(or the Post-Apocalyptic Industrial Wasteland Tour)

The West Bottoms is the city's old industrial/warehouse area, located at the foot the downtown bluff and along the Missouri and Kaw Rivers. Originally it was home of railroads and the Kansas City Stockyards, the endpoint of many an old western cattle drive. Today many of the old warehouses are still in operation, while others are home to haunted houses. Kemper Arena and the American Royal Livestock, Horse Show, and Rodeo are also located in the West Bottoms.

map: overview
map: north end
map: south end
new: photos

Highway/Street Access
Highway access is any Kemper Arena exit off of I-70 or I-670. Street access is best from downtown via 12th St. or from the Westside via Avenida Cesar E. Chavez (23rd St.).

Bike Access
Northern access is best via Woodsweather Road or Beardsley Road, both from the River Market area of downtown. Beardsley Rd. begins at the west end of 4th. St. and becomes Bluff Road. You can take either take St. Louis St. or continue south and use the bottom deck of the 12th St. bridge. Woodsweather Rd. begins under the Broadway Bridge (US 169). Woodsweather follows the Missouri River levee, take Mulberry south into the West Bottoms. Southern access is best from Chavez/23rd St. over the railroad tracks to Wyoming, right at the Kemper Arena and American Royal complex.

What to See
Once you get there, the main attraction is the turn of the century industrial landscape. The old 4-5 story warehouses and factories stretch for blocks. Some buildings now house artists studios and a few galleries, so look around for them. While the it is surrounded by high bluffs, the area itself is very flat and easy to ride.

Currently the 23rd St. bridge over the Kansas River is closed for repairs - but is still accessible by bike. Use it to cross the river, or check out the views of the West Bottoms and the downtown skyline. The Livestock Exchange Building is the last remnant of the stockyard days, it's at 16th and Genessee. The Surplus Exchange at 1107 Hickory is a giant old warehouse full of used computer and office equipment and furniture. One interesting place is the Gateway Computer building that straddles the state line - half in MO and half in KS.

Flat tire alert
Since this is an industrial area it doesn't get a lot of attention from the street sweepers. Debris, metal, glass, and thorns are common. Be sure to equip yourself accordingly.

Watering Holes

• Golden Ox - 1600 Genessee St. - classic KC steak house adjacent to the Livestock Exchange building
• Connie's Genessee Inn - 1615 Genessee St.
• Wild West Border Deli and Bar - 1717 West 9th St.

Misc.

• KCMO Public Library has some great historical photos of the area in their digital collection.

Eric's Bike Stuff
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