For Visitors | City of Independence, MO

Things to Do

An abundance of recreational options await you here in Independence! Whether it’s taking a covered wagon ride on the historic Independence Square, attending all sorts of sporting events at Cable Dahmer Arena or relaxing in one of our beautiful parks.

Image of people walking down the Butterfly trail at George Woens Nature Park during the Winter Solstice Torch-Lit Hike

Welcome to Independence!

Right outside of Kansas City and right in the heart of our nation’s history, Independence is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Feel the vibe and proximity of the city. Feel the roots of history and the legacy this area holds. Feel the hospitality of a hometown — even if it’s not your own. Sights, sounds, eats and shops await visitors of all ages looking for something new while feeling right at home. Independence is where the past is preserved, the present is embraced and the future is bright.

Decorations for the holidays at the Vaile Mansion in Independence.

Holiday Happenings in Independence

Holiday events around Independence in 2023.

Come experience the magic of the holidays with a visit to Independence!

Image of BBQ food from A Little BBQ Joint

Independence BBQ

Image of burgers, onion rings, and drinks from Mugs Up

Casual Dining

Image of a table filled with food from Ophelia's Restaurant

Fine Dining

Image of macarons on a table

Sweet Treats

Salty Iguana Mexican Restaurant

International Food

Image of coffee and pastry on table

Coffee & Baked Goods

Image of sample of beer from 3 Trails Brewing

Drinks

Exterior of Clinton's Soda Fountain Shop

Truman Favorites

Where to Stay

If there’s one characteristic the people of Independence share, it’s our warm and welcoming nature. So get ready for us to roll out a red carpet of goodwill for your visit. Whether you’re staying in one of our Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, RV Parks or Campgrounds, we plan to give you a friendly greeting and an authentic dose of small town Americana with big city convenience.

Boutique Hotels and B & B

Economy Hotels

Premium Hotels

RV Parks and Campgrounds

Looking for more?

Check out the Official Independence Visitor Guide. We have great itineraries for weekend getaways, girls weekends, and more!

Looking up at the statue of President Truman walking with his cane on the east side of the Historic Truman Courthouse in Independence, Mo.

Discover Harry S. Truman

The peaked roof of the historic Victorian Vaile Mansion stands in the middle of the image with wispy white clouds in a blue sky behind it.

Historic Homes

Image of Harry S. Truman walking in his Independence, Missouri neighborhood. Member of the press walks beside him just outside of Truman Home.

Walking Trails

An image of an 1800s wagon with supplies for travel and a backdrop showing pioneers with their wagons preparing to head out West.

National Frontier Trails Museum

Aerial view of the Independence Square and the Historic Courthouse

Pioneers of Independence

Exterior of Community of Christ Temple

Religious Sites

Painting of the Town of Independence in 1838.

History of Independence

A picture of the interior of a library with bookshelves and chairs

Merril J. Mattes Research Library

Two youth pictures with ice sculpture.

20th Annual Winter Solstice Torch Lit HIke

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

5:00pm

George Owens Nature Park

City-Wide, Entertainment, Family Activity, Holidays, Outdoor

Image of hockey players playing hockey at Cable Dahmer Arena. Spectators watching in the background.

Mavericks Hockey

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

7:05pm

Cable Dahmer Arena

Entertainment, Sporting Event

A close view of the sign of the Roger T. Sermon center.

Toddler Town - Dec. 7

Thursday, December 7, 2023

10:00am

Roger T. Sermon Community Center

City-Wide, Family Activity

Youth and adults playing chess.

Chess - weekly - Dec 7

Thursday, December 7, 2023

2:30pm

George Owens DeWitt Hall

City-Wide, Classes and Trainings, Entertainment, Family Activity

cartoon image of Santa ice skating near a Christmas tree

Santa Skate 2023

Thursday, December 7, 2023

4:00pm

Cable Dahmer Arena

Family Activity, Holidays, Shopping

A banner that says Joy to The World with Santa on one side and a snowman on the other side used as decoration at The Palmer Center's Christmas Celebration

Senior's Christmas Celebration

Friday, December 8, 2023

11:00am

Palmer Center

City-Wide, Holidays

Decorations for the holidays at the Vaile Mansion in Independence.

Holiday Happenings in Independence

Image of wooden sweater cutouts. Left is just wood, and the right is decorated in green color, red ornaments, gold tinsel, and a leg lamp.

Celebrate 20 years of tradition by decorating holiday sweater cutouts.

Image of the Quarterly Visitor Guide Cover with the type 2023 Official Visitors Guide Independence Quarterly Issue across the top. Images of painting and photos in the background with lights hanging down.

Visitor Guide 2023 Fall and Winter Update