River Market is an animated, energetic and historic district of Kansas City. Spend a day exploring its bars, boutiques, cafés, galleries, markets and restaurants. Located on the banks of the Missouri, River Market is an extension of Downtown Kansas City. Formerly called Westport Landing, the neighborhood operated as a trading dock and in the 1850s was where John Calvin McCoy established Kansas City.
Lining the streets are dozens of retail outlets, many of which are housed inside renovated warehouse buildings. Browse antiques stores, art dealers, handicrafts shops, jewelers, spice shops and tailor-made clothing retailers. Pass the Kansas City Artists Coalition to see exhibits of ceramics, paintings, photographs, sculptures and other art forms by local artists.
The district offers one of the city’s most diverse culinary scenes, with everything from Chinese to Ethiopian, French, Mediterranean and traditional American food available. City Market has been providing farm-to-table opportunities to its legion of loyal visitors since opening in 1857. Dozens of stands, including a barbecue joint, coffeehouse, Middle Eastern market and sports bar, open daily. Shop for fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables during the weekend farmers market.
Within the market is the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Experience life aboard a 19th-century paddle steamer, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856, via exhibits salvaged from its wreckage. Check the market’s official website for events such as cooking classes, live music and vintage car shows.
Walk to the waterfront, where the scenic Riverfront Heritage Trail connects Riverfront West park with Berkeley Riverfront Park. Sit a while and admire the triple-arched Buck O’Neil Bridge and the two-level ASB Bridge.
Reach River Market by walking for 15 minutes from Downtown Kansas City or by riding a streetcar. The KC Streetcar is a free service that travels along Main Street from City Market to Union Station. It stops in the Financial District, Power and Light District and Crossroads Arts District. Free parking is available at City Market.
