Boat Ramps: Best Entry Points To Kansas City Waters

Kansas City is home to a plethora of boat ramps, catering to both recreational boaters and fishermen. Most of the ramps provide access to major lakes, rivers, and waterways for public and private use. Some notable boat ramps in Kansas City include the Wyandotte County Lake ramp, the Kaw Point Park ramp, and the Leavenworth Riverfront Park ramp. It's important to note that while some ramps may not require a permit for non-motorized boats, a Kansas state permit is typically necessary for fishing and motorized boats on specific rivers.

Boat ramps in Kansas City, Kansas

Kansas City, Kansas, has several boat ramps that provide access to the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. Here is a list of some of the boat ramps in Kansas City, Kansas:

Kaw Point Park Boat Ramp

The Kaw Point Park Boat Ramp, constructed in 2004, is located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. It is open to the public and is a popular site for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. The ramp is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily. No permit is required for non-motorized boats, but a Kansas state permit is necessary for fishing and motorized boats on the Kansas River, and a Missouri permit is required for the Missouri River.

Other Boat Ramps in Kansas City, Kansas:

• Wyandotte County Lake: 3498-4350 East Drive, Kansas City, KS 66109.
• Leavenworth Riverfront Park: Riverfront Park Road, Leavenworth, KS 66048.
• Lake Olathe: 101-147 Ward Cliff Drive, Olathe, KS 66061.
• Jayhawk Marina: 400-498 North Webster Street, Spring Hill, KS 66083.
• Clinton Marina: 1406 North 800 Road, Lawrence, KS 66046.
• Melvern Lake Marina: 31267-31273 Marina Parkway, Melvern, KS 66510.
• Black Kettle State Fishing Lake: 1808-1862 21st Road, Kanopolis, KS 67454.
• Cheney State Park: 16000 NE 50th Street, Cheney, KS 67025.
• Gardner City Lake: 29667-30083 West 152nd Street, Gardner, KS 66030.
• Independence Park: 8165-8735 River Road, Atchison, KS 66002.

These boat ramps provide access to various waterways in and around Kansas City, Kansas, for recreational boaters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is always a good idea to check for any relevant permits or regulations before heading out onto the water.

Kansas and Missouri Rivers

The Kansas and Missouri Rivers are a hub for boating and fishing enthusiasts, with several boat ramps providing access to these waters. Here is an overview of the boat ramps and relevant information for boaters and anglers:

Kaw Point Park Boat Ramp:

The Kaw Point Park Boat Ramp, constructed in 2004, serves as a popular site for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. It is located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and is open from 7 am to 10 pm daily. No permit is required for non-motorized boats, but a Kansas state permit is necessary for fishing and motorized boats on the Kansas River, while a Missouri permit is required for the Missouri River. The park also hosts the annual "Missouri 340 Race," a fundraiser for the Missouri River Relief.

Kansas River:

The Kansas River, known locally as the "Kaw," offers a 173-mile stretch of water accessible to the public. It begins at the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers near Junction City and flows through major cities such as Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City before joining the Missouri River. As a designated National Water Trail, it provides a unique prairie river experience for boaters.

Missouri River:

The Missouri River, one of the longest rivers in North America, forms the northeastern border of Kansas, separating Missouri and Kansas. It flows through ten states, starting near Three Forks, Montana, and eventually meeting the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri. In Kansas, cities like Atchison, Leavenworth, and Kansas City have settled along its banks. The river is accessible through various entry points, including Kaw Point Park in Kansas City, Leavenworth just south of the K-92 bridge, and Atchison's Riverfront Park.

Permits and Regulations:

It is important to note that while the Kansas and Missouri Rivers are public waters, most of the streams and rivers in Kansas are privately owned. When boating or fishing in Kansas, it is essential to respect private property and obtain permission from adjacent landowners if accessing or engaging in activities on private lands. Additionally, permits are required for fishing and motorized boats, as mentioned earlier.

The Kansas and Missouri Rivers, along with their respective tributaries, offer a diverse range of boating and fishing opportunities. With proper permits and awareness of access points and regulations, boaters and anglers can enjoy the beauty and recreational activities these waterways provide.

Public vs private ramps

When it comes to boat ramps, there are both public and private options available. In Kansas City, there are various public boat ramps, such as the one at Kaw Point Park, which is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm and is a popular site for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats.

Public boat ramps are typically open to everyone and may be free or have user fees. They are often located near maintained roads and are designed to accommodate a range of boat sizes and types. These ramps are ideal for those who want easy access to the water without the need for membership or additional fees associated with private ramps.

On the other hand, private boat ramps are usually located at marinas or private communities. They often require membership or the payment of launching fees. Private ramps may offer additional amenities and services that are not available at public ramps. For example, private marinas may provide boat storage, fuel, and maintenance services.

When choosing between a public and private boat ramp, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine the proximity to your starting point and desired destination. Additionally, consider the accessibility of the ramp, including parking availability and the type of surface, whether it is paved or gravel. It is also crucial to ensure that the ramp can accommodate your boat size and weight, and that it allows for safe and efficient launching and retrieval.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the availability of amenities. Some ramps may offer restrooms, cleaning stations, or shops for bait and tackle, while others may be more basic. It is also worth noting that regulations and permit requirements can vary between public and private ramps, so it is essential to be aware of the local rules.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the availability of public and private boat ramps can vary by location. While there may be a significant number of public ramps in some areas, other regions may have more private options. It is always a good idea to research the specific ramps in your desired area and plan accordingly.

Kansas River National Water Trail

Kansas City is home to the Kansas River, which was designated a National Water Trail in 2012. Known locally as the Kaw, the river flows 173 miles from the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill Rivers near Junction City to Kansas City, where it joins the Missouri River. The river drains an area of 53,000 square miles, which includes almost the entire northern half of Kansas and parts of Nebraska and Colorado. The major cities along the Kansas River include Junction City, Manhattan, Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City.

The Kansas River offers a spectacular prairie river experience and is one of the world's longest prairie rivers. The river is open to the public and easily accessible between the ordinary high water marks on each bank. This is the line where debris, sand, and gravel are left behind during the river's ordinary annual cycle. When accessing the river where it flows through private land, permission from adjacent landowners is required for activities such as picnicking, camping, or portaging.

The Kaw Point Park in Kansas City provides a boat ramp constructed in 2004 for recreational boaters and fishermen. The ramp is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm and is a popular site for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. While no permit is required for non-motorized boats, a Kansas state permit is necessary for fishing and motorized boats on the Kansas River, and a Missouri permit is required for the Missouri River.

Additionally, there are several boat ramps and launches in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. These include ramps at Black Kettle State Fishing Lake, Cheney State Park, Clinton Marina, and Lakeview Docks, among others.

Missouri River Access in Kansas

The Missouri River flows through the northeastern border of Kansas, separating the state from Missouri. Here are some of the boat ramps and access points along the Missouri River in Kansas:

Kansas City: Kaw Point Park

Kaw Point Park is located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. The boat ramp at Kaw Point Park is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm and is a popular site for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. No permit is required for non-motorized boats, but a Kansas state permit is needed for fishing and motorized boats on the Kansas River, and a Missouri permit is required for the Missouri River.

Leavenworth

Access to the Missouri River in Leavenworth is just south of the K-92 bridge.

Atchison: Riverfront Park

The Missouri River can be accessed in Atchison at Riverfront Park.

White Cloud

The boat ramp in White Cloud is north of the K-7/Main Street intersection on the east side of K-7.

Elwood

The boat ramp in Elwood is located under the US-36 bridge over the Missouri River.

Frequently asked questions