Hannibal Cuts Ribbon on New Renovated Riverfront

City officials, dignitaries and the public gathered Thursday to cut the ribbon on Hannibal’s renovated riverfront.

The ribbon was cut following a ground breaking about two-and-a-half years ago and delays caused by near record floods in 2019 and the pandemic in 2020.

Public hearings were part of the process that led to revisions in the original vision for the riverfront.

According to Central Services Director Andy Dorian, tweaks were made in the original design because they listened to those who would ultimately by using the new space.

Dorian also bragged about the team effort that has gone into the new riverfront, citing the work of main contractor Bleigh Construction, along with subcontractors and employees of the Hannibal Board of Public Works, Hannibal Parks and Recreation and Hannibal Street Department.

So far, the riverfront features spacious sidewalks, lots of green space, docking locations, a marina with boat slips and a kayak launch.

The new docking locations serve as permanent homes for the Mark Twain Riverboat and Canton Marine Towing, with plenty of room for the large river cruise ships that make regular stops in Hannibal from July through October.

Yet to come for the riverfront are a shelter and gazebo, a mobile stage and further upgrades to the marina.