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The Riverfront Heritage Trail is located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. This downtown 8.6-mile trail showcases the city’s heritage, as well as its continuously redeveloping downtown areas. The trail also features connections that span west across the river into Kansas City, Kansas.
About the Route
Beginning at the northern terminus, the trail passes through the Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park. The area was previously used as a landfill and an industrial site but is now reclaimed as a riverfront park and used for cultural events throughout the year. The trail’s wide, smooth surface makes traveling through the park an easy experience. The perfect views of the Missouri River are not to be missed. The trail passes under the Heart of America Bridge and continues through the park, bearing right to stay on the trail. Interpretive signage tells the story and heritage of the Kansas City riverfront.
The Town of Kansas Bridge is at the southern end of riverside section of the trail. If the paved trail becomes broken and unpaved, you’ve missed the bridge and gone too far. To walk across the bridge, climb the stairs or take the elevator (hidden around the back side, near the stairs). Crossing the bridge, the route arrives in the River Market district of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Eateries are abundant in this area, and nearby museums and theaters provide cultural attractions.
Turn right onto West Third Street and follow the signs for the trail as it continues along the sidewalk. Turn left onto Wyandotte Street. Here, turn right onto West Fourth Street to make the journey west into Kansas City, Kansas, or continue south into Kansas City, Missouri (see directions below). To head west, follow the trail down Beardsley Road and over Forrester Road. Turn right onto Hickory Street and right again onto Eighth Street as you ride through this industrial neighborhood of Kansas City. Be sure to ride to the Riverfront Heritage trailhead at the end of Eighth Street. The trailhead features a Santa Fe railcar and a commemoration of the area’s history through four sculptures by a local artisan. The sculptures depict a slave family making their way toward Kansas, which was admitted to the United States as a free state without slavery in 1861. Interpretive signage commemorates the history and lives of African Americans who journeyed toward freedom.
From the trailhead, head north on Madison Avenue and follow the signage for the trail as it continues under I-70. Entering Kansas and crossing the Woodswether Bridge, a new segment provides access to Lewis and Clark Kaw Point Park. Or continue on to reach the westernmost terminus of the trail at Huron Park.
Heading south in Kansas City, Missouri, from Wyandotte Street, continue south down Wyandotte Street by following signs for the trail. Take care turning right onto West Ninth Street, as this section is on-road and the last block goes up a steep hill; beginners may need to walk their bikes. Continue straight for seven blocks until the route reaches Ermine Case Junior Park, where water fountains are available. The trail picks up to the left, but be sure to check out the statue of Lewis and Clark, located to the right and down the street, where parking is available. Within the park, an overlook not far along the trail provides views of the train tracks and the west side of the city, still undergoing development.
Continue south on Kirk Drive as you exit the park; the roadway soon becomes W. 11th Street. The trail becomes on-road again as it turns right onto Pennsylvania for three blocks. Car traffic can be heavy, as cars enter the interstate from this stretch of road, so take care. At the intersection with West 14th Street, bear to the right and use the pedestrian bridge path to cross over I-35. After crossing the bridge, bear right as the trail loops around a baseball field and through Mulkey Square Park. Cross another pedestrian bridge over I-670 to arrive at Jarboe Park, which has a community swimming pool. Follow signs for the trail, as it alternates between an off-road path and on-road segments with sparse (if any) car traffic. The trail continues, paralleling West Pennway Street. At the intersection with Summit Street, cross the road to follow the trail, turning right to travel down the left-hand side of Jefferson Street for another block, where the trail ends.
The Riverfront Heritage Trail runs between Berkley Riverfront (1298 River Front Dr, Kansas City, MO), Huron Park, Kaw Point Park (1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, KS), which all offer parking, and Jefferson St & Avenida Cesar E Chavez (Kansas City, MO).
Parking is available at:
Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
I biked the streets of KC which are all under construction. I did 21.5 miles. Never really found the trail & I looked. If you stay in town you can bike from a hotel.
If you start where the north east end of the trail is at ballys casino you will find A wide concrete trail with signage and benches. However, 1/10 of a mile end of the trail it’s all blocked off for construction of a stadium and a motel no way around. Back to the vehicle load up the bike and go to the next place you can get on. Ride for 1/4 mile stop for six flights of stairs. Fortunately, there is an elevator for bikers. However, at the top of the elevator, you’re right across a wooden bridge and it dumps you into a commercial industrial area With no signage or sign of a trail. This trail could be awesome but as it is, it sucks. that is totally lacking in a trail and any signage. I rode around for a half an hour in the industrial area, trying to find any sign of the trail. Finally, I gave up and turned around and wrote back. This trailer could be awesome
We started at Kaw point Park at the confluence of the Kaw and Missouri River. We rode across the Missouri River and rode downtown KC. Farmers market and Cliff drive. We did 25 miles total. Great urban and industrial areas to use as trail.
We started at the Berkley Riverfront Park because there is construction at Bally's KC Casino. Very nice trail with great features such as the elevator and wooden bridge. After this point the trail was very difficult to navigate which proceeded on rough broken pavement through a heavy industrial area. There were several construction projects going on (bridges) leaving road debris.
This trail needs signage and the unfamiliar rider should not need to rely upon GPS. A good surface cleaning would also help.
The part by the river that starts by the casino was nice but even on a quiet Sunday evening was difficult to navigate with the walkers and scooters. The elevator is still broken so the bike gets carried up 6 flights of stairs. Beautiful views of the river. The path through the city is not clearly designated and mostly up hill. We gave up and turned around but still loved KC.
Nice Trail, not always the best marked. Lightly used.
Spent way too long to give this trail a go. Good access from i35. Really a safe looking area at least during the day. Since go there I have gone there weekly to either Skate or jog. I haven't made it up the stairs and over the bridge as of yet though. Only Complaint, they need to add on! Take it past Isle of Capri on the other side of i35, looks easy to do.
We got on the trail at the Riverfront Park and headed west. It's a great trail. We had not gone very far when the trail ended at a tall set of stairs that we would have had to climb with our bikes. No way.There is an elevator but no way to operate it. Is there no other way to continue west?
Nicely maintained trail minutes from downtown Kansas City. Peaceful and quiet, with only moderate activity from other users.
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