'''Independence''' [http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/], known as the ''Queen City of the Trails'', is a city in western Missouri just east of Kansas City with a population of approximately 110,000. Independence's founding predates that of Kansas City, and it was home to U.S. President Harry S. Truman and the legendary actress Ginger Rogers, as well as the starting point of three of America's great Westward Trails: the Santa Fe Trail, the California Trail, and the Oregon Trail. The city also hosts numerous historical sites related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons"), American Civil War and Western history.

While offering a full range of entertainment and lodging options for visitors, Independence generally tends to be more "quiet" than its larger neighbor to the west. One notable exception is Labor Day weekend, when it holds its annual ''Santa-Cali-Gon Days'', one of the most important yearly festivals held in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Another exception is during the biennial April general conferences of the ''Community of Christ'', the second-largest Latter-day Saint denomination, whose world headquarters is in the city.

Get in

By car

'''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/Independence Avenue, Truman Rd., and 23rd St.). NOTE: At each of the three I-435 exits named above, 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!

By bus

Independence is not served by any national or regional bus transportation companies. '''Greyhound''' and other regional lines provide service to the ''Greyhound bus terminal'' at 1101 Troost Ave. in downtown Kansas City. The phone number to this station is 816-221-2835. You might want to call the main Greyhound reservation number at 800-231-2222 instead, however, as the phone here is rarely answered due to high customer volume at the terminal! Taxies are available at the station, which is also on a ''Metro'' bus route. However, as noted below, Kansas City maintains ''very'' limited bus service to and within Independence itself. The station itself is located in a bad area of town, so venturing on foot off its premises is not advised, especially at night.

By train

'''Amtrak''', 1-800-USA-RAIL. [http://www.amtrak.com/timetable/oct08/W21.pdf] Amtrak maintains an unattended rail station in Independence, at 1111 W. Pacific Avenue, near the intersection with W. Lexington Street. This station, locally known as the ''Truman Depot'', is on Amtrak's Kansas City to St. Louis route, and offers (as of January 2009) trains twice daily in both directions. Tickets cannot be purchased or baggage checked at this station, which currently houses the Jackson County Genealogical Society, so it is best to have one's tickets already in hand or else go to the main station in Kansas City on Grand Ave. and catch the train there. Since funding for this service seems to be a year-to-year concern in Missouri, it might be best to check with Amtrak in advance of your travel dates to ensure that the trains are still running.

By plane

Independence does not have its own airport, except for a single airstrip suitable only for the smallest of aircraft. Access by air requires use of one of three airports:
  • '''Kansas City International Airport''', [http://www.flykci.com/] is located approximately forty miles from Independence, on the northwest side of the Kansas City metropolitan area. This airport is served by numerous commercial airlines. To reach Independence from the airport take I-29 south to I-435 east, then follow I-435 east and then south along Kansas City's east side until you cross the Missouri River; after passing the Front Street exit south of the river, you'll start running into the Independence exits.
  • '''Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport''' [http://www.flymkc.com/], located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, serves private, corporate and charter aircraft. From this airport, take I-70 east toward Independence.
  • '''Lee's Summit Airport''' [http://www.airport-data.com/airport/LXT/], located in Lee's Summit, Missouri, about five miles south of Independence just off I-470 at 2751 NE Douglas Rd. Phone: 816-969-1186. Serves private aircraft. From this airport, take I-470/MO 291 north until reaching I-70. Continue north on MO 291 (I-470 ends here; only MO 291 continues) into Independence or go west on I-70 for other Independence exits.
  • Get around

    By bus

    The '''Metro''', [http://www.kcata.org/] 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 [http://www.kcata.org/fares/visitors/].

    On foot

    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.

    By taxi

    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.

    See

  • '''Historic Independence Square''' [http://www.theindependencesquare.com]. Located in the center of town, the Independence town square 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).
  • '''National Frontier Trails Museum''', 318 W. Pacific, 816-325-7575, [http://www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org]. 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.
  • '''Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum''', 500 W. U.S. Highway 24, 816-268-8200 or 800-833-1225 (toll-free), [http://www.trumanlibrary.org]. 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. The courtyard contains the graves of Harry, Bess and their daughter Margaret. The displays seek to educate patrons about the major world-shaping decisions that Truman was involved in as President (including the use of the Atom Bomb during World War II, and the formation of the United Nations), together with details of his personal life. The lower level offers an area where kids can dress up like Harry and Bess, explore "feely" boxes, engage in an interactive computerized race, sort mail, make campaign buttons and posters and play a trivia game.
  • '''Harry S. Truman Home National Historic Site''' 219 N. Delaware St., 816-254-9929. [http://www.nps.gov/hstr/index.htm] The Independence home of the Nation's 33rd President, completed in 1885 and furnished exactly as it was when Truman lived there. Only the main floor is currently open to visitors, via a guided tour conducted by National Park Service employees. Obtain tickets for $4 at their office at 223 N. Main St., then walk or drive a short distance away to the corner of Delaware St. and Truman Rd. to see the house itself. You ''must'' obtain the tickets at the Main Street office before attempting to enter the house! Tours are limited to eight persons at a time, and all tickets are sold on a "first-come, first-served" basis on the day of the tour only. Reservations are not accepted, and tickets tend to sell out quickly on weekends, holidays and during the summer months. NOTE: A ticket purchased to tour the Truman Home is also good to tour the ''Truman Farm Home'' in Grandview on the same day, and vice-versa.
  • '''Harry S. Truman Courtroom & Office''' [http://www.jacksongov.org/content/3279/3838/3860.aspx] Located in the Old Courthouse at the center of Independence's historic square, 816-252-7454. Harry Truman's first elected office was as a Jackson County judge (1922-24)--an administrative, not judicial, position. During his term he worked here in the historic Independence courthouse. He served as presiding judge of the county court (again, an administrative rather than a judicial function) from 1926-33.
  • '''Clinton's Soda Fountain''' [http://www.clintonssodafountain.com/] Still a working soda fountain and ice-cream parlor, this was the site of Harry Truman's first paying job. On the Independence Square.
  • '''Temple Lot''' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Lot] A grassy field dedicated in 1831 by Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons") together with several smaller organizations claiming to be the legitimate continuation of that church. No temple has ever been constructed on this site, though the Community of Christ has built one across the street which the Utah LDS and other sects do not accept as legitimate. The vast majority of the world's Latter-day Saints believe that this particular piece of land, which is currently owned by the tiny Church of Christ-Temple Lot [http://www.churchofchrist-tl.org/], will one day be the site of their most important spiritual edifice. Tours and information are available at the white church building located on the lot, which is the world headquarters of its current owners.
  • '''Community of Christ World Headquarters''' [http://www.cofchrist.org/], 1001 W. Walnut St, 816-521-3045. The Community of Christ, second-largest of the Latter-day Saint denominations, has its world headquarters in Independence, as do several other smaller groups. Its headquarters complex consists of three buildings, all of which are open to the public:
  • *'''The Temple''' [http://www.cofchrist.org/visit/default.asp], constructed from 1990-94, sits adjacent to the original "Temple Lot," and clearly dominates the city skyline. Designed by famed Japanese architect Gyo Obata, the edifice evokes the spiral shell of the Nautilus by using a stainless steel spire that rises 300 feet (91 m). Unlike temples of the larger LDS church, the Community of Christ's sacred structure is always open to non-members. Its main sanctuary features a Casavant pipe organ with 60 stops, 102 ranks, and 5685 pipes; recitals are held daily. Also held daily is a Prayer for Peace [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daily_Prayer_for_Peace], which the public is encouraged to attend.
  • *'''The Stone Church''' [http://www.stone-church.org/default-old.asp] was constructed during the late 1800's, and serves a local Community of Christ congregation. Beautiful stained-glass windows and woodwork.
  • *'''The Auditorium''' [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditorium_(Community_of_Christ)] is a large structure built between 1926-58 for holding the church's biennial convention. It formerly served at the church's headquarters, prior to erection of the Temple. It houses an Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ with 113 ranks and 6,334 pipes, including an antiphonal console and pipes in the rear balcony of the oval chamber. Seating nearly 6,000 people (as opposed to 1,600 in the Temple's main sanctuary), this building is used not only for religious ceremonies, but community events as well, including local graduation ceremonies and an annual performance of Handel's ''Messiah'' [http://www.cofchrist.org/messiah/default.asp] that has become a mainstay of the Kansas City Christmas holiday season.
  • '''The Children's Peace Pavilion''' [http://www.kidpeace.org/] is located inside the Auditorium's west entrance. It contains a number of exhibits designed to teach concepts of personal peace, social peace, international peace, and environmental peace to children ages 12 and under.
  • '''United Nations Peace Plaza''' [http://www.un.org/Pubs/chronicle/2003/webArticles/072203_unpeaceplaza.html] Situated just west of the Temple Lot. This memorial features a beautiful sculpture of a young girl releasing a dove to symbolize the hopes and dreams represented by the United Nations. It is billed as the only monument in the United States dedicated specifically to peace outside of the U.N.'s headquarters in New York.
  • '''Mormon Visitors' Center''', 937 W Walnut, (816) 836-3466, [http://www.lds.org/placestovisit/location/0,10634,1812-1-1-1,00.html] Describes the roles played by Latter-day Saints during the early and tempestuous history of Independence. Offers flat screen visual presentations showing the arrival of early Saints, revelations, and their pioneer lives. Also offers rare artifacts and exhibits documenting the history and beliefs of the Mormons, together with information on the adjacent Temple Lot. Free guided tours daily.
  • '''1859 Jail, Marshal's Home and Museum''' 217 N. Main St, (816) 252-1892, [http://www.jchs.org/jail/museum.html]. The dungeon-like cells of the 1859 Jail housed thousands of prisoners during the bloodiest period of Jackson County's history. Some of its guests included Frank James (brother of Jesse James) and Confederate guerrilla leader William Quantrill. Part of the exhibit details how the local marshal and his family lived in the adjoining Federal brick two-story home. An 1870's-era schoolhouse and museum completes the site. A "historic homes combo" ticket is available for use with the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the Vaile Mansion. Closed for the winter from January through March.
  • '''Leila's Hair Museum''' 1333 S. Noland Road, [http://www.hairwork.com/leila/]. Museum of Victorian-era art of hair jewelry and wreaths. The Hair Museum, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, houses over 350 hair "wreaths" and 1,500 pieces of artwork or jewelry made partially or completely out of human hair.
  • '''Puppetry Arts Institute''' 11025 E. Winner Road, [http://www.hazelle.org]. Home to hundreds of puppets and marionettes from around the world and features a collection from the world's largest puppet factory in neighboring Kansas City, owned and operated by famous puppeteer Hazelle Rollins. Visitors can also watch a movie, use the puppet resource library and see changing displays. Children can choose a puppet head from the now-closed factory inventory, paint it with professional puppet paint, attach a body, and stage an impromptu performance on one of the institute's stages. Monthly professional puppet shows are also offered.
  • '''Bingham-Waggoner Estate''' 313 W Pacific, (816) 461-3491, [http://www.bwestate.org/]. Built in 1852 along the Santa Fe Trail, this magnificent home was owned by famous American artist George Caleb Bingham. Extensively renovated in the 1890s, many furnishings and accessories from the era may be seen in the home, and original wagon swales from the Santa Fe Trail may be viewed to its south. A gift shop is located in the carriage house. Closed for the winter from January through March. Directly across from the National Frontier Trails museum.
  • '''Vaile Victorian Mansion''' 1500 N Liberty, (816) 325-7430, [http://www.vailemansion.org]. This thirty-room mansion was built by frontier business tycoon Harvey Vaile in 1881. Recognized as one of the finest examples of Second Empire Victorian architecture in the U. S., the opulent estate boasted conveniences such as flushing toilets, a built-in 6,000 gallon water tank, painted woodwork and ceilings and nine different marble fireplaces. Closed for the winter from January through March.
  • '''Pioneer Spring Cabin''' Southeast corner of Noland and Truman Roads, 816-325-7111. This austere two-room log cabin offers a sharp contrast to Independence's opulent Victorian estates. Originally constructed in an Irish community known as "Brady Town," the Pioneer Spring Cabin was moved to its present location in 1971. A spring outside the Cabin has been recreated to represent the abundant natural springs that served weary trail riders, pioneers and livestock.
  • Do

  • '''Santa-Cali-Gon Days''' [http://www.santacaligon.com] is an annual Labor Day weekend festival held in Independence 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 1940's, men grew their beards from one Sant-Cali-Gon to the next in beard-growing contests, whereas the 1950's saw exhibitions of horses and covered wagons, together with numerous other items that might have been purchased in Independence before heading West. In more recent decades 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 can be difficult to obtain during this time, and generally costs between $5.00 and $10.00 or more, depending upon how close to the festivities you wish to be (and the availability of parking spaces!). Admission to the festival itself is free.
  • '''Vaile Strawberry Festival''' [http://www.vailemansion.org] is held on the first Saturday of June at the Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, five blocks north of the historic 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.
  • '''Mule-drawn covered wagon ride''' [http://www.pioneertrailsadventures.com/] You can usually catch a mule-drawn covered wagon ride on the Square with Pioneer Trails Adventures during the spring, summer and fall months; and, weather permitting, during the holiday season. Fees range from $7 to $25, depending upon the ride's length and itinerary.
  • Chicago & Alton 1879 Depot. 18 West Pacific Avenue. hree blocks South of the Square to Pacific Avenue then West to the depot parking lot on North side of Street.. 16-325-7955. ww.chicagoalton1879depot.com. :30-4:30 closed Tue & Wed. onations. The two story depot contains three rooms on the first floor which are the waiting room, stationmasters room & baggage room. On the second floor, four rooms, which were formerly the stationmasters residence, are the kitchen, dining room, bedroom and the parlor. Each of these rooms is furnished in the period circa 1879. A separate display room contains C&A and train artifacts. There are hundreds of intriguing railroad collectables found throughout the depot. When you arrive at the depot you will be greeted by a large 9 foot tall clock and an original restored Railway Express wagon on the depot platform. Inside you will find pot-bellied stoves, the original waiting room benches and old Chicago & Alton advertising posters. There are many spittons and telegraph equipment Lots of old railroad material and tools will also be found. Upstairs you will find a wooden ice box, cast iron cooking stove and many other old items used at that time. The entire depot has been completely restored and furnished inside and out.

    Buy

    A farmers' market is held on the northeast side of the Independence Square, along Truman Road, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, mid-May through mid-September. (Vendors are usually at the market around 5:00AM and most leave by 11:00AM.) The adjacent Independence Square holds numerous shops for antiques, curios, book, and more.

    Eat

    Recently the Independence Square has seen restoration work which has involved the opening or refurbishing of various restaurants. Among these are:
  • '''Ophelia's''' [http://www.opheliasind.com/], featuring an eclectic menu including steaks and seafood. Also features an inn on-site with rooms ranging from $105-145 per night.
  • '''Cafe Verona''' [http://www.cafeveronarestaurant.com/], specializing in Italian cuisine.
  • '''Rheinland''' [http://www.rheinlandrestaurant.com/], specializing in authentic German food and beers.
  • '''Courthouse Exchange''' [http://www.courthouseexchange.com/], 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.
  • Several other restaurants, including the '''Longhorn Steakhouse''', '''Logans Roadhouse''', '''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.

  • Dixon's Chili. 105 E US Hwy 40. orner of 40 Hwy and Blue Ridge Cut-Off. 816) 861-7308. Dixon's Chili has some of the best chili and chili-based dishes in the area. This resteraunt 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.

    Drink

    There are numerous drinking establishments around Independence, and most if not all resteraunts serve alchohol.

    (Note: Smoking is prohibited in all nightclubs, bars and other public establishments in Independence.)

    Sleep

    Several major motel chains serve Independence, and there are also a number of bed-and-breakfasts available. A listing of these, together with addresses and contact information, may be seen at [http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/Tourism/lodging.aspx].

    Stay safe

    Although violent crime is very uncommon in Independence (unlike Kansas City), 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 Missouri 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 of Independence, particularly the portion west of Sterling Avenue, 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.

    Independence and the Kansas City area are a major habitat of the ''Brown Recluse Spider'', one of two poisonous spiders known to be in the United States. While your actual chances of encountering one are rare, you might want to be aware of their preferred living spaces: dark corners, inside of boxes and old shoes or piles of clothing, papers, etc., closets, attics, and other such places.

    Get out

  • '''Truman Farm Home''' [http://www.nps.gov/hstr] 12301 Blue Ridge Blvd, Grandview, Missouri, 816-254-9929. Harry Truman lived on this, his family's farm, from 1906 to 1917. Tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited to 6 people. Farm grounds open daily, year-round for self-guided tour. Cost: $4, ages 15 and under free. NOTE: A ticket purchased to tour the Truman Farm Home is also good to tour the ''Truman Home'' in Independence on the same day, and vice-versa.
  • '''Fort Osage National Historic Landmark''' [http://www.epsi.net/graphic/osage.html] Sibley, Missouri, 816-650-5737. This reconstructed frontier post once hosted famed American explorer William Clark (of Louis and Clark fame), who selected the site and drew up the plans for its construction. The site offers the reconstructed fort, together with living history exhibits and a museum. Located in Sibley, Missouri, a few miles east of Independence off U.S. Highway 24. Call before going for exact directions (you'll need them, if you're not familiar with the area!), as the fort is located in a rural area some distance off the highway. An alternate phone number is 816-795-8200.
  • '''Missouri Town 1855''' [http://www.jacksongov.org/content/3279/3838/3863.aspx] 8010 E. Park Road, '''Lee's Summit''', Missouri 64064, 816-503-4860. A fascinating 30-acre "town" using both authentic and reconstructed buildings to reconstruct what a frontier town in 1850's Missouri looked like. Professional living history guides interact with guests on this self-guided walking tour, dressed in 19th-century attire and depicting 19th-century lifestyles. Authentic field and garden crops and rare livestock breeds are available for visitors to view. Definitely worth the time and reasonable cost ($3 for children and senior citizens; $5 for adults).
  • '''Battle of Lexington''' [http://www.mostateparks.com/lexington/] 1101 Delaware Street, Lexington, MO 64067 660-259-4654. Lexington is about 25 miles east of Independence, off U.S. Highway 24, and was the site of a Civil War battle fought in September of 1861 later known as "The Battle of the Hemp Bales." After a fruitless three-day siege of the Union garrison, attacking Confederate forces used hemp bales soaked in river water to form a mobile breastworks, which they rolled slowly up to the Yankee trenches to enable them to finally force a Union surrender. The site, now a state park, offers a free museum, picnicking, and a walking tour of part of the old battlefield, where remnants of the old trenches and fortifications remain visible. An actual cannonball from the battle is still lodged in one pillar of the 1847 Lafayette County Courthouse (the oldest courthouse west of the Mississippi River still in active use). Adjacent to the museum is the Anderson House [http://www.mostateparks.com/lexington/andhouse.htm], which served as a hospital during the battle, changing hands three times and which still bears numerous bullet holes and other scars from the fighting (a small fee is charged to tour the Anderson House). Lexington is worth a full day or more in its own right, with numerous Antebellum houses and the Wentworth Military Academy, a nationally-famous private military school founded in 1880.