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Arabia Steamboat Museum

400 Grand Blvd · Kansas City, MO

Why you should go…

In 1856 the steamboat Arabia sank in the Missouri River; in 1988 a family dug her out of a cornfield with her cargo miraculously preserved. The result is a jaw-dropping time capsule of frontier life, boots, china, pickles and all. One of the most surprising museums in America.

  • #history
  • #steamboat
  • #artifacts
  • #family
  • #river-market

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Arabia Steamboat Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Shopping
    Foodie Favorite

    City Market

    Free

    KC's historic public market since 1857, farmers' stalls, global eats and riverfront charm.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Kansas City

    Free

    A Missouri River metro known for jazz and barbecue history, hundreds of fountains, and a walkable downtown.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Date Night

    Kansas City Helicopter Tours

    $50+

    Aerial sightseeing flights over the Kansas City skyline and riverfront.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    College Basketball Experience

    Under $25

    Interactive downtown Kansas City attraction with basketball skill games and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    American Jazz Museum

    Under $25

    In the historic 18th & Vine district, hands-on exhibits trace Charlie Parker, Ella, and Duke, with live sets in the museum's own Blue Room club.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

    Under $25

    The world's only museum devoted to the Negro Leagues, in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

    1.8 mi awayMore like this