Independence, MO Road Trips

1 Independence Dept. of Tourism/Visitor Welcome Center, 210 W Truman Rd, ☏ +1 816-325-7890, toll-free: +1-800-748-7323. M-F 8AM-5PM. (updated Jan 2022)

1 Historic Independence Square (in the center of town). Features numerous family-owned shops surrounding the old main courthouse, which was modeled after Philadelphia's Independence Hall. This courthouse houses Harry S. Truman's former courtroom and office (see below). (updated Jul 2023) 2 National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W Pacific, ☏ +1 816 325-7575. Museum and interpretive center dedicated to the history of the Overland Trails and the settlement of the American West. Independence hosted thousands of settlers, pioneers, soldiers and merchants as they prepared to cross the plains along one of three trails which began just off the city square: the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon. The museum offers film, a children's activity room, artifacts, journal entries, maps, and covered wagons, among other highlights. (updated Aug 2019) 3 Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, 500 W US Hwy 24, ☏ +1 816 268-8200 (administrative offices), toll-free: +1-800-833-1225 (24 hr info line), [email protected]. Official library of the 33rd U.S. President. Hailed as America's "best presidential museum" by the Dallas Morning News, the Truman Library offers theaters, a museum, store, and some interactive "hands-on" exhibits together with a "Decision Theater." The museum contains a colorful mural by Thomas Hart Benton, together with a reproduction of the Oval Office.

1 CoolCrest Family Fun Center, 10735 E US Hwy 40, ☏ +1 816-358-0088. Santa-Cali-Gon Days. An annual Labor Day weekend festival held intermittently since 1940 and continuously since 1973. It celebrates the city's heritage as the starting point of three great frontier trails, and has changed throughout the years: In the 1940s, men grew their beards from one Sant-Cali-Gon to the next in beard-growing contests, whereas the 1950s saw exhibitions of horses and covered wagons, together with numerous other items that might have been purchased in Independence before heading West. The festival, while retaining some of its old customs, has shifted to a carnival atmosphere, with numerous rides, booths and other venues offering a variety of food, beverages, crafts, entertainment (including Country and Gospel Music singers), and similar attractions. The "buffalo burgers" and funnel cakes are not to be missed! Held on and adjacent to the town square. Parking generally costs between $5-10, depending upon how close to the festivities you wish to be (and the availability of parking spaces!). Free. Vaile Strawberry Festival. Held on the first Saturday of June at the Vaile Mansion, 1500 N Liberty, 5 blocks north of the Square. In addition to strawberry treats, there are other concessions, free live local entertainment, a massive arts, crafts, antiques and bedding plant sale and display on the grounds of the mansion, displays of antique cars and children's activities. Everything is free, except for home tours, food and drink and horse-drawn carriage rides.

1 Ophelia's, 201 N Main St, ☏ +1 816-461-4525. Tu-Sa 11:30AM-8PM. Featuring an eclectic menu including steaks and seafood. Also features an inn on-site with rooms ranging from $105-145 per night. 2 Cafe Verona, 206 W Lexington Ave, ☏ +1 816-833-0044. Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM. Specializing in Italian cuisine. 3 Courthouse Exchange, 113 W Lexington Ave, ☏ +1 816-252-0344. Tu-Th 11AM-8PM, F-Sa 11AM-9PM. Open since 1899. A cosy basement restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, steaks, fish, chicken and similar dishes. Also features a full bar offering a wide variety of domestic, import and microbrew beers. (updated Apr 2021) Several other restaurants, including the Longhorn Steakhouse, Hereford House and other national or local chain eateries are located at or adjacent to the 39th Street corridor, between Lee's Summit Road and the Little Blue Parkway. Smoking is prohibited in all restaurants, bars and other public establishments in Independence. 4 Dixon's Chili, 9105 E US Hwy 40 (Corner of 40 Hwy and Blue Ridge Cut-Off), ☏ +1 816 861-7308. Dixon's Chili has some of the best chili and chili-based dishes in the area. This restaurant has an old-time diner feel, a great staff, and great value. Some of the dishes include Dixon's signature dry chili, spaghetti, and all-you-can-eat tacos. (updated Apr 2021)

There are numerous drinking establishments around Independence, and most if not all restaurants serve alcohol. (Smoking is prohibited in all nightclubs, bars and other public establishments in Independence.) 1 3 Trails Brewing Co, 111 N Main St, ☏ +1 816-886-6256. Craft beer by the glass or taster flight. Under 21 allowed with parent. Also has a golf simulator, $30/hr. (updated Apr 2021) 2 Wine Down 109, 10914 E Winner Rd, ☏ +1 816-209-3036, [email protected]. Wine, martini, and cocktail lounge with a jukebox. Outside food allowed. (updated Apr 2021)

Several major motel chains serve Independence, and there are also a number of bed-and-breakfasts available. 1 Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 18011 Bass Pro Dr, ☏ +1 816 908-9600. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Aug 2019) 2 Silver Heart Inn & Cottages, 1114 S Noland Rd, ☏ +1 816-429-1330, [email protected]. Check-in: 3-7PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Apr 2021) 3 The Campus RV Park, 500 W Pacific Ave, ☏ +1 816-254-1815. Check-in: 1-5PM (call if you will arrive later), check-out: 1PM. $35/night, full hook ups. (updated Apr 2021) Hilton Garden Inn & Hartman Conference Center, 19677 E Jackson Dr, ☏ +1 816 350-3000. Independence. Comfort Suites, 19751 E Valley View Pkwy, ☏ +1 816-313-8891. Independence. Staybridge Suites, 19400 E 39th Place South, ☏ +1 816 994-2700. Independence.

Interstate 70 is the main east-west highway, while Interstate 435 (running north-south) passes just to the city's west. U.S. highways 24 and 40 and Missouri state highway 291, which becomes Interstate 470, south of I-70, also provide access to the city. I-70 offers six exits to Independence (from west to east, in order: Blue Ridge Blvd., U.S. 40/Sterling Ave., Noland Rd., Lee's Summit Rd., MO-291/I-470, and Little Blue Parkway), while I-435 offers three (from north to south, in order: U.S. 24/Winner Road, Truman Rd., and 23rd St.). At each of these three I-435 exits, you must turn east to head into Independence! Turning west will take you into Kansas City. Also, if you are taking I-435 south on the east side of Kansas City (as opposed to the west side; I-435 circles the Kansas City metropolitan area) and planning to exit onto I-70 east, be aware that this exit is a left exit, and it can be very slow-moving during "rush hour" times! Nearest Greyhound station is in Kansas City, MO. Amtrak, ☏ +1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245). The unattended 1 Independence Amtrak is at 600 S Grand Ave, near the intersection with W Pacific Ave. This station, locally known as the Truman Depot, is on Amtrak's Kansas City to St. Louis route, the Missouri River Runner, and offers trains twice daily in both directions. Tickets cannot be purchased or baggage checked at this station, which houses the Jackson Co. Genealogical Society, so it is best to call Amtrak's toll-free reservation center or visit their website before departure.

The Metro, Kansas City's municipal bus service, has very limited service (time and route-wise) within Independence. The main Independence terminal is located next to the police station at the intersection of Truman and Noland roads. Fares cost $1.50 full price (including one transfer within two hours of the ticket's purchase), or $0.75 reduced fare (seniors, those under age 18, and disabled persons). A "Visitor's Pass" is available for out-of-towners; it allows unlimited riding of the entire Kansas City bus system for three days for $8. Information is available at [1]. Walking tours of the historic town square, Truman historical sites and Mormon historical sites are available. For most visitors, a car, bicycle or other means of wheeled transportation will prove necessary if one intends to venture very far beyond the central square area, which contains most of the attractions listed below. Local taxi service is available, but taxies are generally only obtainable by phone and sometimes require a lengthy waiting period between the time when you first call for the cab and the time that it arrives to pick you up. Calling well in advance of your appointment or desired arrival time is advised, as is checking with the taxi service as to the expected time of the cab's arrival.

Although violent crime is very uncommon in Independence, it is not unknown. Carjackings, vandalism to cars and auto thefts do occur, and while the chances of being a victim are slim (though still higher than the MO and national averages), visitors should not allow the "small town" atmosphere of this city trick them into letting down their guard with regard to locking autos and hotel doors, leaving cars running unattended, paying attention to surroundings, etc. The Square area is relatively safe during daylight and evening hours. The west side, particularly the portion west of Sterling Ave., is not known to be particularly safe at night, especially along Blue Ridge Blvd. between 23rd St. and U.S. 24. Avoid anything west of Sterling Ave. at night if possible. Since there are no hotels, restaurants or tourist attractions in this part of town, this should not be hard for visitors to do.