Independence (Missouri)
Discover Independence (Missouri)
Independence, 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 Community of Christ (formerly RLDS), 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.
What to Experience in Independence (Missouri)
Taste of Independence (Missouri)...
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. 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.) Several major motel chains serve Independence, and there are also a number of bed-and-breakfasts available. 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.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsInterstate 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! Amtrak, ☏ +1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245)....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
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 . 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.
Where to Stay
Several major motel chains serve Independence, and there are also a number of bed-and-breakfasts available. 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.
Money & Budget
A farmers' market is held on the northeast side of the Independence Sq., along Truman Rd., on Wednesdays and Saturdays, mid-May through mid-Sep. (Vendors are usually at the market around 5AM and most leave by 11AM.) The adjacent Independence Sq. holds numerous shops for antiques, curios, book, and more. 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. There are numerous drinking establishments around Independence, and most if not all restaurants serve alcohol.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
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.
Glimpses of Independence (Missouri)
Ginger tabby with white mouth laying on its front paws on denim. A sofa can be seen in the background.
Variegated white dogwood starting to turn red in the fall of 2022. Golden tube wind chimes are also seen in the photo.
Orange tabby cat all settled down for a nap on the clean, folded laundry.
Ginger tabby with white mouth laying on its front paws on denim. A sofa can be seen in the background.
Variegated white dogwood starting to turn red in the fall of 2022. Golden tube wind chimes are also seen in the photo.
Orange tabby cat all settled down for a nap on the clean, folded laundry.
Ginger tabby with white mouth laying on its front paws on denim. A sofa can be seen in the background.
Variegated white dogwood starting to turn red in the fall of 2022. Golden tube wind chimes are also seen in the photo.
Orange tabby cat all settled down for a nap on the clean, folded laundry.
Ginger tabby with white mouth laying on its front paws on denim. A sofa can be seen in the background.
Variegated white dogwood starting to turn red in the fall of 2022. Golden tube wind chimes are also seen in the photo.
Orange tabby cat all settled down for a nap on the clean, folded laundry.
Ginger tabby with white mouth laying on its front paws on denim. A sofa can be seen in the background.