Fascinating museum - the collection of artifacts found in the wreck of the Steamboat Arabia, including the personal story of the team that discovered the wreck. The sheer volume of artifacts is amazing and continues to expand as they restore and preserve items (intact jars of pickles, dishware collections, rubber boots, clothing,...). The layout is nice as it walks visitors though the modern discovery of the boat and object recovery before displaying and interpreting the artifacts from the boat and its cargo. My only reason for the 4 stars is the interpretation. Mention was made of Bloody Kansas and one display of guns specifically addressed the violence surrounding the question of if Kansas would be a slave or free state. A portion of a display addressed slaves working on the riverboats. While the men's entertainments aboard were addressed, little time was spent discussing the women aboard, seemingly assuming that they all were women going west to join their husbands? Admittedly, this museum is over 20 years old and our standards of presenting balanced interpretation of thorny historical topics while attempting to represent diverse voices have changed, but I would have liked to see a more nuanced discussion.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

I am a long-time fan of the Arabia Steamboat Museum and have visited multiple times. It's my favorite place to take out-of-town guests. As a totally unique representation of life and materials from the 1850s, I count it as a not-to-be-missed attraction. This last visit, though, we met a young lady who is simply exemplary. Holly, who is a docent/staff member working in textiles reclamation at the museum, was absolutely STELLAR in talking with us about the fabrics the museum has been able to restore, and the methods they use to do so. I'm very interested in textiles, and I found her information absolutely fascintating! I know she's extremely busy, as are all the museum personnel, in working on the reclamation still to be done, but she took the time to talk with us and answer all our questions thoroughly. She was friendly and genuinely happy about our interest in the fabrics, and showed us several samples she was currently working on. I heard she is planning a workshop in November about textiles reclamation/restoration, and I can't wait to attend! The Arabia Steamboat Museum continues to be a star in the cultural constellation of our metro area, and I'm so happy to support it! Thanks to everyone on staff for such a wonderful place to visit and learn!

The Arabia Steamboat Museum is one of the more memorable museums I've ever been to. I've been to museums where you could see the technicians working on artifacts behind glass. And I've been to museums where you have docents who talk about artifacts. In this museum you have an opportunity to speak directly to the curators and technicians. The down-to-earth story behind finding the Arabia steamboat and uncovering it is the stuff of legends. That the team of local people who did this amazing thing turned around and kept all the artifacts together in this museum is remarkable. It's unheard of to my knowledge anyway. So many artifacts in a variety of conditions that can be not only be examined examined and studied, but also simultaneously appreciated by the public. This place has great historical significance, both for the generation of the steamboat itself and also of the generation that uncovered it. If you're interested in American history, or steamboats, or a myriad of other cultures that traversed the path from Kansas City to Oregon along the Columbia River, then this museum is a must-see.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

The museum had many stages with monitors that show clips of a boat wreck story the museum portrays. The walk is about an hour-and-a-half and the tour is said to be the length of a football field (even though it doesn’t seem like it.) The large water wheel in the entrance is entirely displayed once you go down to the lower level of the museum, which is impressive. The wooden floors will give you the feeling of being inside an old-fashioned steam boat as it creaks and moves in a fragile state. They really did try to make an average boat wreck seem like the wreck of the century, but I only really just saw average household & local shop items. The engine parts and excavation process was more interesting than the artifacts and that's just my opinion. There are about 2 staff members that are available to answer any questions about the tour and the . It’s not as lively, they can work on being more involved with the visitors. All-in-all, the museum was detailed and informative, not the most exciting though. They get a 3.5 from me.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

So many artifacts from this sunken steamboat! It's a fascinating window into a slice of life in the 1850s. Very cool to see the preservation work continuing. The self-paced tour begins with four stations that each play ~5-minute videos, then there's a longer video in a theater, then free range exploration of the rest of the museum. All of the videos are optional, or you can go back, if you just want to skip ahead to see the exhibits. Our group had some reductant museum-goers, but this offered a little something for everyone in our group: human interest stories, history in context, geology, science and engineering, arts and culture. The gift shop is the beginning where you can purchase admission and the tour ends there as well. The staff members here were kind and informative. We parked in front of the museum (off Grand) and it was easy to pay for 2-hour parking online ($2.29), and that was just the right amount of time for our group. Worth a visit, especially if you want an outing with out-of-town guests.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

My kids and I watched a documentary on the Arabia and we’re thrilled when we realized we could visit the museum. After driving all day, we arrived just 40 minutes before close. The lady issuing tickets forewarned us that was probably not enough time to really experience the whole museum and asked if we would be there in the morning. I informed her we wouldn’t be and she issued the tickets. The guide downstairs was pleasant and welcoming and helped guide us to the most important parts of the tour. It was fascinating to see what steamboat cargo from the 1800’s looked like, and was thoroughly educational for my kids!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

My husband and I saw this as an entertainment option for our visit to KC, and it was both of our favorite place that we visited. It far exceed our expectations. The staff are kind, knowledgeable, and approachable. We even got to talk to Jerry, one of the men who excavated the Arabia, when he was on his way home for that day. The condition of the artifacts was jaw dropping. My husband and I both teared up at multiple times, overwhelmed by the history, story, and impact of the museum. We will definitely be back to visit!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

So cool! We took my 2 year old and 9 month old. The baby could have cared less but liked looking at people but our 2 year old loved the giant water wheel and some of the other bigger things. My husband and I thought it was so interesting what good condition it all was in! They had such a nice little gift shop with some old school toys which felt very appropriate. We didn’t find any changing tables in the community bathrooms for this little area. Maybe they have them and we couldn’t find them…
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Great place to take the family. We saw people of all ages at the museum. They have lots of videos for you to watch and learn about the steamboats, lots of artifacts on display. What i found interesting is they were still cleaning stuff and they did it right in front of you. The scientist that was working on a wagon wheel was puzzled because the mollusk were only eating the metal part of the wheel, not the wood...which is just weird. We spent about 90minutes, maybe 2 hours going through everything. Very unique attraction for Kansas City.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very interesting to learn about the sinking and then re-discovery of this steam ship. Plenty to read and look at. Actual parts of the ship as well as the cargo(and there A LOT) You can just stroll through at your own pace. This could take several hours depending on how much you want to stop and read the signage. We took a little over an hour but we had to pay for parking so we went through quickly. If you go to the "center lot" parking is free.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

My mom and I stumbled across this by accident. We are from Washington, MO and we’re in KC for 2 days and were looking for something to do. We were going to the Wizard candy shop and then we’re walking around the mall when we found it. We had to to the museum. Very educational and very exciting to learn something new. Never learn about Arabia steamboat in school. I feel like we should as it is apart of American history. Staff was very friendly and will to answer all questions.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is an absolute gem for Kansas City, rich with both local and national historical significance. Not only does this well preserved collection share incredible insight of American frontier life prior to the Civil War, but guests are treated to an incredible story of how 5 average individuals and their families banded together to accomplish the unbelievable. The gift shop is a little hokey, but the real treasures are in the museum beyond.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

I grew up in Kansas City and had no clue that this place existed. What an amazing place to visit! What an incredible piece of History we have in our city. This is a very cool place to visit! You learn about this piece of History in a modern way. And it's like stepping back in time when you step into the museum. It's absolutely amazing. All the artifacts that were recovered. This is a fun place for little kids through adults.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

So unexpected and seems like a local gem! My Uber driver confirmed it’s on the school field trip circuit (or at least it was in the 90s ). Great storytelling of the era, the discovery and excavation, the lives of the travelers, and the preservation of so many artifacts. It just kept going! Probably spent about 60-90 minutes here and and was one of maybe 5 people in the museum on a Tuesday afternoon. I really loved it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Always heard of the Arabia Exibit but never visited. On our recent trip back to Kansas City our friends invited us to go. Wow! I was so impressed and recommend anyone who has never seen this exibit to make plans to do so. Like many have stated meeting Jerry one of original excavators was a highlight. He was such a delight to listen to as he shared his expertise on the ships cargo. We throughly enjoyed our visit!⁹
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Took a group of 8 friends here and everyone was impressed with the informative manner in which they have displayed process and artifacts from the salvage of this steamboat. Fascinating story, beautifully restored cargo, and good discussion with restoration professionals. Liked the way videos were used at early stations to convey background info and keep groups moving through the museum. Highly recommend!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

We went into the museum with only 1 1/2 hours before closing. Every step down to the displays, the videos well-timed to the layout of displays was wonderfully organized, but also so informative. As we had limited time, we’ll be going back again to catch more video, or rewatch, or just speak with one of the original men’s relative who spends time there answering questions. Very, very fascinating!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

We stumbled upon this awesome museum while traveling cross country for a move. You buy the tickets in the gift shop and go below for the museum itself. Tickets are a little pricey for adults. Not all of the audio video was working and it could be a touch more accessible for kids, but we learned a lot about the time period (1850s) by walking through the exhibit. My kids were fascinated by all the artifacts.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$11–15

The museum is pretty cool. There wasnt much of the original steamboat frame or timbers, but the display of all the goods found from that time are nicely cleaned up and displayed. I will say the museum is inside the city market area which made it near impossible to park within 5 blocks of the museum. There is no museum dedicated parking, and its not free.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

The museum was extremely well done. The exhibits were nicely displayed and pretty self-explanatory, but there were employees, including Jerry, one of the original excavators, walking around telling stories, and pointing out details the signage didn't tell. That was probably my favorite part. It took us about 2 hours to go through the entire museum. The price is very reasonable, and definitely worth it. Made a great homeschool field trip.

Very interesting even though I am not much of a history buff. We got to meet two members of the original excavation team and one of their sons. Amazing how so many articles survived being buried for so long. I highly recommend visiting the museum and bringing kids that are old enough to understand what it's all about.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Absolutely amazing collection! What a lot of work restoring all the items that went down with the ship. A true glimpse of the past way of life. Met Dave who actually found the ship He is a wealth of info on all the items and back story as well. Very reasonable admission, don't skip this one! A gem!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

This was a perfect stop on my road trip from Columbia, MO to Wichita, KS. The story of the excavation is told well in a series of videos, and the collection of recovered artifacts is fascinating. The museum suggests that it will take about an hour and a half, which was pretty accurate.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

We have been wanting to visit for a few years and finally took the time. What a thrill to dive into the history of the river boats on the Missouri River. The displays are very well done. The one area shows the size of the boat in real time. Awesome! Don't miss it!
Price for entry
$16.00
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Ticket type
Senior

This was fantastic, staff are very informative and very friendly. This was a wonderful experience and can’t wait to watch the next dig live! Great collection can’t believe the quality of the collection of artifacts! Have to stop and see this when you’re in Kansas City! Awesome
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Very cool museum! Blown away by the story behind the Arabia Steamboat and all the items recovered. Enjoyed the videos and lingering over the displays. Lots to see and learn. Lots of variety for places to grab lunch or a refreshment nearby. Highlight of our trip to KC.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Ok so this was a really cool place to visit. Cost $15 to get in. But the exhibits were really informative and it was pretty cool to run into Dave that was part of the Dig. Found out about it when I was in parkville they have a sign right across from the dig site.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

The Arabia museum was very cool if you enjoy history and see old artifacts. I’d say you don’t need more then 90mins to watch all the videos and walk though. The recovers artifacts are very well keeps and you can still see all the detail on the objects.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

We reserved in advance & went as a group of 9. It had been a few years since I'd been there, but really enjoyed seeing it all again! It is an amazing & well-displayed collection and a glimpse back into life in the 1800s. A historical gem!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

This is an outstanding exhibit and a phenomenal story of how the Arabia was found and how the artifacts were recovered. The excellent condition of the items was astounding. I returned a 2nd day to tour the exhibit - well worth the price of admission. Thanks to the folks who chose to share this treasure with everyone. More

Cool museum with a lot of interesting history, and a lot a of cool artifacts from the boat. The only drawback is the admission price. A little steep at close to $18, but not the end of the world.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

This is an awesome museum! They laid it out just perfect. I really enjoyed seeing all the artifacts they recovered from the steamboat. I would really recommend this museum if you are in the KC area.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

I love this museum. Lots of history and got to talk with one of the family members that did the excavation. They still have a lot to preserve and put out especially clothes. The videos are great too
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

A fascinating museum deserving of multiple visits- I've been going for almost 30 years and still see new things. Friendly and knowledgeable staff very responsive to questions. A true gem!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

This museum does an excellent job of showcasing life on the river in the 19th century. What they discovered well excavating for the steamboat Arabia is absolutely fascinating. I enjoyed the friendly and engaging staff that were walking around some of the exhibits adding extra knowledge tidbits to the experience.

Fantastic experience! Wife and I planned a short visit for something to do and ended up spending two hours there. The surviving family who was a part of the project and dig was there and was very generous with his time and description of the immense collection. Well worth the time and price of admission.

Great museum in Kansas City. It definitely takes you back in time to what traveling down the great rivers of the country really was in the 1800s. Worth the visit and it's great that it will be staying in KC.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Great museum. It starts with a guide tour and then they let you wander around. Gift shop sales mainly tourist trap souvenirs. I would recommend that the owners make reproductions of the items they found on the Arabia. Otherwise this museum should be on your must see list for KC.

What an absolutely amazing experience! This was an incredible museum, thoughtfully laid out and extremely informative. The whole time was just one big WOW! Would definitely recommend!!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$11–15

This museum is definitely worth the trip! The interpretive videos are very well-produced and the artefacts are well maintained and artfully restored. If you are a history nerd with a spirit of adventure and an appreciation for treasure hunting, this museum is for you More

I'm so glad we visited! Exhibits walk you thru with photos how they located and excavated the steamboat. My kids were interested the whole time as well! Ages 9 and 12. Highly recommend!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Better than I'd anticipated. You can't get a feel for the size when you walk into the building (you buy tickets at the souvenir shop counter, tickets are I think $15/person for adults) and then proceed downstairs. As you go down, there are

I was skeptical at first but I decided to give it a try and walked away feeling educated and impressed. The story of the Arabia Steamboat, her search team, their dedication and the time, money and effort they put in to locate the wrecked

A great museum with lots of history. It's family owned and run. This is an absolute must see if you like history and/or antiques. There's a guided start to the tour. Then there's a 14 minute short movie followed with the remainder of the

Pretty rad place. Learned a lot of the history. The price was a bit high for admission but I think it was worth it.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

It was great the first visit a couple years back. It's better now. A nice slice of American history for the common folk. A rare find these days. Show what a few locals can accomplish when motivated. Do yourself a favor and visit More

This was very interesting. Maybe I’m enjoying history more now that I’m older. There were short videos in the beginning that talk about the history and who eventually recovered all of the artifacts. A must see if you are in the area.

Love the history of this place. It is great for gun and tool collectors too. Many different antebellum makers and maker marks. Henry Disston saws, authentic Russell knives, lots of axe head patterns from around the eastern US. More

Very cool museum with an amazing display of artifacts! One of the gentlemen that found the steamboat was there telling stories! Fascinating glimpse into the past! Worth your time!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

I LOVED this museum. There are videos to watch and displays to see. It isn’t very big but if you’re a fan of old stuff and getting a glimpse into the life of your ancestors, you’ll enjoy viewing the commodities they used to buy.

A lovely way to spend an afternoon, museum is interesting and presents well.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Very neet to walk through. Loved looking at all the items they found.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Great little museum that totally blew us away! The historic story is fabulous, but the artifacts they saved for generations to come are remarkable. It's worth the time to visit. Loved it. More

Excellent museum with many interesting and interactive displays
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

What a gem this place was. Lots of history was preserved in great condition. Great to see all this
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Loved the place! Great place to bring kids.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Very cool museum! Seeing the treasures found was my favorite part!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Very nice museum. The stop is well worth it the amount of merchandise recovered and restored is utterly amazing. Great job by the family and team.

Love it! One of the best museums I have ever been to! Adore the story!

HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE!!!