Places to visit in Independence, MO.
There are many things to do in Independence if you want to take a trip to Missouri and have a fun day out. You can explore the state’s history, learn about its people, and enjoy its beautiful scenery.
The city is close to Kansas City and offers a range of amenities and attractions. Some of the most popular include a museum commemorating the Oregon Trail and a library and museum that houses exhibits on former President Harry S. Truman.
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
The Harry S Truman National Historic Site, located in Independence, Missouri, is essential for visitors. It features the childhood home of President Truman and the historic farm where he grew up.
The Truman House is a fourteen-room Queen Anne-style home with a museum collection of over 57,000 artifacts, including household accessories, furnishings, portraits, and clothing. Visitors can learn about the 33rd president’s life and legacy through a ranger-led tour.
Truman lived in the home from 1919 to 1972, and it is a national historic site. The house has been well-preserved. During that time, the home served as the “Summer White House.”
To visit the Truman House, visitors must take a ranger-led tour. A ticket is required. During the summer season, the Truman Visitor Center sells out daily.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
If you are searching for a natural oasis amidst the concrete jungle, then Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area is the place for you. This Missouri state park is home to over one thousand acres of pristine woodlands and prairies. A recent update included new interactive exhibits.
There are several amenities to keep you busy, including a 3000-gallon aquarium, a nifty 168-seat auditorium, and several onsite motels. The best part is that Burr Oak Woods is located only a few miles from downtown Kansas City. Plus, the weather is pretty mild, with highs in the low seventies and lows in the mid-thirties. Located just north of I-70, Burr Oak Woods is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
Burr Oak Woods features six hiking trails. The most popular route is a 1.3-mile loop that is rated as easy. However, the gravel trail is the way to go for the more adventurous.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
Truman’s Presidential Library & Museum is located on U.S. 24 in Independence, Missouri. It was built with private donations and is maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration. The museum contains permanent and temporary exhibits.
During Harry’s presidency, he had the opportunity to participate in World War I and the Cold War, along with other world-changing events. One of the highlights of a visit to the library is a replica of Truman’s Oval Office.
Another feature is a courtyard garden. In addition, there are grave sites for members of the Truman family. Finally, visitors will find hundreds of artifacts, documents, and political memorabilia from the period. This includes a pen that was used to sign the German surrender.
Vaile Mansion in Independence, Missouri
The Vaile Mansion is a historic house in Independence, Missouri. It is a three-story Gothic-like structure. Built in 1881, Harvey M. Vaile, an abolitionist, originally owned the home. He moved to Kansas City in 1859 to set up a law practice. After the Civil War, he married Sophia Graham and moved to Independence.
When Vaile died, his estate was put up for sale. A local family bought the home for $60,000 and restored it. They then used it as an inn, a sanatorium, and a rest home for the elderly.
However, the house became a hot spot for paranormal activity. Some reports describe a woman in white looking out of windows. Others report seeing a ghost walking the grounds at night.
As time went on, the mansion fell into disrepair. Finally, in the 1960s, the home was purchased by Roger and Mary Mildred DeWitt and was restored. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
The Vaile Mansion is now a museum open to the public. Tours are held daily from March through October. Vaile Mansion is a popular site for tourists to visit. In addition, many events are held throughout the year. These include the annual Strawberry Festival.
Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence
The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the nation’s largest free-standing public genealogical libraries. The facility is two stories tall, with almost three-quarters of a million onsite resources. It also features a self-digitization station, address directories, and address books.
The facility also offers a range of genealogy and history programs, including an extensive circulating collection, an oral-history recording center, and a microfilm reader-printer. If you’re in the Kansas City area, you should visit. There is staff to answer questions, and it’s not too far from downtown.
The library provides several technological services, from in-branch public computers to Wi-Fi and internet hotspots. You can also access many of the Internet’s most popular sites from a computer in the Midwest Genealogy Center.