Arabia Steamboat Museum

The Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City's River Market district showcases an extraordinary collection of artifacts recovered from the steamboat Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856. The vessel was discovered in 1988, buried beneath a farmer's field, and its cargo, over 200 tons of goods destined for frontier towns, was remarkably preserved. Visitors can see everything from pre-Civil War clothing and tools to bottled food and dishes, all displayed as they were packed. The museum tells the story of the recovery effort and provides a fascinating window into daily life on the American frontier. It's a unique, hands-on history experience.

Don't miss

• View the massive collection of 200 tons of preserved 19th-century cargo
• See the original steamboat hull and learn about the excavation process
• Examine everyday items like boots, buttons, and bottled pickles from 1856

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Arabia Steamboat Museum

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