Not far away from the Hyatt Regency Crown Center In Kansas City, Missouri is the Arabia Steamboat Museum, located at 400 Grand Blvd. If you can capture time in a bottle or museum as it is, then they have done so at this unique museum. We enjoy discovering the unexpected, which is what the Arabia Steamboat Museum is; a unexpected treasure that takes you back to a time when Steamboats rolled along the muddy Missouri river. It is the hard work and dedication of five steamboat enthusiast that makes this special collection possible. They believed in the impossible and continued their search for the missing ship until, one day, they found the unexpected treasure, which they now share with us in the unique museum.

The extensive collection of goods found with the remains of the sunken ship include leather-made clothing and boots, (items made of cloth dissolved over time) furs, china, and seed beads, which would have been traded with local Indians. The remains of this sunken steamboat represent the passion of the five men who invested their time and money in a dream to bring to the surface the remnants of history. It was a time when moving supplies from one point to another could be a treacherous task as is the case with the Arabia, that is one of many Steamboat's to sink along the river. 

If you're interesting in shopping while in the in the River Market district area or hungry for some fresh fruit step next door to the City Market. Through November, the City Market, hosts the region's largest farmers' market Saturdays with additional markets on Sundays and Wednesdays. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007, and is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants and merchants who offer distinctive gifts, flowers, home accessories and specialty foods from across the world. The City Market is also home to the 3rd largest outdoor concert venue in Kansas City where a variety of performers, including 311, John Mayer and Incubus have taken the stage. Visit the City Market website to learn more about the Market's Concert Series and headline musical acts set to perform in the near future.

Then there is another kind of treasure to be discovered while in Kansas City, Missouri; the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The new Steven Holl-designed Bloch Building is a work of art its self. The contemporary architecture of this all-glass building blends into the landscape along the eastern edge of the original 1933 museum building and the Kansas City Sculpture Park. What lies within are collections of contemporary art, modern art, African art, as well as special exhibits, and, the museum's newly acquired Hallmark Photographic Collection. At night the Bloch Building's come alive and transform into what resembles oriental lit with a soft glow. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art hosts a number of beautiful exhibits and special events throughout the year. It is defiantly worth visiting if you're going to be in Kansas City. 

Of course what would a visit to Kansas City be without trying some of their savory barbeque at the legendary Arthur Bryant. Barbeque is a big deal in Kansas City, which is clear in October when the "World Series of BBQ" takes place, featuring more than 500 teams that compete in Kansas City at the the American Royal BBQ Contest. For a steak fixed to perfection head to the Plaza III, The Steakhouse, Contemporary Cuisine at Michael Smith, or enjoy a taste of Italian culture at the Brio Tuscan Grille. There are a huge selection of dining options spread around the city, making it possible to try something new on every visit.

Plan Your Trip

For more information on events, attractions, lodging and dining while in Kansas City, Missouri visit the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association or call 800-767-7700.

 Contact the Missouri Tourism News Bureau at (800) 865-8285 for more information about Missouri attractions and special events year-round or visit www.visitmo.com. 

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