Are you looking to take a vacation? Located in the southern midwest? If so, you might consider stopping by Independence, Missouri, a small neighbor of Kansas City.
Independence has a great deal to see and do, offering not only historical landmarks but fun, modern activities as well. Wondering why exactly you should visit Independence, Missouri? Here are 7 key reasons to do so.
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1. To See Harry Truman’s Home
If there’s one thing that stands out about Independence, Missouri, it’s that it’s the home of Harry Truman. The fiery President spent 63 years of his life in the city, both as a boy and as an adult following his Presidency.
As such, Harry Truman’s imprint is all over Independence. Not only is there a Harry Truman museum, but a Harry Truman library and courthouse as well. However, the most interesting of the city’s Truman exhibits has to be Truman’s home.
Preserved with Truman-era relics and decor, it’s a must-see for any history buff. It offers you the chance to experience Truman’s life as he experienced it. If you’re going to be in Independence, you have to make a stop.
2. To Visit a Classic House
It’s not just Harry Truman’s house that you can visit in Independence, Missouri. There are two other historic houses you can visit as well: the Vaile Mansion and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate.
The Vaile Mansion was built in 1881 and is preserved to display the luxuries existing in that time period. It has everything from painted ceilings to fireplaces to flushing toilets to a huge, in-home water tank. Stepping into it is like stepping back in time.
The Bingham-Waggoner Estate was built a little earlier, in 1852. Like the Vaile Mansion, it displays luxuries as they existed in that time period. Containing a bevy of mid-1800s furniture, it’s home preservation done right.
3. To Learn About the Frontier Trails
One of the coolest things about Independence is that it was once the meeting point for many of the trails that crossed America during the 19th century. Pioneers would travel these trails westward in search of new land and new opportunity, contributing greatly to the overall expansion of the United States.
Independence is proud of these trails and expresses its pride in the way of the National Frontier Trails Museum. This museum contains information and artifacts relating to the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe trails, in particular, allowing visitors to experience a bit of America’s pioneering spirit.
If you’re planning a vacation to Independence, or if you just happen to be in town, you have to make a stop here. Not only will you learn about a vital era in America’s history, but you’ll have a lot of fun while doing so.
4. To Learn About Your Ancestors
If you’re ever looking to learn about your ancestors, Independence is the place to go. Why? Because it’s home to the Midwest Genealogy Center, the midwest’s premier genealogy resource.
The Genealogy Center is located in the Mid-Continent Public Library and contains everything from birth records to military records to immigration records to probate records and more. Offering assistance on their website, they help visitors to look into the specifics of their family trees.
If you’re interested in genealogy, you could spend an entire day here. Its records date back to the 18th century, allowing you to get up close and personal with the family members who brought you into the United States.
5. To Learn About Mormonism
If you’ve read to this point, you’ve probably caught on: Independence is a history-driven city. Not only does it wear its family, pioneering, and Truman history on its sleeve, but its Mormon history as well.
That’s right, at one point—in 1831, to be exact—Independence was the home of the Mormons. Leader Joseph Smith designated it as the “City of Zion”, telling all Mormon followers that they were to meet there for the Second Coming of Christ.
Though the Mormons didn’t stay for long (they were less-than-welcome), they have since built a visitor’s center in the city. Erected in 1971, it’s an interesting place to visit for those who are looking to learn a little about the religion.
6. To Check Out an Indoor Soccer Game
Independence isn’t completely all about history. There are other things to do in the city. For instance, if you’re into sports, you could check out a professional indoor soccer game.
The city’s indoor soccer team, the Kansas City Comets, plays their games in Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of a sport that they may have never seen before.
Not into indoor soccer? If so, you could consider catching a Kansas City Mavericks game. The Mavericks play in Silverstein Eye Centers Arena as well, acting as an affiliate to the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
7. To Splash Around
Looking to cool down in the summertime? If so, you should go splashing around at Adventure Oasis Water Park. Open all summer long, it’s fun for the whole family.
Adventure Oasis offers a wide variety of wave pools, diving pools, swimming pools, lazy rivers, and water slides. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back good time or an active, adrenaline-pumping experience, it will accommodate you.
This waterpark is fairly cheap to get into. Children can enter for $7.00 a day, adults can get in for just $10. There are also reduced-price family packages available for those with 4 or more members.
Ready to Spend Some Time in Independence, Missouri?
As you can see, there’s plenty to do in Independence, Missouri. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just good old fashioned fun, the city will accommodate you.
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