Kaw Point Park

Kaw Point Park is a hidden gem along the riverfront, offering some of the most striking views of the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and the downtown Kansas City skyline. The park’s natural beauty is especially captivating. Beyond the scenery, Kaw Point Park is steeped in history. Informational panels throughout the area tell the story of Lewis and Clark’s three-day encampment here in 1804, marking an important stop on their legendary expedition. Visitors can walk the interpretive trails, explore the native plant gardens, and imagine what the explorers might have seen as they surveyed this same landscape over two centuries ago. With its combination of scenic overlooks, historical significance, and peaceful atmosphere, Kaw Point Park is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience a meaningful connection between nature, history, and the city’s evolving skyline.

Such a staple of what kansas city represents. History and beauty. You get both in heaps at this little nugget of a public park in the Heart of the region. Ease of access. Ample parking. Seasonal restroom availability. Paved trails and boat ramp. And there are MANY historical and informative markers regarding native American habitation to Lewis & Clark's visit and encampment, to native plants and artful sculptures and rock placements. Lots of riverside fishing access for the angler of the family and boat access for boating and fishing. If you live in the area or are just visiting, you MUST stop by and see the views.

Really neat historic park. I've lived here for 38 years and had never been here. It has a really cool view of downtown from where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers converge. There's a lot of historic information as you walk the boardwalk trail.

Nice riverside park with outstanding views of the river confluence and downtown Kansas City, especially at dusk. There are some informational panels that highlight Lewis and Clark's three-day stop at this slot during their expedition in 1804. Other reviews mention a homeless population but I didn't see any during my visit. There was a bit of a smell from the rivers though.

Awesome and historical place to see Kansas City in all its glory. A hidden gem of a park just outside of downtown. It’s worth the quick detour to take in the awesome site. There were plenty of families and fishermen utilizing what the park has to offer. Parking was plentiful.

A beautiful and free park near downtown Kansas City with fishing, hiking, gardens, education, history, restrooms, picnic areas and all of the above! This is by far the best part I’ve seen in this entire area. More than enough places to park (for free). And even if this place is crowded, it’s pretty easy to find a place all to yourself. The park is also a beautiful site at night 🌚

I drive by this park every day on my way work and pull in every day to take a photo of the beautiful downtown skyline. Unfortunately, even though the sign states the park opens at 730, it is NEVER open at 730. The person in charge of opening the gate leisurely arrives around 8. Guess his sleep is more important than his JOB!! RIDICULOUS!!! Give me the key and I'll make sure it's open on time every day. This park smells bad and there's lots of homeless people here, too. But that view! It sure is pretty!! UPDATE: Two weeks later and still sloppy. This park is NEVER OPENED ON TIME!!!!

Absolutely gorgeous views. Bring a tazer or something though, lots of house-less folks around here who seem kinda strung out, they mostly stay under the bridge, though.

We were looking for a place to let the kids get out of the car, explore and burn off some energy. I actually found Kaw Point park on Google maps and there wasn't much information. This place was a little gem on our road trip. It is tucked behind an industrial building and at first I thought we were lost. But once you get there the grounds are beautiful and there is some fun history behind it as well. We walked the trails, climbed and had a great view of Downtown KC.

We try to visit any Lewis and Clark sites in areas we visit and it 3as nice to find an important one here. They camped at this point for 3 days on their trip up the Missouri River. It's a nice little park, good signage explains it and a nice path down to the actual point. People mentioned having difficulty finding it. Our GPS brought us right here. When you see the big silhouette on the industrial building you are there!

As an almost life-long area resident,l I can't believe that today was my first visit here! As a park: it has the obligatory nature trails, the plaques and monuments that explain the historical significance of the place; Lewis and Clark and the Corp of Discovery and the native inhabitants of the region that were forever changed by that visit over 200 years ago. The real magnificence of this place is the awe inspiring vista of downtown Kansas City, MO that it reveals from the point where the Kansas River meets the Missouri River. The width and power of the mighty muddy Mo is on full display here. This view shows us what nature and man are truly capable of. A panorama of history, dreams, commerce, potential and danger that has built this incredible city. A urban vantage point that is on par with looking at SF from Sausalito, Manhattan from Brooklyn or Seattle from across Puget Sound.

Went here with my Mom to catch some fresh air and also to see the Missouri and Kansas River merge together. It didn't smell like sewage and it was a perfect day to enjoy some sun and some breeze as well. I like how the park it has a small trail and you can ride your bike, scooter, push your kids in a stroller, and like in my case, pushing my mom in a wheelchair. Got a good view of downtown and you can see how high the river is too. Good place for a quick stroll around the area.

I've lived in KC for most of my life and had no idea this place existed! It's a beautiful park where the Kansas and Missouri rivers meet. It also happens to be where Louis and Clark stopped on their journey west. If you like history is well worth the visit. Keep in mind it is SO HARD to find this place. All my maps apps were not correct and the signage is awful. If you are driving into an industrial park you are doing things right. Just keep going and you'll get there.

If you're in KC looking for something to do, a way to enjoy a little nature, see a great view of the city, take a break from the city, go to Kaw Point. And if you're a photographer like me (although I highly recommend taking a good lens and tripod) go here at sunset or sunrise. Wow! It's a gorgeous gorgeous view. We went later in the day so I didn't hike the trail like I wanted to but it looks like it could be a good place to spend an hour hiking and taking it all in. My husband and I actually got kind of lost/confused trying to find this place. If you end up at the old entrance (behind a HUGE brand new factory building/mural coming off the wall/gate closed/you can see all these statues) there is another entrance closer to the bridge. Don't give up!

Gosh this little park... I am always at a bit of a loss when rating parks. I gave it 4 stars because it has a lovely view of the KC skyline across the river and nice walking paths. There seems to be an outdoor stage and seating, but for what purpose I could not imagine. However, I did deduct a star because getting there was a bit sketchy. I was looking for a place to sit and plan my explorings for the day so I googled "parks." The name was interesting and off i went. But then I ended up navigating an industrial area, feeling certain I was lost when gps directed me to go along the top of a levee. No, I am not kidding. So I managed to find my way around to the actual park entrance. I carefully trod down to the path from the parking area. (There's also a boat dock, but I would definitely be in the water long before intended - truck and all- as it was really tight.) I was very cautious but actually once I got my bearings I felt quite safe. I walked down to where the actual Lewis and Clark pointed down river, and continue to point to this very day. The river sailed by and there was still snow and ice even though it was a lovely day. It was a nice excursion after a busy traveling day. And I guess I found quite a bit to say after all!

This confluence is so darn cool. The water, although a bit murky, is mesmerizing to watch as it converges, ebbing and flowing around the big KC. And oh! the view is fantastic! The skyline is such a beautiful sight. I also quite enjoyed taking goofy pics with good ol' Cark and Lewis. We didn't do any hiking here but the trails seem straightforward and easy to navigate. It's shaded throughout with tall trees. The stones and signage provide a good informational history. I could spend some time here watching the sun against the horizon. Yes, I'm convinced this is one of the coolest historical and natural urban vistas I've ever seen.

Unless you are a history buff wanting to see the Lewis and Clark landmark, this park doesn't offer much. For one, it was incredibly difficult to find and not in an area that screams "safe". Secondly, it smelled like sewage from all angles. It's hard to take a breath without being knocked out by the stench. Better to save your time and energy and explore parks/rivers elsewhere.

Kaw Point is one of those weird places that make Kansas City special, yet no one in Kansas City knows about. The park has a short trail that runs right along the rivers. It is very well shaded with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view. They have a great spots to sit and have a picnic. There is a point at the beginning of the trail where the Kansas and the Missouri River meet which is a very cool spot. What elevates this spot on the trail is that it corresponds perfectly with the city scape. It is a bit hard to find located behind a where house but once you are there, it has plenty of public parking.

Kaw Point is simple, small, and a bit hard to find. It's nothing spectacular, but a nice place to see a slightly historic spot and get a decent view of downtown. It can be slightly hard to find the park, as you have to go through another parking lot and through the secret gates. But once there, there's plenty of parking, a boat ramp, and minimal "trails" (which are really just a few sidewalks and a boardwalk). The park won't fill a day, but make your way down to the point itself to see where the rivers meet, and peek towards downtown...past the lovely industrial sights and sounds. It's fine, but I wouldn't rush back.

Love it. I go eagle watching there. It's also fascinating to see where the two rivers meet but don't mix.

If you're looking for a great view of Kansas City, MO, look no farther than Kaw Point in Kansas City, KS. Located at the confluence of the Kaw and Missouri Rivers, it was a camping spot for the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1804. Today the park honors them and the Wyandot Indians that once lived there. Love the nature trail too and the Native American memorials.

confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. vantage point allows for full view of downtown skyline. local history regarding Kansa Native Americans, Lewis and Clark expedition documented. not necessarily snazzy however important to recognize.