Fort Riley
Fort Riley Relocation Information
Welcome to Fort Riley, Kansas
Fort Riley Museum image from army.mil
Fort Riley, a FORSCOM installation, is referred to as the "Home of America's Army.” Fort Riley is one of the Army's premier force projection platforms. The base has a large area, exceeding 100,000 acres, with 92,000 acres being contiguous, which is crucial for handling Battalion Task Force-level maneuvers and live-fire training. Fort Riley is also a proud host of the Army's 1st Infantry Division, also known as the "Big Red One,” which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2017.
Early iterations of Fort Riley have historical ties to the U.S. expansion westward during the mid-1800s, specifically along the Oregon and Santa Fe trails. Surveyed to be what was thought of as the center of the country, Fort Riley, known then as "Camp Center," served as a strategic staging center for protecting important trade routes.
Major General Bennett C. Riley led the first military escort along the Santa Fe Trail. His career was later honored in 1853 when Fort Riley officially became his namesake. The Civil War was a contentious and chaotic time. Many soldiers went to their respective home states to fight, but some stayed at Fort Riley. Early in the war, Confederate soldiers were housed at Fort Riley, but the mission focus changed to maintain security along the growing railroad system.
Throughout the next three decades, the Army used Fort Riley to increase its educational system, including the School of Cavalry and Light Artillery and later, the Mounted Service School in 1907. Over its history, the 1st Infantry Division has moved various components from Fort Riley to Germany and back to Fort Riley, where the division currently resides. Fort Riley soldiers have served or trained to participate in all the 20th century wars the U.S. has been associated with: WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and various countries in Southwest Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Riley
1) What is Fort Riley known for?
In terms of American history, Fort Riley was created to provide a protective force for settlers and goods moving westward. In relation to the military, Fort Riley is best known as the home of the 1st Infantry Division, also known as the “Big Red One,” due to the standalone red number 1 on their signifying patch.
2) What is the closest city to Fort Riley, Kansas?
Fort Riley is located in northeast Kansas, on the Kansas River, between Junction City and Manhattan, Kansas. About 70 miles away, Topeka is the largest city closest to the base.
3) Does it snow in Fort Riley, Kansas?
Yes, Fort Riley sees about 15 inches of snow per year.
4) How many soldiers are stationed at Fort Riley?
According to U.S. Army Fort Riley, there are approximately 15,000 active duty service members assigned to Fort Riley, with more than 18,000 family members, 29,000 veterans and retirees, and 5,600 civilian employees who live in the region and/or work at the post.
5) What is the zip code for Fort Riley?
The zip code for Fort Riley is 66442. Nearby zip codes include 66503, 66514, 66441, 66531, and 67432.
6) What is the BAH for Fort Riley?
BAH for Fort Riley ranges from $1,272 for E-1 to $2,013 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,377 for O-1 to $2,340 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
Base Address
7264 Normandy Drive
Fort Riley, KS 66442-6421
Army Spc. Jermaine Campbell engages targets remotely using a weapons station at Fort Riley, Kan., April 5, 2019, during Operation Gauntlet, a three-week exercise focused on gunnery skills. Image from defense.gov.
Those headed to Fort Riley will become residents of the Central Flint Hills Region of northeastern Kansas. About 17 miles from Fort Riley, Manhattan, Kansas, is nicknamed “The Little Apple." Topeka is an hour’s drive west, and Kansas City is 2.5 hours away.
Wide open spaces are the norm, and while plenty of modern amenities and resources are available, there is still a rural vibe that keeps the areas surrounding Fort Riley quiet. Active duty families enjoy the community feel and a strong public education system, and those approaching military retirement appreciate the favorable cost of living and low unemployment rates.
Fort Riley is historically a cavalry post, and many of the well-preserved buildings and monuments were crafted from the region’s signature limestone. Some of the on-base historic houses and buildings reflect this style. Fort Riley trails are a popular pastime among military families.
Fort Riley is a large installation, housing approximately 15,000 active duty members and 18,000 family members. The acreage covers land in both Geary and Riley counties. Nearby National Guard and Reserve units from surrounding states also take advantage of Fort Riley’s impressive training facilities.
Military Installations Near Fort Riley
Arrival Lodging
Fort Riley offers on-base lodging through IHG Army Hotels. To make reservations, visit the IHG Army Hotel website or call 1-877-711-TEAM.
Fort Riley Housing
Housing Services Office
215 Custer Ave Room 140
Fort Riley, KS 66442
(785) 239-3736
Corvias
45 Barry Ave.
Fort Riley, KS 66442
(785) 717-2258
Corvias Property Management operates on base housing at Fort Riley. Five housing communities are distributed throughout Fort Riley, each with a dedicated Corvias management team. Within those, community centers are open for residents to utilize a pool, fitness center, computer lab, and meeting space. Corvias maintains historic properties and recent construction. The homes are conveniently located near base features such as the commissary and Exchange.
Fort Riley Off-Base Housing
iStock Image via Canva
Military families who live off-base often choose suburban Manhattan and Junction City as their home. Other choices include nearby Ogden, Wakefield, and Herington.
Manhattan is home to Kansas State University, and it is the quintessential college town with plenty of restaurants and bars. In addition to the college students and military families, there is a demographic of young professionals who seek rental homes that are within commuting distance of their places of work in Riley County. Smaller in size, Junction City is located in Geary County, and it has a population of nearly 24,000. Families living in Junction City also enjoy suburban features and affordable housing. Both cities have top-ranked school systems, which include Blue Ribbon School designations.
Base Search
City Search
Fort Riley BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
Fort Riley is near Manhattan, KS. Some sample Fort Riley BAH rates for zip code 66442:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,272
- E-1 without dependents: $1,050
- E-9 with dependents: $2,013
- E-9 without dependents: $1,548
- O-1 with dependents: $1,377
- O-1 without dependents: $1,227
- O-6 with dependents: $2,340
- O-6 without dependents: $1,935
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Fort Riley Area Weather and Climate
Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, Kansas. Image from Mary Hammel on Unsplash.
Mild, pleasant months for house hunting at Fort Riley are May, June, and September. These months avoid the severe heat and frigid temperatures. Fort Riley summers are hot, humid, and wet. With around 20 inches of snow per year, the winters are windy and cold.
- July high is around 90 degrees.
- January low is 18 degrees
- Rain averages about 34 inches per year.
The area does see tornado and flood activity regularly. Fort Riley has a robust emergency system that encourages military families to subscribe.
Fort Riley Area Schools
On Fort Riley, kids in K-Grade 5 attend one of the five elementary schools on the base. Middle school grades 6-8 head to Fort Riley Middle School, also on the base. High school students in grades 9-12 are bused to Junction City High School. All these schools are located in the Geary County school district.
The Fort Riley School Liaison Office, 785-240-3261, assists families with all educational concerns, including information about Kansas state laws for homeschool and private schools in the area.
Support for Military and Families
Work and education opportunities are available on or near Fort Riley for both service members and their families. Start with one of these resources to connect with the personnel trained to assist your search.
More helpful links:
Things To Do Near Fort Riley
Fort Riley, Kansas, and its surrounding areas are rich with history, nature, and entertainment opportunities. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors, delve into the region’s historical significance, or enjoy a family outing, Fort Riley offers a variety of activities fitting for all preferences. Here are five great things to do near Fort Riley:
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U.S. Cavalry Museum: Dive into the rich military history of the U.S. Cavalry at this well-curated museum located on Fort Riley. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits documenting cavalry operations and the transformation of the U.S. Army.
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Milford Nature Center and Lake: Enjoy fishing, hiking, and bird-watching at Kansas' largest man-made lake. The nearby nature center provides insights into local wildlife and ecosystems, making it a perfect outdoor experience.
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Flint Hills Discovery Center: Located in nearby Manhattan, Kansas, this dynamic center showcases the natural beauty and cultural history of the Flint Hills region with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
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First Territorial Capitol State Historic Site: Visit the restored historic site where Kansas' territorial government first convened in 1855. This site offers a glimpse into the territorial days and their impact on Kansas' statehood.
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Custer House: Step back in time at the Custer House, a historic home showcasing what life was like on the frontier during the late 1800s. A guided tour provides an immersive experience with authentic furnishings and personal artifacts.?
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Base Address:
7264 Normandy Dr
Fort Riley
,
66442-6421