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Once forgotten areas of the city, Kansas City's riverfronts are finally gaining momentum.
Kansas City Council just passed a $235 million financing package to help the Current expand CPKC Stadium and develop a larger mixed-use entertainment district along the Missouri River.
With the recent streetcar extension and new pedestrian bridge connecting the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park, paired with new developments on the West Bottoms and over the Kansas River, Kansas City is making its riverfronts into real destinations.
Find out how to explore Kansas City's most notable natural resources.
Rock Island Bridge
The Rock Island Bridge is a former railroad bridge connecting Kansas and Missouri over the Kansas River. Michael Zeller wanted to repurpose the long-abandoned infrastructure into a community hub, public crossing, and entertainment district.
"The Kansas River was industrial since the beginning of the city," said Zeller. "The stockyards were there until the 1980s. Nobody really wanted to be near the Kansas River because lord knows what we were putting in it, but that's all been gone half a century now. It's still kind of stuck in our collective imagination as an industrial river, but that's starting to change."
Zeller's vision came to life this year as the bridge reopened with the River House restaurant, American Royal Hall event space, and public spaces to hold community events like yoga, live music, and a farmer's market. Check the event calendar for upcoming dates and times.
The bridge is open daily from sunrise to sunset and access is free. Visitors must enter from the east side, near Hy-Vee Arena. Free street parking is available on American Royal Drive; paid parking is available in the West Bottoms Garage.
Leashed pets are welcome, except inside the restaurant.
- Where: 1799 American Royal Drive, Kansas City, Missouri
Cheer on your favorite team
The anchor of the Berkley Riverfront is CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current and the first stadium in the world built for a women's professional sports team.
Pro tip: Grab a ticket for a seat on the east side of the stadium for a unique view of both the Kansas City skyline and the Missouri River. Upcoming home games include July 17 against San Diego Wave FC and July 29 against Racing Louisville FC.
Just outside of the stadium is Current Landing, which hosts riverfront watch parties for Kansas City Current matches as well as some World Cup matches. Tickets ($15) include the live broadcast on the big screen, free parking, and food and drink options (for purchase). VIP upgrade options include an unlimited buffet and either non-alcoholic drinks ($35) or alcoholic beverages ($65). Check the event schedule for all upcoming watch parties.
Some parking is available for the Landing and for Current games, but you're better off taking the streetcar's new riverfront extension.
- Where: 1460 E. Front St., Kansas City, Missouri
Enjoy the waterfront
On the Riverfront Heritage Trail, more than 15 miles of walking and biking await. The trail runs from Kansas City, Kansas, to Berkley Riverfront Park with routes through the West Bottoms, the Westside neighborhood, Case Park, and the River Market.
The trail showcases old steamboat docks, Lewis & Clark's adventures, Kaw Valley, the Freedom Trail, Frontier Railroads, and Mayan culture to celebrate the Westside's Latin American roots. Historic markers along the trail help bring the rich history of these areas to life.
Berkley Riverfront Park is a vast expanse of greenspace and recreation along the Missouri River intended to foster community within the city. Grab a blanket to enjoy a picnic, take a walk, or gather a group for volleyball. Six sand volleyball courts are available for public use from sunrise to sunset, excluding when league play is happening (typically 5–10 p.m.).
Want a higher look? The Urban Boulder, located just east of the volleyball courts, invites climbers to enjoy its 38,000-pound climbing boulder — complete with routes and footholds. Access is free and open to the public. All skill levels are welcome; no equipment is required.
Kaw Point Park is a historic 10-acre park — complete with a theater, hiking trails, and a boat ramp — where the Kansas (Kaw) River flows into the Missouri. Famous as a stop for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, locals now enjoy this beautiful park for recreation with a clear view of the Kansas City skyline across the rivers. Located at 1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas.
If you'd rather be on the river than near it, check out KC Kayak for scheduled kayak floats and gear rental. Options include a five-mile route from Kaw Point Park (where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers merge) to the Riverfront Park boat ramp ($40/person) and a 15-mile route from Parkville to the Riverfront Park boat ramp ($60/person). No experience is necessary.
Interested in more water adventures? See our previous guide to paddling Kansas City's rivers, lakes, and waterways.
Grab a bite or beer at the Berkley Riverfront
Between the recent housing developments and CPKC Stadium, more eateries and bars have been popping up around the Berkley Riverfront. Hop off your bike and enjoy the offerings.
Show Pony is an upscale eatery serving breakfast Monday–Friday 6:30–10 a.m., and Saturday–Sunday 7–11 a.m. Try the Champion's French Toast (four slices of Madagascar vanilla and cinnamon sugar brioche Texas toast, with warm berry compote) for $14, or The Mane (a breakfast quesadilla with applewood bacon, chorizo, cheese blend, pico de gallo, eggs, salsa, and sour cream) for $12. Not an early bird? Dinner is available every night but Sunday, 4–9 p.m. Note: Show Pony is currently closed to the public until July 13 (while a certain World Cup team stays at the hotel next door).
A beer garden with a view? Yes please! Two Birds One Stone is a beer garden and restaurant right above the waterfront! You’ll find an extensive beer menu featuring craft beers, microbrews, and “dad beers,” such as Hamms, Garage Beer, and Pabst Blue Ribbon. Wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options are also available. The food menu includes salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, and more. Open daily at 1000 East Riverfront Drive.
Moonstone, located above Two Birds One Stone, features craft cocktails, small bites, dinner entrees, and desserts in a setting overlooking the Missouri River. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m.
Over at Current Landing, several eateries will be joining the fun soon. Among them Clementine's Ice Cream, Revel (upscale sports bar), Providence Pizza Co., Crows Coffee, and an Italian restaurant from Chef Nicholas Stefanelli, best known for the Michelin-starred Masseria in Washington, D.C.
