Melissa Etheridge grew up in the small Kansas town of Leavenworth. Fans of her music know she references landmarks from her childhood in the lyrics of a few hit songs.
At a glance, the singer’s birthplace might not look like anyplace special. However, digging beneath the surface, you’ll surely see why Etheridge remembers it fondly.
Today, we head to the Midwest to discover what that 4th Street feeling is all about.
Let’s hit it!
About the Leavenworth Song, “4th Street Feeling,” by Melissa Etheridge
The tune 4th Street Feeling is the title track of Etheridge’s 12th album, released in 2012. She reminisces about her hometown as she sings, “So take me away, way back to that 4th street feeling.”
Nostalgia drips from every lyric throughout the song. As we age, it’s not uncommon to experience a bit of melancholy thinking back to our younger years.
When she wrote the words, Melissa Etheridge was 51, seemingly missing what she felt growing up in Leavenworth. Unless you’re also a superstar, you can only imagine the pressures someone of her caliber may feel. Just thinking of having to do regular live performances is enough to cause anxiety.
So Etheridge croones about cruising the main drag in Leavenworth, Kansas. “Well, I’ve been aching to slip an eight-track on again. Eyes closed and head back. The sweet smell of summer sin.”
Those lines take many of us right back to the familiar streets of our own hometowns when we hear them.
Where Is Leavenworth, Kansas?
Leavenworth is about 40 miles northwest of Kansas City. With a population of about 35,000, the town sits along the banks of the Missouri River. High bluffs and rolling hills stretch across the landscape, while the business district is on mostly flat ground.
A few blocks east of 4th Street is North Esplanade Park. While many newer features may not be familiar to Melissa Etheridge, we bet she spent time in this outdoor area. It’s as old as Leavenworth itself. The town and greenspace were both established in 1854.
The artist’s birthplace has a rich history, including being the first city founded in Kansas. In the mid-1850s, it was nationally known as the jumping-off point to the West.
Additionally, several Indigenous peoples inhabited the area, including the Kansa and Osage nations. Today, you’ll see many street names honoring the land’s original residents.
What Can You Do on 4th Street in Leavenworth, Kansas?
We’re not sure if 4th Street was as lively during Etheridge’s childhood as it is now. Even though it’s currently a bustling business district, it still has many historic buildings from its early days.
Today, you’ll find cute mom-and-pop shops selling everything from antiques to handmade candles. Mixed in with the charming gift and specialty stores are also establishments like Dollar General and O’Reilly Auto Parts. So shopping is one way to spend time on this main drag.
If you’re a fan of Melissa Etheridge, you’ll love what the City of Leavenworth installed at the corner of 4th Street and Muncie Road. In August 2002, locals honored their hometown hero with a guitar-shaped sign. Etheridge visited in 2017 and posted a picture of herself in front of it on her Facebook page.
Get the whole album: 4th Street Feeling.
Other Famous Melissa Etheridge Locations in Leavenworth
Despite the singer’s birthplace being fairly small, it has several intriguing points of interest. Here are a few locations to get a glimpse into Melissa Etheridge’s life.
C.W. Parker Carousel Museum
No matter its size, every town seems to have at least one attraction worth visiting. And the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, located at 320 S. Esplanade, is that place for Leavenworth. You’ll feel like a kid again as you walk among old merry-go-rounds. For an authentic experience, take a spin on a restored and fully operational 1913 carousel.
Not only is this museum full of historical amusement rides, but it also houses an instrument from Etheridge’s band. In 2003, she donated an Artizan A-X-1 organ to add to the collection.
Visiting hours are on Saturdays and Sundays. Allow 90 minutes if you choose to do the guided tour. Otherwise, you can walk through the displays at your own pace.
Leavenworth Landing
Getting an up-close view of the Missouri River is easy to do at Leavenworth Landing. The parkway runs a quarter mile along the banks. It’s an excellent place to hang out while listening to Etheridge’s tune Nowhere to Go. When you hear the lyrics, “Down by the muddy waters of the mighty Mo,” you’ll be right there with her.
Trains pass through the park regularly, so if you’re a railroad enthusiast, this spot will keep you entertained. Catching a glimpse of a bald eagle flying overhead is also a possibility. So keep your eyes peeled to the sky.
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The Tune Shop
Located at 514 Delaware, a music store called The Tune Shop opened its doors in 1960. It was naturally where Etheridge, the Leavenworth native, spent some time honing her skills.
The shop carries nearly every kind of band instrument you’d imagine. They offer repair services, lessons, and rentals as well. It’s one of the last full-line stores of its kind in the Kansas City Metro Area.
Best Places to Stay in Leavenworth, Kansas
You’ll find enough to do in Leavenworth to justify at least one overnight stay in this charming Kansas town. Check out these suggestions to start planning a trip to Melissa Etheridge’s childhood home.
Riverfront Park Campground
Rest your head for the night along the banks of the Big Muddy. The campground has 13 cement pads with 20- and 30-Amp electrical hookups suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents. And with a key deposit, you’ll also have access to the bathhouse with hot showers.
Each site includes a grassy area with a picnic table. It’s a great way to relax after a day of walking around Leavenworth and learning about where Melissa Etheridge grew up.
For less than $20 per night, you’ll enjoy wide-open views of the Missouri River. It’s not a bad price to pay to camp within walking distance of downtown.
Union Park Guest House
A small but lovely bed and breakfast, the Union Park Guest House is available to rent for up to four guests. Even if you’re traveling solo, you can book the whole house for yourself.
The historic two-bedroom bungalow is a half-mile walk to the riverbank. After exploring the area, return to the guest house and enjoy an evening beverage on the patio. Located in a cute Leavenworth neighborhood, you might imagine how Melissa Etheridge spent her childhood here.
Nightly rates begin at $125 and increase depending on how many people are in the party.
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Leavenworth Local Hotel
In a converted high school from 1923, guest rooms include modern amenities like kitchenettes and free WiFi. You’ll be in the heart of downtown and a short walk to shops, restaurants, and parks.
The hotel provides access to a fitness center, spa, and pickleball court. And when you need a little pick-me-up, grab a cup of complimentary coffee any time of day.
A basic room will run about $100 per night, but larger studios and suites are also available starting around $120.
Is a Melissa Etheridge Leavenworth Road Trip Worth It?
It’s easy to see why Melissa Etheridge reminisces about Leavenworth in her songs. The town retains much of its historic charm even with updates and renovations.
Lovely outdoor spaces, bike paths, walking trails, and cute local shops give this Kansas location a reason to visit. The beautiful views of the Big Muddy might be enough temptation for you to start planning a trip!
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