Independence, Missouri
Independence is a city of 121,740 people in Clay County, Missouri, founded in 1827.
Why visit Independence
Townapedia lists 78 museums and landmarks, 77 parks and trails, 168 places to eat, 27 places to stay and 8 attractions in and around town.
Highlights include AMC Independence Commons 20, Harry S. Truman Bridge, Vaile Mansion and Harry S. Truman Historic District.
July is the warmest month, with average highs of 87°F; January lows average 19°F.
Weather in Independence
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Full forecast
About Independence
Independence is a city mostly in, and one of two county seats of, Jackson County, Missouri, United States. It is a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri, and is the largest suburb on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area. In 2020, it had a total population of 123,011, making it the fifth-most populous city in Missouri. A small part of the city extends into Clay County.
From the Wikipedia article Independence, Missouri (this version), under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Things to do8
Harry S. Truman Bridge
Bridge · 8.2 mi
Railroad bridge in Missouri, U.S
Liberty Bend Bridge
Bridge · 6.1 mi
Bridge in United States of America
Pharoah Cinema 4
Cinema and theater · 3.5 mi
112-114 West Maple Avenue, Independence
Museums and landmarks78
Vaile Mansion
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.8 mi
Historic house in Missouri, United States
1500 North Liberty Street, Independence
Harry S. Truman Historic District
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.9 mi
Historic district in Missouri, United States
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Temple Lot
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.0 mi
Geographical location important in Latter Day Saint history
Andrew Drumm Institute
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 2.7 mi
Place in Missouri on the National Register of Historic Places
Four Gates Farm
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 7.3 mi
Historic house in Missouri, United States
Independence
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.2 mi
Train station in Independence, Missouri, United States served by Amtrak
Jackson County Courthouse
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 1.7 mi
Historical courthouse in Independence, Missouri, United States
Jackson County Jail and Marshal's House
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.4 mi
Historic government buildings in Missouri, United States
Kritser House
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 3.4 mi
House in Independence, Missouri, United States
Nebo Hill Archeological Site
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 8.6 mi
Place in Mississippi on the National Register of Historic Places
Westport High School
Monument and historic site · National Register of Historic Places · 4.1 mi
Former high school in Missouri, United States
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Museum · 3.9 mi
Presidential library and museum for U.S. President Harry S. Truman, located in Independence, Missouri
66 more on the map.
Parks, trails and playgrounds77
SubTropolis
Park · 8.5 mi
Artificial cave in the bluffs above the Missouri River in Kansas City, MO, US
65 more on the map.
Restaurants and cafes168
Baskin-Robbins
Ice cream · Ice Cream · 4.7 mi
4486 South Noland Road, Independence
Mo-Th 11:00-24:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-00:30; Su 11:00-24:00
Cafe Verona
Cafe · Italian · 3.5 mi
206 West Lexington Avenue, Independence
Mo-Th 11:00-21:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-22:00; Su 11:00-20:00
Cracker Barrel
Diner · American · 3.5 mi
4110 South Lee's Summit Road, Independence
Su-Th 06:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 06:00-23:00
Jerusalem Cafe
Restaurant · Mediterranean · 3.6 mi
18921 East Valley View Parkway, Independence
Mo-Su 11:00-21:00
Nirvana Coffee and Games
Cafe · Burger, Chicken, Coffee Shop, Ramen, Sandwich, Tea · 5.4 mi
10707 East Winner Road
Mo-Th 12:00-22:00; Fr 12:00-00:00; Sa 10:00-00:00; Su 09:00-21:00
Thai Spice
Restaurant · Thai · 3.6 mi
18931 East Valley View Parkway, Independence
Mo-Th 11:00-20:30; Fr 11:00-21:00; Sa 12:00-21:00
The Sentinel Room
Bar and pub · 3.5 mi
208 West Lexington Avenue, Independence
Tu-Th 15:00-22:00; Fr 15:00-24:00; Sa 12:00-24:00
156 more on the map.
History
The area that is now Independence was originally inhabited by Missouri and Osage Native Americans. Later made part of the territory of Louisiana that was alternately part of New France and New Spain, it became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The Lewis and Clark Expedition stopped in what would become Independence in 1804.
Named after the Declaration of Independence, Independence was founded on March 29, 1827, and quickly became an important frontier town. Independence was the farthest point westward on the Missouri River where steamboats or other cargo vessels could travel, due to the convergence of the Kansas River with the Missouri River approximately six miles west of town. Independence immediately became a jumping-off point for the emerging fur trade, accommodating merchants and adventurers beginning the long trek westward on the Santa Fe Trail.
From the History section of Independence, Missouri on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to stay27
Best Western Independence Kansas City
Motel and hotel · 2.4 mi
18700 East 37th Terrace South, Independence
La Quinta Inn & Suites Blue Springs
Motel and hotel · 4.4 mi
3402 Northwest Jefferson Road, Blue Springs
Super 8 by Wyndham Independence Kansas City
Motel and hotel · 4.3 mi
4032 South Lynn Court Drive, Independence
Churches and places of worship81
Trinity Episcopal Church
Church · Episcopal · National Register of Historic Places · 3.5 mi
Community of Christ Auditorium
Church · Community Of Christ · 4.1 mi
1001 West Walnut Street, Independence
Community of Christ Temple
Church · Community Of Christ · 4.0 mi
201 South River Boulevard, Independence
Stone Church (Community of Christ)
Church · Community Of Christ · 4.1 mi
1012 West Lexington Ave, Independence
The Church of Jesus Christ - Cutlerites
Church · Cutlerite · 4.0 mi
807 South Cottage Street, Independence
The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Church · Remnant Church · 3.9 mi
700 West Lexington Avenue, Independence
East Alton (Community of Christ)
Church · Community Of Christ · 1.5 mi
16999 East 23rd Street South, Independence
Family Life Center / Central Mission Community of Christ
Church · Community Of Christ · 3.8 mi
500 West Pacific Avenue, Independence
Shopping37
Gas and EV charging40
Schools, colleges and libraries99
Mid-Continent Public Library - Blue Springs North Branch
Library · 4.9 mi
850 NW Hunter Drive, Blue Springs
Mid-Continent Public Library - East Independence Branch
Library · 3.6 mi
4505 Little Blue Parkway, Independence
Mid-Continent Public Library - North Independence Branch
Library · 3.7 mi
317 West 24 Highway, Independence
Mid-Continent Public Library - South Independence Branch
Library · 4.0 mi
13700 East 35th Street South, Independence
Healthcare19
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Clinic and pharmacy · 2.3 mi
1525 East 23rd Street South, Independence
Hy-Vee Pharmacy
Clinic and pharmacy · 4.7 mi
4545 South Noland Road, Independence
Map of Independence
250 places. The map loads OpenStreetMap tiles when you open it.
Climate by month
Monthly table
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Snow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F | 19°F | 1.5 in | 3.6 in |
| Feb | 43°F | 23°F | 1.9 in | 2.6 in |
| Mar | 54°F | 33°F | 2.9 in | 1.7 in |
| Apr | 65°F | 43°F | 4.4 in | 0.2 in |
| May | 74°F | 54°F | 6.0 in | 0.0 in |
| Jun | 83°F | 64°F | 5.3 in | 0.0 in |
| Jul | 87°F | 68°F | 5.1 in | 0.0 in |
| Aug | 86°F | 66°F | 5.1 in | 0.0 in |
| Sep | 78°F | 57°F | 4.8 in | 0.0 in |
| Oct | 66°F | 45°F | 3.5 in | 0.4 in |
| Nov | 53°F | 34°F | 2.4 in | 1.2 in |
| Dec | 42°F | 24°F | 1.8 in | 3.5 in |
U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 for Independence (2 mi away), NOAA NCEI.
People and cost of living
American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2020-2024, U.S. Census Bureau. Estimates have margins of error, larger for small towns.
Disaster history
Clay County has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 2000, most often for severe storms.
- 2020-03-26: Covid-19 Pandemic (Biological)
- 2020-03-13: Covid-19 (Biological)
- 2019-07-09: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, And Flooding (Severe Storm)
- 2015-08-07: Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, And Flooding (Severe Storm)
- 2011-06-30: Flooding (Flood)
- 2011-02-03: Severe Winter Storm (Severe Storm)
OpenFEMA disaster declarations summaries.
Getting there and nearby towns
Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is the nearest airport with scheduled flights listed in OpenStreetMap, 13 miles away.
- Sugar Creek 5 mi northwest, about 8 min by car
- Lake Tapawingo 5 mi southeast, about 8 min by car
- Blue Springs 7 mi southeast, about 11 min by car
- Blue Summit 7 mi west, about 11 min by car
- Raytown 9 mi southwest, about 14 min by car
- Kansas City 11 mi west, about 18 min by car
- Lee's Summit 11 mi south, about 18 min by car
- Kansas City 21 mi west, about 34 min by car
- Overland Park 23 mi southwest, about 37 min by car
- Olathe 29 mi southwest, about 46 min by car
Drive times are estimates from straight-line distance, not routes.
Local news
Headlines from INDB, the NEMICO news database.
Reviews, tips and questions
Loading what members have shared...
Sources and licences
- NCES EDGE (Public domain): public schools
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (Public domain): climate by month
- OpenFEMA (Public domain): disaster declarations
- OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0): places, airports, map data
- U.S. Census Bureau (Public domain): population, income, housing, education, commute
- Wikidata (CC0 1.0): elevation, founding date, time zone, website, landmarks and historic places
- Wikimedia Commons (see each image): photos
- Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0): overview and history text
Photo credits
- Jackson County Courthouse Independence MO-cropped, TheCatalyst31 with modifications by Kbh3rd, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Race and ethnicity 2020 Independence, MO, CensusDots, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Argiope-IndependenceMO, Tonywardarts, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Drumm Institute, Independence, MO, 25or6to4, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Independence, Missouri (14518373803), Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Independence, Missouri (14475162046), Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Jackson County Jail in Independence, Maureen Lunn, CC BY 2.0
- Second Battle of Independence (1864) P5300306, Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Second Battle of Independence (1864) P5300307, Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Second Battle of Independence (1864) P5300308, Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jackson County Courthouse Independence MO, TheCatalyst31, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Vaile Mansion, Independence, Missouri LCCN2011631466, Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain
- Trumanhist, The original uploader was Nationalparks at English Wikipedia ., CC BY-SA 2.5
- HedrickiteTempleLotWithCofChristBuildingsNearby, EGDJ, CC BY 3.0
- Forsaken killer concept art necromancer, I have come to post concepts, CC BY 4.0
- ISS023-E-18620 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- ISS051-E-38478 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- ISS026-E-19819 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- ISS023-E-18619 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- ISS059-E-88812 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- ISS051-E-38479 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- ISS051-E-38480 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- ISS023-E-18621 - View of Earth, Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Public domain
- Copeland N’ Danielson, Ringerfan23, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Hiram Young Park wagon wheel, Smuckola, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Hiram Young Park wagon wheel platform, Smuckola, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Krister House, Dmw002, CC BY-SA 4.0
- HUGHES HOUSE, Chenry64052, CC BY-SA 3.0
- GEORGEN HOUSE, Chenry64052, CC BY-SA 3.0
- BRYANT HOUSE, Chenry64052, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Jackson County Courthouse MO 2025d, Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jackson County Courthouse MO 2025c, Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0
- JACKSON COURT, Chenry64052, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Jackson County Courthouse MO 2025f, Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jackson County Courthouse MO 2025b, Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jackson County Courthouse MO 2025e, Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jackson County Courthouse MO 2025a, Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0
- CME Nima2, Nightryder84, CC BY-SA 4.0
- CME Nima1, Nightryder84, CC BY-SA 4.0
- The Oregon Trail starting point., Skiba, Justin M., CC BY-SA 4.0
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