Independence may appear to be just a suburb of Kansas City, but one of its most famous citizens held it in high regard. In fact, President (and onetime AAA sales agent) Harry Truman referred to this city as “the center of the world.” Embrace Truman’s hometown, where presidential and pioneer history come alive alongside charming shops and flavorful cuisine.
What to do
Independence had already played a significant role in American history before becoming the home of our 33rd president. As a frontier town along the Missouri River in the 1800s, it was a gateway to the West via the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. The free National Frontier Trails Museum, reopening early this year at a new location in the Truman Memorial building, tells the story of these overland routes.
Taking over the museum’s former space in the Waggoner-Gates Milling Company building, the Missouri Model Railroad Museum is scheduled to open in spring 2024 to showcase railroad memorabilia and working model trains.
Mule-drawn wagon tours with Pioneer Trails Adventures showcase Independence landmarks and history. Photo courtesy Pioneer Trails Adventures
Take your own journey into the past on a mule-driven covered wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures. You’ll be treated to entertaining oral history while seeing landmarks like the 1859 Jail Museum, which once held outlaw Frank James, Jesse’s older brother. Various tours are available and reservations are required. Adults, $15–$40.
Explore the former president’s life and political career at the Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum. Photo courtesy VisitMo.com
Delve deeper into the former president’s life at the Harry S Truman National Historic Site. The modest house offers a peek into the simple life Truman and his wife, Bess, enjoyed before and after his presidency. Admission is free but requires a ticket from the site’s visitors center.
And at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, explore exhibits that chronicle his evolution from farmer to politician. Learn about the thinking that went into some of the difficult decisions he made. Adults, $12.
Just as Truman was known to briskly walk about town, you can stroll on designated trails to gain more insight into the city, including the Truman Historic Walking Trail, the Missouri Mormon Walking Trail, and the African American Historic Sites of Independence walking trail.
Where to shop
Belly up to the bar at Clinton’s Soda Fountain for sundaes and shakes served with a heaping of nostalgia. Photo courtesy VisitMo.com
Community events are often held among the redbrick buildings of Independence Square, home to Clinton’s Soda Fountain. A 14-year-old Truman worked his first job in this building. Try what’s said to have been his favorite, a butterscotch sundae with chocolate ice cream, while perusing souvenirs. At Under the Awning, close to the square, the shelves overflow with home decor, gifts, and wellness products.
Where to eat
The steak, seafood, and chicken dishes at Ophelia’s Restaurant, which overlooks Independence Square, are among diners’ favorites. Photo by Karen Gibson
Where to stay
Built as a home in 1894, the Woodstock Inn Bed & Breakfast features European-themed rooms. Photo by Karen Gibson
Be close to everything at the centrally located Woodstock Inn Bed & Breakfast. The 1894 home converted to an inn features European-themed rooms. Rates start at $129. Enjoy the lodge-style decor of Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, where you can stroll a 1.2-mile trail around a lake behind the property. Rates start at $150.
Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to drink alcohol.
You may also like:
Travel offers & deals
