A photo of the Blue River. The river is larger at the foreground of the image and thins to a point in the background of the image. The water is blue with small ripples. On the sides of the river are clean, grassy banks. Just beyond the river bend in the background of the photo is a treeline.
The Blue River winds for 40 miles through the KC metropolitan area.

The Blue River is Kansas City’s River — Can Kansas Citians Access it?

March 19, 2025  |    |  1 min read

 

The Blue River is Kansas City’s river — but does everyone have equal access to it? There’s only one boat ramp on the entire 40-mile Blue River, and some community members say there could be more done to better connect them with the water flowing through their backyards. Flatland talked with the Heartland Conservation Alliance and community members in the lower Blue River to find out more.

Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.

Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …

By | February 16, 2026

New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…

Related Stories

Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …

By | February 16, 2026

New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…

Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause

By | February 11, 2026

Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…

Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …

By | February 9, 2026

Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…