Discover Riverside

There are many reasons to explore Riverside: paved park paths and longer routes along the Missouri, an archaeological site, and recreational activities both outdoors and indoors. Which places you include depends on whether hiking or cycling, visiting a park, history, or an indoor activity is your priority. The trail lengths and destinations differ significantly, making them easy to distinguish.

Parks and trails along the Missouri

E.H. Young Riverfront Park offers 1.3 miles of paved park paths and a riverwalk along the Missouri River. The paved paths are a different option from Riverside’s longer multi-use routes. The same park has a large playground with a zip line, two-story slides, and a hillside slide. The play areas are intended for children ages 2 to 12. The park therefore combines riverside paths with a dedicated play area, without blending the two into a single activity.

The Missouri Riverfront Trail is 4.8 miles long and designed for hiking and cycling. It runs near E.H. Young Park, over the Quindaro Bend Levee, and on to English Landing Park. It was the first trail in the Kansas City area to use the top of a levee for hiking and cycling. The main access point is the West Trailhead on 9 Hwy West, at the second entrance on the left after N Mattox Road. Check the official trail status information before setting out.

The Linear Trail is listed as a shorter route at 1.3 miles long. It runs along NW Platte Dr in Riverside and connects Riverside with Briarcliff in Kansas City. The trail offers a direct view of Riverside Waterfall. The two 1.3-mile figures therefore refer to different types of paths: paved park paths in E.H. Young Riverfront Park and a route along NW Platte Dr connecting to Briarcliff. At 4.8 miles, the Missouri Riverfront Trail is a different length and runs over the levee to English Landing Park.

Archaeological history and recreational activities

Renner Brenner Park is home to a prehistoric archaeological site listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. During the Hopewell period, dated from 1 to 500 AD, the site was a regional center for Indigenous people. This historical focus differs from the routes along the Missouri: here, the archaeological significance of the site is the main attraction. The park also serves as a starting point for the Line Creek Trail.

Morton Amphitheater is also connected to the Missouri Riverfront Trail. Bicycle parking is located near the trailhead. The amphitheater in Riverside provides an outdoor setting for private concerts. If you want to plan your visit around an event, check the latest visitor information: arrangements on event days may change.

For an indoor activity, there is River Roll Skate Center, an indoor roller-skating rink in Riverside, Missouri. This offers a distinct indoor activity alongside the trails and outdoor recreation. These different places give you a clear choice between a park with play areas, hiking and cycling routes, an archaeological site, concerts, and roller skating.

Discover more destinations: Ferrelview, Platte City.

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