Arabia Steamboat Museum

Learn about steamboats and see artifacts from a local sunken steamboat.

The Arabia Steamboat Museum is located in Kansas City's River District overlooking the Missouri River. This historic steamboat sunk in 1865, and many of its treasures were recovered from the Missouri River in 1988. Displays inside the museum include fine china, clothing, guns, children's toys, and even a jar of pickles. Arabia was built in 1853 in Pennsylvania and was 171 feet long. All the passengers and crew members survived, but their cargo and belongings sunk with the steamboat in a matter of minutes. After years of erosion, Arabia was found a half-mile away from the current Missouri River channel and 45 feet deep in the earth. You will be able to watch a video about the 4-month excavation during your visit to the museum. 

This museum has been around for over 25 years and is a popular attraction in the city. It has one of the largest collections of pre-Civil War era artifacts and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. Get a glimpse of the 1800s and discover the history of the Arabia Steamboat the next time you're in Kansas City, Missouri.