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Museum of the Moment: Arabia Steamboat Museum

September 18, 2019

What good can come from a shipwreck? Quite a lot, actually.

Get to know the Arabia Steamboat Museum , one of Kansas City’s most unique historical attractions—offering an in-depth glimpse into 19 th century frontier life of the American West.

The History

Before the United States was connected by railroads, the noble riverboat ruled the transportation industry, particularly in the still-developing West.

The Missouri River was once a hotbed for this interstate commerce and travel. Dangerous though it was—fallen trees and other hidden obstacles could easily snag and cripple unsuspecting boats—merchants and passengers alike utilized riverboats to traverse miles and miles of country, either to capitalize on business ventures or to search for new lives.

The Arabia Steamboat Museum tells a story of the American West through the lens of the ill-fated Steamboat Arabia, which met its demise in the middle of the 19 th century and remained hidden for 132 years.

The Shipwreck

Steamboat Arabia was constructed in Pennsylvania in 1853. The 171-foot boat could hold up to 222 tons of cargo, as well as passengers, and regularly made trips along the Missouri River during an era when settlements in Westport and Independence were best-known as jumping off points for the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails.

After only three years on the water, Steamboat Arabia hit a snag of its own in September 1856. It only took a few minutes, but 200 tons of cargo was completely surrendered to the river. Thankfully, this tale is significantly less tragic than other infamous shipwrecks, because all 150 passengers and crew escaped safely.

However, the ship’s cargo remained embedded in the earth for more than 100 years. In 1988, a local father and his two sons learned Steamboat Arabia’s story and discovered its wreckage 45 feet underground—soil and erosion had shifted the path of the river—less than a half-mile away from the current channel of the Missouri.

Two more friends joined the trio and, four and a half months later, excavated the shipwrecked cargo—the single largest collection of pre-Civil War items in the world.

The Arabia Steamboat Museum displays this fascinating collection of artifacts once thought forever lost to history.

Visitors can ride the KC Streetcar to the institution, located at The City Market in Kansas City’s charming River Market neighborhood. There, they’ll find a time capsule depicting frontier life during the middle of the 19 th century.

Treasures include clothing, weaponry and tools, as well as everyday items like sweet pickles, liquor, ketchup and fruit preserves—all of which was originally destined for the shelves of pioneer general stores. As a result, museumgoers can truly step back in time to get a taste of the routine lives of the region’s recent ancestors.

Tours of the facility—open seven days a week—run every 30 minutes on the hour and at the half hour, beginning first with a 20-minute guided intro followed by a short film. The remainder of the experience is self-paced, and in whole, the museum recommends expecting at least an hour and a half to view every exhibit.

The Arabia Steamboat Museum Virtual Tour

Welcome to the Arabia's 360° virtual tour!

Click on the tour below to access.

Steamboat Arabia Virtual Tour

We hope you enjoy visiting the museum from afar.

Once you purchase the tour, you will be able to explore the museum for 24 hours.

Click anywhere you seen a yellow icon for more information, and let us know if you have any additional questions!

Please note, this is still a beta version of the virtual tour, and we are still working on perfecting it. It works on mobile, but is not completely optimized yet. We welcome your feedback to help make it better in the future, so please email us at [email protected] if you have any comments. Thanks for being one of the first to take our Virtual Tour!

Theme: Illdy . © Arabia Steamboat Museum 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Arabia Steamboat Museum

• Facilities 4.5
• Atmosphere 5.0

The side-wheel steamer Arabia was constructed in 1853 for powering through the muddy Missouri River waters with up to 200 tons of supplies in tow. But later, it snagged a felled tree trunk and quickly disappeared under the sea. More than a century later, David Hawley discovered the sunken steamer a half-mile from the river bank beneath 45 feet of earth; it then became the focus of the Arabia Steamboat Museum.

Today you can take a tour of the steamer's deck and hull, but there's also a great deal more to see. The museum features a general store, a cargo gallery and several other galleries with odds and ends recovered from the excavation of the great Steamboat Arabia. In addition to seeing many of the well-preserved cargo pieces that were excavated from the wreck, the tour includes a video summarizing the history of the Arabia and how they were able to retrieve the supplies.

Recent tourists said their visits here were fascinating. Many noted that it was interesting to learn about the history of the ship and added that the guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. Travelers also said the museum was easy to navigate and well laid out.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission costs $14.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids between the ages of 4 and 14. Guided tours start on the hour and half-hour, and last about 20 minutes. The museum is located in the River Market neighborhood of Kansas City; there's a free parking lot nearby and a B-cycle bike-share station at 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard. For more information, visit the website . 

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#1 Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art appeals to many kinds of visitors, such as little kids who appreciate the giant badminton birdie installations (four 18-foot shuttlecocks, to be exact) on the 22-acre lawn, or adults who enjoy the play of light in Caravaggio's "Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness." The art museum's permanent collection spans thousands of years, includes more than 35,000 pieces and features art from Europe, Asia and America. The museum also displays interesting architectural pieces like centuries-old furniture and stained glass windows, in addition to more modern paintings, prints and drawings, sculptures and photography. What's more, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art showcases different exhibitions every year across a variety of mediums; check the site for upcoming exhibits during your visit.

Visitors are consistently impressed with this museum, saying they could spend hours perusing the interesting art. Recent travelers called out the massive sculpture park for its host of unique installations and said the grounds were delightful to stroll on a nice day. Many said they also appreciated that there was no fee to browse this museum's extensive collection of works.

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Arabia Steamboat Museum

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In September 1856, the steamboat Arabia sank near Kansas City with 200 tons of cargo bound for towns in the west. In 1988, the Arabia excavation began, resulting in the astonishing discovery of pre-Civil War artifacts which are now on display. This unique museum has been featured in national television programs, magazines and in numerous newspapers.

Tours are conducted every half hour; last entry at 3:30 p.m.

Closed: Jan. 1, Easter, Thanksgiving and Dec. 24-25.

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RiverCityJville

Exploring the Heartland: Missouri River Cruises from Kansas City

• Date: May 29, 2023
• Time to read: 7 min.

Short answer for Missouri River Cruises in Kansas City:

Missouri river cruises in Kansas City offer scenic views, historic landmarks and narrated tours. Popular options include the 90-minute sightseeing cruise along the downtown skyline or the longer excursion to Parkville. Experienced boat captains and crew onboard provide informative commentary about this mighty river’s rich history.

How to Plan Your Dream Missouri River Cruise Experience in Kansas City

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that combines leisurely river cruising with the stunning scenery and lively culture of Kansas City, look no further than a dream Missouri River Cruise. With so many options to choose from, planning your perfect trip can seem overwhelming – but fear not! We’ve put together some expert tips and tricks to help you plan your ultimate Missouri River Cruise adventure .

1. Choose the right time of year

The first step in planning any successful river cruise is choosing the ideal season for your trip. In Kansas City, summer (June through August) offers warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities, while fall (September through November) boasts beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Spring (March through May) is also lovely if you don’t mind a little rain here or there. Winter cruises are not recommended due to snowfall and ice on the river.

2. Select your cruise line

Choosing which cruise company fits best with your interests can be challenging because most offer different itineraries on either end of the price spectrum. American Queen Steamboat Company provides luxurious rides on authentic paddlewheel boats, while Bristow Adventures specializes in eco-tours via kayaks or canoes – offering wildlife sightings beyond what other tours provide.

3. Decide how long you’d like to be aboard

Cruises offer various durations— anywhere from one day excursions up to ten days treks — so figure out whether a short escape just outside Kansas City does the trick or diving deep down its roots as part of more extended trips works better.

4. Consider additional amenity packages available during port stops

Many shore excursions offered by tour companies may interest tourists who want another layer added onto their vacations besides sight seeing– such as wine tastings at local vineyards near Hermann or hot air balloon flights over St Joseph’s rolling hillsides with Midland Aviation.. Make sure whatever package comes along complements all aspects ensuring maximum enjoyment from start to finish.

5. Plan shore excursions off the beaten path

Aside from organized tour-sponsored destinations like Mammoth Cave State Park and Museum in Glasgow, or Truman Library & Museum that offers interactive exhibits on America’s 33rd president, branching out is possible with a few Google searches beforehand depending on personal interests. Want to get up close views of breathtaking wildlife? Take a historical journey back through German roots at Missouri Rhineland wineries? Explore any number of smaller towns found along the river banks such as Hermann (known for its annual Oktoberfest) or Weston, known for whiskey distilleries and quaint B&Bs.”

6. Manage River Navigation Logistics

Plotting an effective route schedule should not be underestimated when embarking upon your own unique river adventure experience. Take into account types of locks which may slowdown transit times during certain cruising hours; planned dredging sites slated throughout seasons where some channel mobility could temporarily decrease capacity levels affecting passage through targeted areas; detours can also occur due to unforeseen maintenance work related but virtually necessary given how long ago these structures

Step-by-Step Guide to Booking and Embarking on a Missouri River Cruise in Kansas City

If you’re looking for a unique and refreshing way to explore the Midwestern United States, embarking on a Missouri River cruise is an excellent choice. Kansas City, located at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers, offers some of the most exciting river cruises in this region.

With so many options available for booking your Missouri River cruise in Kansas City, it’s essential that you know what to expect before you embark on this adventure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help make your trip unforgettable:

Step 1: Choose Your Cruise

The first thing you need to do is determine which type of cruise best suits your interests. Are you interested in historical tours or dining experiences with stunning river views? There are plenty of options available to select from such as Happy Hour Cruises that offer an exhilarating atmosphere after work hours or Dinner Cruises that provide elegant dining along with picturesque views. Some popular choices include “A Taste Of The Mediterranean” Cruise or Set Sail With Santa!

Step 2: Reserve Your Spot

Once you have decided which type of Missouri River cruiser is right for you, visit their website offering online reservations or simply call their customer service helpline for detail about dates & times by providing insight into availability etc.

You will be able to reserve your spot on-board without any hassle but keep yourself reminded by filling up all information as per company’s policies such as particular number people traveling together including infants/ children (if applicable).

Step 3: Pack Appropriately

Make sure you pack appropriately depending upon time and season while steering clear off clothing panic packing routine following ways: • Check weather conditions prior setting sail • Casual comfortable clothing during daytime excursions • Dress well- especially if opting Dinner Cruisers where dressing up formal will enhance experience. Don’t forget getting comfy-footwear along with-right accessories suiting specific style like hats,sunglasses handy sunscreen protection under hot sun glare can ensure good times ahead.

Step 4: Arrive Early

Allow for time to get through security checks and formalities as well as finding the parking lot before embarking. Since cruise timings are set, it’s better to be early than late. Arriving early allows one not only to prep themselves but also allows tour guides or customer service teams on board with enough space available for handling things smoothly during busy hours.

Step 5: Board the Ship

Take home an unforgettable experience by being able to board a Missouri River cruiser- allowing ample opportunity for astonishing scenic views of the area surrounding Kansas City!. Once aboard, start indulging yourself into conversing with fellow passengers, open-air decks around you in order to genuinely appreciate this magnificent journey .

Embarking on a Missouri River cruise is an excellent way to explore the natural beauty of America’s heartland while experiencing first-hand history & culture along its banks. Whether opting Dinner Cruise or Happy Hour Cruse that offer vivid red & orange sunset hues over wide waters lapping at shores, hopping onboard boat-based excursions will make sure dining out experiences don

Frequently Asked Questions about Missouri River Cruises in Kansas City: Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering a Missouri River cruise in Kansas City but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some frequently asked questions about Missouri River cruises that will help guide your decision-making process.

1. What is a Missouri River Cruise?

A Missouri River Cruise is where you get aboard a vessel and travel along the flowing waters of the iconic river surrounded by stunning landscapes and exquisite vistas as it cuts through different cities, towns and states in America’s heartland.

The concept has gained immense popularity in recent times as it offers unprecedented views of nature elements that might be difficult to access otherwise like lush green forests, historic structures on either side and other picturesque locations like waterfront gourmet restaurants or vineyards.

2. How long do these Cruises usually last?

Although various packages vary depending on what company you choose from for your adventure downriver, most cruises can take anywhere between two hours to four days depending upon how much time visitors would like to put into exploring the beauty of surrounding areas.

3. Are there any age restrictions?

There aren’t any official age restrictions per se when it comes to taking a ride down the majestic river thanks to its calm nature -but supervising minors below 18 years with caring guardians’ is generally suggested..

4. Can I bring my pets?

Most river cruise lines have strict policies regarding pets onboard due due lack of availability accommodation wise aboard ships although few exception may exist inform of small indoor dog breeds accepted inside kennels equipped onboard which will then relieve passengers from excessive worrying over missing their furry little friends back home!

5.What type of food options are available during this kind of cruising experience?

Food menus typically depends on length excursions hot bites and Beverages options such as beer , cocktails etc – may include comfort favorites with Midwest influences offered alongside well-known global cuisines! Furthermore for Health conscious people vegan , gluten-free dietary preferences all become catered offering lighter meals options upon request based on a meal plan.

6. What should I bring for the cruise?

Also depending on kind of activity aboard you can pack clothing items such as swimming gear, sunscreen lotion and wear comfortable shoes if planning to walk around scenic spots at shore points during off board halt; Above all, keep in mind that Missouri River cruises are captivating experiences offering miles of stunning environments, which aim to provide adequate entertainment and will allow for an enjoyable experience – whether with friends or family!

Kansas City’s river views present ideal backdrops whatever your interests- getting your tickets booked now will get you closer to the Blue Mountains, where your soul is sure to be stirred by fireworks shows against Mississippi Valleys’ tranquil golden sunset moments giving well-assuredly satisfy eyes & heart alike.

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Enjoy Your Time In Kansas City With An Unforgettable Gondola Boat Ride

Whatever the occasion, we have a fantastic package for you. You can make every event memorable with a tailored gondola boat ride package from Ambiance on the Water , whether you're proposing to your girlfriend, attending prom, celebrating a birthday, date night, homecoming, anniversary, or any other occasion. Please call or text us at  816-365-7101 for any special requests or other available times.

Our Romance Package

Show her you love her.

Give your special someone, or a friend, an evening to remember, and let them know how much you care by taking them on a romantic gondola boat ride in a Venetian style covered gondola along the Country Club Plaza River Walk. You will not be disappointed as you snuggle next to each other while gazing over the water along the River Walk from a whole new perspective.

• Private Gondola Boat Ride for Two
• Long-Stem Red Rose To Give To Your Special Someone
• Bottle of Sparkling Catawba (Non-Alcoholic Due to State Regulatory Laws)
• 2 Elegant Ambiance on the Water Wine Glasses (Yours To Keep and Take Home as Souvenirs)
• A Nice Box of Assorted Chocolates

Call or Text at  816-365-7101

Tips are kind of customary and greatly appreciated by your gondolier.

Price: $115.41 (including all Surcharges and Taxes)

Our Standard Package

A gondola boat ride for two, excellent for any occasion, proms, homecoming, or date night.

You will love your relaxing ride along the Kansas City Country Club Plaza River Walk in a Venetian Style Gondola Boat. Take your date, family member, or friend for a memorable ride along the water way. They will not be disappointed. It’s one of the best things to do either before or after your dinner at one of the acclaimed restaurants on the Plaza for your special evening.

• Long-Stem Red Rose To Give to Your Special Someone

Price: $69.24 (including all Surcharges and Taxes)

Our special occasion package, anniversaries or birthdays.

• Heart-Shaped Cake (Baked specially for you at our local bakery- includes Happy Birthday, Anniversary, etc.) *Must order two days in advance for weekdays and three days in advance for weekends.
• A nice handful of Helium-Filled Mylar Balloons

Price: $173.12 (including all Surcharges and Taxes)

For your eyes only package, a perfect night for that special someone — engagements • proposals • special occasions.

Are you planning to ask your special someone to marry you or just want to say something really special to someone? You can’t go wrong with this exquisite package. This is a unique experience that will make your special moment even more exciting. This quiet and romantic ride is one of the best places in Kansas City for your serene and romantic journey.

• Private Gondola Boat Ride for Two 
• Your Personal, Customized Message (Presented in a Unique Way)

**NOTE: Please call us after booking the appointment for further instructions.**

Price: $219.27 (including all Surcharges and Taxes)

Our group rates, group rate • 3-6 adults.

• Larger Groups Are Available (Call to schedule groups larger than six)
• Boats Will Hold 2-6 People (3 Minimum for Group Rate)
• Multiple Boats Can Be Linked Together
• Children 9-15 are $10, 8 and under are free! (Please call)

Price: (including all Surcharges and Taxes)

• 3 Adults - $92.32
• 4 Adults - $126.95
• 5 Adults - $138.49
• 6 Adults - $150.03

Call For Add-Ons

(each add on includes all surcharges and taxes).

• Long-Stem Red Rose(s) To Give To Your Special Someone
• 2 Elegant Ambiance on the Water Wine Glasses (Yours Keep and Take Home as Souvenirs)
• Handful Helium-Filled Mylar Balloons

Contact Information

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Kansas City, MO 64112

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15 Top Things to Do in Kansas City

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Kansas City, Missouri, is home to world-class shopping, places where you can sample famous Kansas City barbeque, entertainment like the riverboat casinos, and great museums like the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and the extensive collections of an antique toy museum.

Families will enjoy the 235-acre amusement park, Worlds of Fun, and the adjacent water park, Oceans of Fun.

Shop and Dine at Country Club Plaza

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With amazing shops, great restaurants, and those famed Kansas City fountains, the world-famous Country Club Plaza gets the top pick of the Kansas City's attractions and destinations. The Plaza (as the locals call it) was the first outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district in the United States and is wonderful any time of year.

Sit in the courtyard and enjoy an evening of jazz, or enjoy dinner and drinks on one of the many patios around the district, enjoy a romantic carriage ride, and be amazed by the Plaza Lights during the holidays . See why over 170 shops and restaurants make the Plaza KC's top destination.

Peruse the Art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum

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The world-renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of Kansas City's most treasured gems. With amazing exhibits both inside and out, the Nelson-Atkins boasts impressive collections with everything from ancient Egyptian sculptures to a Japanese collection with more than 2,000 works of art dating as far back as 10th century B.C.E. You can easily spend days looking at everything. Admission is free, although to see most special exhibits, a small fee is charged.

Visit the Animals at the Kansas City Zoo

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The Kansas City Zoo is a great attraction for those young and old alike. The Zoo is spread over 200 acres with habitats for over 1,300 animals. You'll see animals like penguins, polar bears, and orangutans covering species from all of the continents. The Zoo does have trams, shuttles, and a train but even so, you'll get in a lot of walking.

Savor Kansas City BBQ

Trip Savvy / Marianna Massey

When it comes to Kansas City, barbeque is the one thing they do better than everyone else. With rich traditions of dry-rubbed meats cooked to perfection and covered with spicy sauces, it truly is what made Kansas City "The Home of Barbeque."

Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que with its original restaurant housed in a repurposed gas station is a favorite with both locals and visitors. Another eatery serving up local barbeque is Jack Stack Barbecue - Freight House which serves a long menu of barbecue meats as well as fish and salads. Located in the Crossroads Art District, this historic converted Freight House has 25-foot ceilings, a fireplace lounge with full-service bar, and indoor and outdoor private dining.

Check Out Union Station

Courtesy of Union Station 

The fully restored Union Station is one of Kansas City's favorite attractions with plenty of great things to see and do. With everything from the fully interactive Science City and its famed Rail Exhibit to movies, planetarium shows, and world-famous exhibits. Visit traveling national exhibits, 3D movies on the Extreme Screen, or enjoy a cup of coffee or a nice meal in this beautiful, historic building.

See the Collections at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library

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Harry S. Truman was not only the 33rd president of the United States, but he was also an Independence, Missouri native. The Harry S. Truman Library in Independence is home to an amazing collection of over 30,000 presidential artifacts including everything from Presidential gifts that he and wife Bess received during his term of office, political memorabilia, and other artifacts from the Truman era. The Truman Library is also a well-known research library and has a massive collection of photographs, a motion picture collection, as well as a political cartoon exhibit.

Gamble at a Riverboat Casino

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You may or may not sail down the river, but you'll find some great gambling venues on riverboats. During the last decades of the twentieth century, many states began allowing riverboats to offer casino gambling, thus limiting the spread of casinos to the boats, while still bringing in some revenue to the states. Many riverboats are actually stationary barges that never leave the dock.

Even if you are not a gambler, the Kansas City Riverboat Casinos are also great places for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The casinos boast everything from great movie theaters and restaurants to concert venues, hotels, and spas. Some favorites are Harrah's Casino with its Voodoo Lounge hosting name entertainment, Ameristar with a great buffet and its Pearl's Oyster Bar. For relaxation, there's an amazing spa at Argosy.

Other riverboat casinos in Missouri are in St. Joseph, St. Charles, St. Louis, Caruthersville, La Grange, and Boonville. In addition, gambling at Indian tribal casinos is legal in Kansas. 

Visit the 18th and Vine Jazz District

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The historic 18th and Vine Jazz District is a fitting tribute to what put Kansas City on the map—world-famous Jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball. The district, which was resurrected in the late 1990s, is home to the American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Gem Theater.

With great restaurants and clubs like the Blue Note, jam sessions and great acts abound. There's always something going on at 18th and Vine.

Stroll Powell Gardens

Kelly Garbato / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Located just east of Kansas City , Powell Gardens is an amazing 900-acre botanical garden that boasts amazing displays of plants and flowers that are in bloom any time of year. The displays change with the seasons, so you'll never see the same thing twice at Powell Gardens and is beautiful year-round. Have lunch at their great Cafe Thyme or see their beautiful chapel, home to many weddings throughout the year.

Reflect at the Liberty Memorial and National WWl Museum

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Liberty Memorial and the WWI museum is the official WWI museum of the United States and honors those who served and sacrificed in WWI. This interactive exhibit shows the impact the war had on the United States. The museum and memorial serve as the leading educational institute and resource of WWI. Head to the top of the Liberty Memorial for some of the best 360 views of Kansas City.

Take the Family to Worlds of Fun

 Courtesy of Worlds of Fun

Worlds of Fun, a 235-acre amusement park in Kansas City, opened in 1973. Admission to Worlds of Fun includes access to Oceans of Fun, a water park adjacent to the amusement park. There's something for everyone from roller coasters and thrill rides, to Planet Snoopy for the little ones. Year 'round there are special events marking holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

See the Sea Life

From Stingray Bay to an undersea exhibit where you can view tropical marine life, SEA LIFE Kansas City has something for all ages to learn about and enjoy. There's a Turtle Rescue Center where you can get up close to Green Sea Turtles. A favorite is a special exhibit devoted to seahorses.

SEA LIFE Aquarium Kansas City is located in the center of Downtown Kansas City. You can find it in the Crown Center District, situated in the Crown Center Square along with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City. 

Discover LEGOLAND

SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center are both situated in the Crown Center Square in downtown Kansas City. Both attractions can be visited on a combination ticket. This indoor attraction includes Lego rides, a soft play area, a 4D cinema, and a gift shop. There are 10 build-and-play zones for the Lego enthusiast who wants to try building something new. Human-sized Lego characters stroll the building meeting visitors and posing for photo ops.

Find Out About Steamboats

Ian Morton / Flickr

At the Arabia Steamboat Museum, you can learn about steamboat history as you peruse salvaged items brought up from the Missouri River from the Arabia Steamboat which sank in 1856. The attractive museum, located on the river, offers guided tours where you can watch preservationists working on artifacts. Items brought up from the bottom of the river include clothing, fine china and carpentry tools, guns, and children’s toys.

Explore the World of Toys

The toys housed within the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures are said to be some of the worlds most valuable and rare. The collection began in 1982 when two private toy collectors joined forces. The present-day museum occupies 33,000 square feet and houses 72,000 objects. You'll find dollhouses, mechanical toys, and even political toys within this immense collection of antiques.

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Kansas City, MO

Arabia Steamboat Museum

In 1856 the steamboat ARABIA (#0311) was snagged and lost on the Missouri River below Parkville, MO. 132 years later the boat was rediscovered. The Arabia Steamboat Museum is featuring artifacts and the tragic history of the steamer Arabia.

Sibylle Randoll (check out her website Explories ) provided some pictures from her visit to the museum to give an impression of this fantastic museum, including the cover image above. Thanks, Sibylle!

Arabia Steamboat Museum www.1856.com

The museum is located in the City Market, take exit 2F (from I-70 west) or 2D (from I-70 east).

Privacy Overview

— OPEN FOR VISITORS —

The arabia steamboat museum, arabia's story.

The Steamboat Arabia was built in West Brownsville, Pennsylvania, at the boatyard of John S. Pringle in 1853. At 171 feet long, the Arabia traveled the Missouri river and transported passengers as well as carried up to 222 tons of cargo, including tools for the frontier, merchandise for general stores and federal mail. But navigating the Mighty Missouri was a difficult and dangerous business.

A variety of perils awaited the steamboat pilot as he carefully guided his craft along the river’s uncertain course.

The most treacherous of the many hazards were fallen trees lying hidden from sight just under the river’s surface. These “snags” crippled and sank hundreds of steamboats from the 1820s to the 1870s. On September 5, 1856, just outside of Kansas City, the Arabia hit one of these snags and sank in a matter of minutes. Thankfully, the 150 passengers and crew made it off the boat safely.

But the 200 tons of cargo were lost to the muddy river, not to be seen again for over 130 years.

In the winter of 1988, local A/C and furnace repair company owner Bob Hawley, along with his sons David and Greg, learned of the Arabia's story and discovered the boat's location. Years of erosion and shifting sand left the sunken paddleboat 45 feet underground and a  half- mile away  from the present channel of the Missouri River. They partnered with long-time friend and customer Jerry Mackey, who operated a local fast food chain. Shortly after, the fifth and final member of the team, construction business owner David Luttrell, came on board—and, together, these five men set out to recover the Arabia’s long lost cargo.

The four-and-a-half-month excavation resulted in the discovery of the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world. Beautiful glass bottles illustrate the care taken in producing containers for ordinary contents such as liquor or ketchup. Small-mouthed bottles contain preserved fruits for pies, as well as bright green sweet pickles. (They were still edible!)

These, along with buttons, beads, clothing, tools, weaponry ... all this and more was found aboard the sunken ship.

The treasures are housed at the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City's River Market—a collection that reveals details of frontier life seen nowhere else. A visit to the museum is a glimpse into the past. The contents of the Arabia’s cargo can fascinate a visitor for hours. Case after case, window after window, the world during 1856 comes to life in the everyday items recovered.

When the Arabia sank, some said she carried gold ... others said fine china.

What was actually discovered will amaze you.

© 2019 Arabia Steamboat Museum

400 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64106

(816) 471-1856  |  [email protected]

Body pulled out of Kansas City’s Blue River

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City, Missouri, Police and Fire Departments pulled a man’s body out of the Blue River Tuesday morning.

The call came in around 10 a.m. Sept. 17 reporting a body sighted there in the area of I-70 and Manchester Trafficway.

His body was recovered at 10:40 a.m.

There’s no word yet on whether police suspect foul play.

The person’s identity has not yet been released.

To get the latest news sent to your phone, download the KCTV5 News app here.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.

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KCMO police, fire departments work to recover body near Blue River

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is working with the fire department to recover a body near the Blue River.

Around 10 a.m. Tuesday, an obvious body was reported on the Blue River in the area of Manchester Trafficway and Interstate 70.

Police and fire crews are working to gain access and recover the body.

Train tracks, low water in the river and an old oxbow lake are complicating the recovery.

KSHB 41 News has a crew on scene working to gather more information.

This story will be updated as information is available.

If you have any information about a crime, you may contact your local police department directly. But if you want or need to remain anonymous, you should contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com . Depending on your tip, Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward.

Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker , which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy .

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Missouri Amendment 5: What to know about the Lake of the Ozarks casino ballot question

In November's election, Amendment 5 will ask Missouri voters if they want to allow a casino — plus a hotel, convention center and restaurants — on the Osage River near the Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks. The plan is led by Bally’s, which operates a casino in Kansas City.

Missourians, long restricted to sites along the Missouri or Mississippi rivers for casino gambling, will decide whether to add another river to that list during the Nov. 5 election.

Amendment 5 will ask Missouri voters if they want to allow an additional casino on the Osage River, near the Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks, on the south side of U.S. 54.

The plan is spearheaded by Bally’s, which operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a developer based in Eldon . The amendment is the result of a 10-year effort to build a casino and entertainment center at the lake. The site is part of the Eagles’ Landing development, which sits on both sides of U.S. 54.

The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow an additional casino on the Osage River. The plan also includes a hotel, a convention center, restaurants and other attractions. It would override a state law that only allows 13 casino licenses by adding a 14th dedicated to the Osage River proposal.

The proposal needs a simple majority statewide to pass. The revenue from the state’s gaming tax, estimated to be $14.4 million annually, will be allocated toward early childhood literacy efforts.

Official ballot title:

“Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

• allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue one additional gambling boat license to operate on the portion of the Osage River from the Missouri River to the Bagnell Dam;
• require the prescribed location shall include artificial spaces that contain water and are within 500 feet of the 100-year base flood elevation as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
• require all state revenues derived from the issuance of the gambling boat license shall be appropriated to early-childhood literacy programs in public institutions of elementary education?

State governmental entities estimate one-time costs of $763,000, ongoing costs of $2.2 million annually, initial fee revenue of $271,000, ongoing admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million. Local governments estimate unknown revenue.”

To read the full text of the amendment, click here.

The details of Amendment 5’s casino plan

Members of the Osage River Gaming and Convention Committee are the main backers of the proposal. The group has been eyeing a casino at the lake for years, toggling between pursuing the effort through the legislature or via a citizen-led initiative petition.

Since lawmakers have the power to place questions on the ballot for voter approval, that was one path the committee started pursuing in 2020, after it announced its plan for the Lake of the Ozarks development.

Former state Rep. Rocky Miller, a Republican from Osage Beach, initially spearheaded the legislative path to changing the constitution. After the bill failed in 2022 and 2023, the committee announced it would pursue the change through the initiative petition process.

Backers of the proposal say the destination will create 500 construction jobs and create 700 to 800 permanent jobs.

The city of Lake Ozark gave its backing to the plan in December. Local governments are estimated to receive around $2.1 million annually in admission and other fee revenue.

The state estimates it will take in $14.3 million in gaming tax revenue annually, which will be dedicated to supporting early childhood literacy efforts.

The amendment comes amid an effort from Osage Nation to build a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks. Osage Nation acquired land at the Lake of the Ozarks in 2021 and officially launched a plan to build a casino, which requires coordination with the federal government and clearance from the governor.

The years-long effort to get Amendment 5 on the ballot

After a 2009 fire destroyed a gambling riverboat, the backers of Amendment 5 saw an opportunity to launch a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks, the Springfield News-Leader reported .

The group of investors huddled with the intention of pursuing an additional license and getting voter approval to build on a new river.

By 2018, the investor group was ready to launch a citizen-led initiative petition effort to get voter approval for gambling on an additional river. But Miller suggested the legislative route because it would cost less.

After legislation struggled to get off the ground for a number of years, in part due to heavy opposition from Osage Nation, investors turned back to the initiative petition route, which was successful in 2024.

This story was originally published by The Beacon , a fellow member of the KC Media Collective.