Big news for one of our favorite trails! The Quindaro Ruins—part of our regular Urban Hikes KC route—officially received National Historic Landmark status this May. It’s a huge win for the future of the townsite, and we’re thrilled to see this powerful piece of Kansas City, Kansas history get the recognition it truly deserves.
Where History Lives: Why Quindaro Still Matters
Quindaro isn’t just an old historic site—it’s a powerful reminder of what people can build when they come together. Back in the mid-1800s, this community was a rare example of Black, white, and Indigenous folks working side by side to support freedom seekers and Union soldiers during the Civil War. It’s also home to the former Western University, the first Black college west of the Mississippi.
At Urban Hikes KC, we’ve always felt how special this place is. On our hikes, folks get to walk through history—passing old hotel foundations, a former brewery, Underground Railroad stops, and what’s left of school buildings—all with some pretty amazing views of the Missouri River along the way.
With the recent title of National Historic Landmark, we hope even more people can pass through this place and experience the impact of its history.
National Landmark Status: What It Means
On May 23, 2025, the Quindaro Ruins officially earned National Historic Landmark status—joining a pretty exclusive list of locations across the country. That means more funding, more support for preserving the site, and the national recognition this place has deserved for a long time. Thanks to recent efforts to stabilize the ruins, more of Quindaro is visible and walkable than ever before—making now the perfect time to share its story with even more people.
Inside the Big Decision
This historic milestone came after a unanimous vote by the National Historic Landmarks Committee during a virtual session on May 22.
Local leaders—including U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids and U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver—helped move the nomination forward, emphasizing Quindaro’s powerful role in telling the story of America’s fight for freedom and equality. We’re thrilled to see that advocacy pay off.
Explore and Celebrate
Photo credit: Steve Johnston
We’re excited for what’s ahead. With this new national recognition, we anticipate more trail improvements, historic signage, and opportunities for deeper storytelling along the route. We’ll keep offering regular Quindaro hikes—plus special group and school tours—to continue sharing the powerful legacy of this community!
Join us on a Quindaro Ruins Urban Hike this summer on July 4, 20 or August 23, 30 at 8:30am. See all of our upcoming dates here.