Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi, Rivertown is more than a historic district in Kenner, Louisiana—it’s the living soul of the city. For generations, this charming neighborhood has bridged the gap between Kenner’s storied past and its promising future. Whether you’re new in town or rediscovering local gems, wandering Rivertown’s shaded streets is an invitation to step back in time—and to feel right at home.
Origins: Where Kenner Began
The story of Rivertown is, in many ways, the story of Kenner itself. Founded in 1855, Kenner owes its beginnings to its strategic riverfront location. But the roots dig deeper: long before European settlers arrived, the area was home to Native American tribes who fished, hunted, and traded along this natural bend of the Mississippi.
Following the Louisiana Purchase, land speculators and farming families flocked to these banks. The area that would become Rivertown naturally emerged around the riverfront, a bustling hub for commerce and travel. Today, Williams Boulevard and Clay Street anchor this core—the very cradle where Kenner grew.
The Name: A Tribute to the River
No mystery surrounds the name “Rivertown.” Here, the river does more than carve geography—it shapes history, culture, and daily life. Rivertown became Kenner’s de facto business and civic center during steamboat days, as the Mississippi served as both roadway and heartbeat for the region.
Many of Kenner’s early residents worked as merchants, mechanics, or steamboat laborers, supporting the traffic and trade that flowed on these waters. Naming the area Rivertown was a simple, earnest nod to that ever-present force at its southern edge.
Milestones: From Rural Crossroads to Cultural Hub
Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, Kenner’s heart pulsed in Rivertown’s French- and Spanish-influenced streetscapes:
- 1870s: The arrival of the rail line ignited growth, drawing new businesses and families. Shop fronts sprang up on Decatur Street, catering to rail and river travelers alike.
- 1920s: Modern amenities—such as electricity and paved roads—reached Rivertown. St. Mary’s Catholic Church opened, cementing its role as a faith and gathering center.
- 1950s-60s: Kenner City Hall stood at the corner of Williams and 3rd Street, and nearby Rivertown Park became a canvas for local festivals.
- 1980s: Facing decline after decades of suburban expansion, the city invested in a heritage-focused revitalization, lovingly restoring historic structures and inviting new businesses that celebrated Rivertown’s past.
Landmarks and Community Treasures
Rivertown’s most notable landmarks serve as silent storytellers, each with a unique role in community life:
- Heritage Park (2015 Fourth Street)
This charming green space is more than a park—it’s an open-air museum! Clapboard buildings and period-perfect displays evoke life in early Kenner, from a vintage blacksmith’s shop to a replica of one of the city’s first post offices.
- Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts (325 Minor Street)
Once a humble playhouse, these stages now host acclaimed local and touring productions, keeping the community’s artistic spirit alive.
- Kenner Planetarium & Megadome Cinema (2020 Fourth Street)
A favorite with families, this state-of-the-art planetarium and 50-foot domed movie theater inspires starry-eyed wonder in visitors of all ages.
- LaSalle’s Landing
Explorer Robert Cavalier de La Salle is said to have disembarked on this very riverfront, claiming Louisiana for France in 1682. This legendary spot is commemorated with a riverside marker and offers sweeping sunset views.
Strolling Rivertown, you’ll spot street names—like Short Street and Minor Street—that speak to its roots as a tight-knit, walkable river community.
Evolution and Revival: A Neighborhood for Generations
As Kenner grew northward toward Lake Pontchartrain, Rivertown weathered periods of transition. By the late 20th century, historic houses and businesses risked neglect as residents spread into newer subdivisions off Vintage Drive and Williams Boulevard. It took the vision and dedication of local leaders and passionate neighbors to spearhead the “Revitalize Rivertown” program.
Now, Rivertown exudes a welcoming mix of old and new:
- Family-run cafes and boutiques sit in timeworn brick buildings, especially along Williams Boulevard.
- Streetlamps and mural art give the area a postcard-perfect glow, inviting evening crowds for concerts and special events.
- Community celebrations—like the annual Kenner Christmas Village—transform Rivertown Park into a twinkling wonderland each winter.
The neighborhood’s mix of tradition and creativity is kept alive by institutions like the Rivertown Main Street Association, which advocates for preservation, and by local families who lend their memories and voices to festivals and storytelling nights.
What Makes Rivertown Special Today
Ask any longtime resident what makes Rivertown unique, and the answer is almost always the same: heart. This is a neighborhood that remembers its roots—and makes space for everyone to feel part of the story. A riverside stroll at Heritage Park, a hot beignet at Morning Call, an evening under the theater lights—these aren’t just visits. They’re connections between old and new generations, living reminders that Rivertown is forever the heart of Kenner.
So whether you’re drawn by history, looking for a family outing, or just hunting for a hidden gem, Rivertown welcomes you. Its story isn’t just preserved in bricks and plaques—it’s lived daily on its streets, in its parks, and in the friendly faces you’ll meet along the way.