134 votes

Arabia Steamboat Museum

400 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 USA

5
Photos

$$$$

Reasonable

Closed Now

Opens Thu 10a

Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms
Outdoor
Seating

“Discover 200 Tons of Buried Treasure!!!”

This cargo steamboat, laden with 220 tons of merchandise destined for settlers out west, sank in the Missouri River in 1856, where it remained preserved in cold mud until it was excavated in the 1980s. A virtual time capsule of the 1850s and one of the best collections of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world, the museum provides a look at frontier life, with displays of the steamboat's cargo, from china and hardware to jewelry and leather boots (900 shoes and boots alone are on display). Tours begin with a film of the excavation and restoration of parts of the boat (which are now on display).

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Reviewed by
danierobotz

7 Reviews
1 Helpful

April 25, 2018

Rated 3.0

Probably better for kids than adults.. I went with my parents (60’s) and we were all meh

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Reviewed by
mamasa23

4 Reviews
1 Helpful

January 25, 2018

Rated 5.0

While not free the collection & history found here as well worth the cost. Tour guides are full of so much detail they leave little question. It's very fascinating to get a glimpse of what life was like in the prairie mid 19th century. With plenty of places to eat nearby this is a place you could spend the better part of a day.

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Reviewed by
Chewy0417

4 Reviews
0 Helpful

July 06, 2017

Rated 5.0

What a gem!! My husband and I were headed to Colorado and figured we'd make the stop and take the tour. We were pleasantly surprised and loved it. Located in an adorable market area of Kansas City. Would suggest it to anyone that has a love of history.

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Reviewed by
theincredibles

4 Reviews
0 Helpful

June 21, 2016

Rated 5.0

A bit pricey for a large family but informative. The large collection of items from the Arabia is fascinating and the displays are done well. We got to meet one of the men who found and excavated the site, that was neat. It is a clean and friendly place with a knowledgeable and friendly staff! Very clean restrooms too. We had young school aged kids, teens and adults, each one enjoyed the visit. A good stop to see and learn about a portion of American history that is not often taught.

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Reviewed by
JanetHill

4 Reviews
0 Helpful

March 14, 2016

Rated 5.0

Seeing this collection of actual merchandise from the mid-1800s that's been buried in a sunken riverboat for over 150 years not only altered my perception of American history, it blew my mind! Absolutely a must-see, and if you're lucky you'll even get to meet one of the people who helped dig up this treasure.

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