Riverfront Heritage Trail

Riverfront Heritage Trail is a hodgepodge of ten miles of sidewalks, bridges and roads that artificially connect to create links between several historical sights and existing parks in the downtown area and is liberally scattered with public art. I would call it more of a walking tour than a trail. That description might sound harsh and un-natural yet I'm very glad that it was created to highlight some parks and historical sites that are often overlooked by residents and certainly visitors. I have only walked small sections of the trail at different points, but have visited all of the connected parks and taken in the cool artwork and sculptures scattered amongst the trail. The standout destinations that I often visit are the two pedestrian bridges. One crosses I-670 near Mulkey Square Park on the Westside. It offers a great view of the west Bottoms and downtown with a "riverlike" walkway and a large sheet metal sculpture of birds entitled "Flock". The other bridge is the Woodsweather Bridge - it crosses the Kaw river and is the singular pedestrians only bridge that crosses either of the two major rivers in our city. A perfect place to see vistas of both rivers, Strawberry Hill and downtown KCMO from vantage points often not seen. This bridge is also adorned with multiple sculptures from local artist and restauranteur "Stretch".Other highlights of the RHT include: Berkley Park and The Town of Kansas Bridge. The bridge crosses the railroad tracks and allows great views of the Missouri River and Heart of America, Buck O'Neil, Kit Bond, ASB, and Hannibal Bridges. Case Park. A fantastic overlook of the rivers and a beautiful sculpture of Lewis and Clark and company. Kaw Point. Where the Kaw meets the Mighty Mo and offers the best view of downtown KCMO. River Bluff Park. A view of the river and dug-out canoe replica. Riverfront Heritage Trailhead. Offering historical markers and artwork depicting Kansas City's role as a rail hub and a gateway into the free-state of Kansas for slaves.Riverfront Heritage Trail is made great by a collection of small pocket parks, amazing views of our iconic rivers and skyline, tons of public art, signage that commemorates and explains our complicated history and a link that connects divergent neighborhoods and our 2 states.