Front Street Park is where most of the magic of Leavenworth happens; it's the locus around which most people will find themselves wandering, shopping and dining throughout their visit, even if they don't spend all that much time in the park itself.
Whether you're here for the Christmas lights, Oktoberfest, Wine Walk or any of the other myriad events that occur throughout the year, you're going to pass through the park at some point. The bandstand gazebo is utilized for everything from civic announcements, to choirs and live music, and much more.
In the winter, after a healthy snowfall, the hill that rises up and runs adjacent to Highway 2 is populated by sledders and tubers rocketing down constantly, so give them plenty of clearance, or you might find yourself swept up off your feet! Other times of the year, you'll find vendors hawking art work, crafts, and of course, all manner of foodstuffs, Bavarian or otherwise.
During heavily trafficked events, Front Street itself is closed to vehicle traffic, allowing the ever-swelling mass of tourists (myself and my wife included) to stagger about like a horde of spendthrift zombies, surging and stumbling in and out of the shops and restaurants across the way.
Tourist trap or not, Leavenworth is a place that holds a special place in the hearts of an uncountable number of visitors from all over the globe, and Front Street Park is an essential component behind this romantic nostalgia. Its magnetic ability to draw in tourists like flies to...flypaper...is due to it being just a gorgeous park to begin with, but with the addition of Christmas lights or other holiday-specific decorations, it becomes something truly special. Magical, even. There's a reason that Leavenworth is considered to be one of the best Christmas towns in the entire country; esteem that is rightfully well-earned. read more