or "The town that refused to die". I've even heard it called the "Magical Town". It is all of those things and so much more. It's a dream come true and an example of the spirit of the people that put their vision into action.

Millions of visitors come to Leavenworth every year and we invite you to share it with us. Whether you're visiting us to be part of our festivals, participating in sports activities or just "getting away from it all", we know you'll love it enough to return again and again!