Kaw Point Park — Attraction in Kansas City

A powerful blend of nature and history.

Kaw Point Park is more than just a scenic riverside spot—it’s a place where American history comes alive. Located at the confluence of the Kansas (Kaw) and Missouri Rivers, this 10-acre park marks the exact site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped from June 26–28, 1804. During their stay, they hunted, repaired boats, and documented the area's rich wildlife, including bison and the now-extinct Carolina Parakeet 2.The park honors this legacy with limestone seating etched with the names of expedition members, a memorial to Native tribes, and an amphitheater that hosts community events 1. It’s also a designated stop on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.Beyond its historical roots, Kaw Point has seen many chapters—from being a temporary refuge for the Wyandot people during their forced relocation,to serving as a WWII shipbuilding site, and later becoming a hub for riverfront restoration and recreation.Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful view of downtown Kansas City, Kaw Point Park offers a meaningful and reflective experience. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to connect with the deeper stories...

Sometimes I get rare opportunities to stop by places of interest or historical landmarks, today I was lucky enough to be able to see both.

Kaw Point Kansas

This is a stop along the Lewis & Clark Trail, which I have lucky been to both the start and end of their journey and many places in between.

L&C stopped here for 4 nights for repairs and to catalogue the area and make contact with some of the Kanza Indians, where Kansas derived it's name. The point is where the Kaw (Kansas) River joins the Missouri and then it heads to STL.

It was a very nice park and sobering at the same time, as you get to read about all the horrible things we did to the Native Americans and more locally the Kanza tribes.

I also learned that we use to have native parakeets here, the Carolina Parakeet lived in this area and L&C documented them, but they went extinct in 1918.

Really interesting place to visit, even if it's in a really weird, industrial part of town that is hard to find, I just...

Kaw Point Park is a fantastic spot to take in the beautiful Kansas City skyline, especially at night when the city lights create a breathtaking view. This location holds historical significance as it was a key stop for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. The explorers camped here for three days as they mapped the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, making it an important site in American history.

Beyond its historical relevance, Kaw Point is where the Kansas and Missouri rivers meet, offering a peaceful and scenic environment. It’s also a great spot for fishing, with locals often casting their lines along the riverbanks. The park features a well-maintained trail that allows visitors to walk, jog, or bike while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat during the day or an enchanting view of the illuminated skyline at night, Kaw Point Park is a hidden gem worth visiting in...