The first stop on your tour of Independence is the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. Focused on the life of America’s 33rd president, the museum includes a number of photographs and personal artifacts from his years in the White House, including handwritten correspondence between Truman and the first lady. Take a tour of Truman’s oval office and watch films about the moments that shaped Truman’s presidency. Make sure to pay your respects president Truman and the first lady at their grave site in the Museum’s courtyard before you leave.
Next, step a little farther back in time by taking a tour of the Vaile Mansion. This renovated Victorian-era home has been well preserved, and offers a great example of architecture and design from the late 1800’s. A guided tour of the house and grounds is offered to visitors, complete with preserved clothing and other artifacts from the area. Make sure to schedule your visit around Christmas or June’s Strawberry Festival in order to see the house in its fullest splendor. While much smaller than the Vaile Mansion or Truman Library, the Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum offers a glimpse into what life in Missouri was like during the frontier days of the 1850’s. Take a self-tour of a genuine 1850’s jail and see where Jesse James’ brother Frank was once imprisoned. Though the museum may be small, it is full of law enforcement artifacts from the 1800’s, making it a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in Civil War-era history.
After you finish seeing these sites, head to the Midwest Genealogy Center to learn more about your own history. The genealogy center and its library offer a wealth of information, and the knowledgeable staff is eager to help you uncover information about your ancestry. Trace your family’s roots and learn about their employment history, family conditions, and more from historical data records, all for free. If you are interested in more modern excitement, head to the Independence Events Center to check out a game, concert, or other special event. Home to the Missouri Mavericks hockey team and Missouri Comets indoor soccer team, this 5,800-seat arena offers great views and amenities for enjoying the action. Finally, make sure to head downtown to Independence Square. Complete with fountain, this historic square offers shopping and dining options or just a place to sit outside and relax between the other stops along your tour of town.
With so much to see and do in Independence, it is important to make sure you have a clean, comfortable room to come back to at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Check out our Independence, Missouri hotels and book today. Let Choice Hotels provide you with the rest and relaxation you need to take on the next day of adventure.