Follow in the footsteps of American pioneers and a former president when you explore the historic landmarks and museums of this Western Missouri city.
Discover the true essence of America’s Midwest in Independence, the Queen of the Trails. Browse galleries, relax in gorgeous parks, tour national monuments and visit museums. Independence is famous as the childhood home of U.S. president Harry S. Truman. It was also once the last supplies stop for pioneer families travelling west to California, Oregon and Santa Fe in the 1840s.
Start your visit at Historic Independence Square, at the heart of Downtown Independence. Originally the centre for judicial proceedings, today it is a colourful district with boutiques, cafés, fashion outlets, ice cream parlors and theatres. Historic Truman Courthouse dominates the square and is the site of the Visitor Experience Centre, where you can pick up free information and plan your itinerary. Learn about notorious criminals, such as Confederate soldier Frank James, at the 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Museum.
Stroll along the Truman Walking Trail, a 2.7-mile-long (4.3-kilometre) route that passes 43 buildings, plaques and trees related to the life of Harry S. Truman. Among these are the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and Truman Memorial Building. See religious landmarks frequented by Truman and his family, including the First Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church.
A 10-minute walk south of the main square is Bingham-Waggoner Estate, one-time residence of artist George Caleb Bingham, with displays of 19th-century furniture, paintings and wagon swales. The nearby National Frontier Trails Museum offers an insight into life on a wagon trail. North of downtown visit Vaile Mansion, a magnificent Second Empire home open for guided tours.
Enjoy Missouri’s natural beauty at the city’s collection of over 40 parks. Choose between George Owens Nature Park, McCoy Park and Santa Fe Park Picnic Pavilion. Fleming Park is a great location for camping, fishing and water sports.
Independence is a 20-minute drive east of Kansas City. Truman Road connects Historic Independence Square with Downtown Kansas City. Get into the pioneer spirit by exploring the fascinating attractions by mule-drawn wagon tour.
