Independence Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

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Located in the heart of the Show Me State, Independence, Missouri is a city rich in history and charm. As the hometown of former President Harry S. Truman, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life of one of America's most influential leaders. With its historic landmarks, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to natural beauty, Independence has something to offer every traveler.

History buffs will delight in exploring the Truman Library and Museum, where they can learn about Truman's presidency and his impact on the world. The museum features interactive exhibits, personal artifacts, and even a replica of the Oval Office. For a deeper dive into the past, visitors can take a guided tour of the Truman Home, where Truman and his family lived before, during, and after his time in office.

Independence is also home to the National Frontier Trails Museum, which tells the story of the pioneers who set out on the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of these brave explorers and learn about the challenges they faced as they sought a better life in the West.

For a taste of small-town charm, visitors can stroll through the historic Independence Square, a picturesque district filled with boutique shops, local restaurants, and charming cafes. The square is also home to the 1859 Jail and Marshal's Home, where visitors can step back in time and experience life in the Wild West.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in and around Independence. Just a short drive away is the beautiful Fleming Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a scenic lake perfect for boating and fishing. The park is also home to the Kansas City Zoo, where visitors can get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals from around the world.

Alternative names: Population: 117.3 thous.Area: 78.29 mi²Elevation: 1033 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°5'29"N, 94°24'59"W

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MissouriUnited States

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Independence Top Attractions

Independence Attractions - What to See and Explore

Independence offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Cable Dahmer Arena, Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Community of Christ Temple, Temple Lot. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Arenas and stadiums • Hockey • Event space
Cable Dahmer Arena
Cable Dahmer Arena is a 5,800-seat multi-purpose arena in Independence, Missouri, United States. It was opened in November 2009.
Museum • History museum • Library
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is the presidential library and resting place of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, his wife Bess and daughter Margaret, and is located on U.S.
Museum • Church
Community of Christ Temple
The Temple in Independence, Missouri, is a house of worship and education "dedicated to the pursuit of peace". It dominates the skyline of Independence and has become the focal point of the headquarters of the Community of Christ.

Church • Temple
Temple Lot
The Temple Lot, located in Independence, Missouri, is the first site to be dedicated for the construction of a temple in the Latter Day Saint movement. The area was dedicated on August 3, 1831, by the movement's founder, Joseph Smith Jr. and purchased on December 19, 1831, by...
Museum • History museum • Historical place
Truman Home
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site preserves the longtime home of Harry S. Truman, the thirty-third president of the United States, as well as other properties associated with him in the Kansas City, Missouri metropolitan area.
Museum • Historical place • Architecture
Vaile Mansion
The Harvey M. Vaile Mansion is located at 1500 North Liberty Street in Independence, Missouri. Built in 1881 for businessman Harvey M. Vaile, it is a locally significant example of Second Empire architecture.
Museum • History museum • Historical place
1859 Jail
The Jackson County Jail and Marshal's House in Independence, Missouri, United States is a building constructed in 1859 to serve as a county jail for Jackson County, Missouri. It served in this capacity until 1933, when it was decommissioned and replaced with another structure.
Museum • History museum • Specialty museum
Leila's Hair Museum
Leila's Hair Museum was a museum in Independence, Missouri that displays examples of hair art dating back to the 17th century.
Museum • Specialty museum • Historical place
Historic Truman Courthouse
The Harry S. Truman Office and Courtroom was the office used by Harry S. Truman during his early political years. It is located in the Jackson County Courthouse in Independence, Missouri.
Museum • Church
LDS Visitors Center
The Independence Visitors' Center is a visitors' center owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Independence, Missouri.
Memorial
United Nations Peace Plaza
The United Nations Peace Plaza in Independence, Missouri, was unveiled on October 27, 1997, formally dedicated by U.N.
Museum
Auditorium
The Auditorium is a house of worship and office building located on the greater Temple Lot in Independence, Missouri. The Auditorium is part of the headquarters complex of Community of Christ which also includes the Independence Temple.
Sacred and religious sites • Church
Stone Church
The Community of Christ Stone Church is a historic place of worship at 1012 West Lexington Avenue in Independence, Missouri, United States. The limestone building is north across the street from the Church of Christ headquarters and diagonally opposite the Community of Christ Temple.
Church • McCoy
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is a historic church at 409 North Liberty Street in Independence, Missouri. It was built in 1881 in a Late Victorian style. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Future US President Harry S Truman married Bess Wallace at Trinity Episcopal on June 28, 1919.
39°5'13"N • 94°25'10"W
National Frontier Trails Museum
Museum • History museum
Historical place
Jackson County Courthouse
The Jackson County Courthouse, also known as the Truman Courthouse, is a historic courthouse in Independence, Missouri. In 1922, Harry S.
Neighbourhood • McCoy
Harry S. Truman Historic District
The Harry S. Truman Historic District is a National Historic Landmark District encompassing sites closely associated with US President Harry S. Truman in Independence, Missouri.
Library • Mill Creek
Mid-Continent Public Library
Mid-Continent Public Library, officially known as Consolidated Library District #3, is a consolidated public library system serving Clay, Platte, and Jackson Counties in Missouri, with headquarters in Independence, Missouri.
39°5'22"N • 94°24'53"W
Kritser House
The Kritser House in Independence, Missouri is a building from 1850. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It is found as significant for being associated with the life of Martin U. Kritser, a person significant to the history and development of the town.

Day trips

Independence – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Independence, it's worth seeing attractions such as: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City), Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City), National World War I Museum and Memorial (Kansas City).

8.8 miW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
T-Mobile Center, Kansas City
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the T-Mobile Center stands as a modern beacon of entertainment, drawing visitors from near and far to its state-of-the-art facility. This arena, with its striking architecture and cutting-edge amenities, has quickly become...
9.4 miW
Art museum galleries and sculpture garden
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment and artistic excellence. This renowned art museum, widely recognized for its extensive collection of artworks from around the globe, offers visitors...
9.1 miW
Museum, History museum, View point
National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kansas City
The National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, stands as a poignant tribute to the sacrifices and impacts of the First World War. Opened in 2006, this museum offers an immersive journey through the history of the Great War from an international...
4.7 miSW
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium is an American football stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League.
21 milesW
Water park, Theme park, Amusement park
Schlitterbahn Kansas City, Kansas City
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City was a water park that opened on July 15, 2009 in Kansas City, Kansas. It was announced in September 2005 by Schlitterbahn Waterparks. The 370-acre, $750 million development included a nearly 40-acre waterpark, which is Schlitterbahn's fourth waterpark and its first outside Texas.

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Best Time To Visit Independence

Learn when is the best time to travel to Independence weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in May, June and September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Independence?

The top attractions to visit in Independence are:

What is the best time to visit Independence?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.