Tourist places in Independence, Independence Travel Info
Independence is a city in Jackson County, Missouri, and a satellite city of Kansas City. It is known as the "Queen City of the Trails" because it was a departure point for the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails. The city is rich in history, being the hometown of U.S. President Harry S. Truman.
Independence is located in western Missouri, just east of Kansas City and south of the Missouri River. The city has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer mild and pleasant weather.
The best time to visit Independence is in the spring (April to May) or fall (September to October) when the temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer can be quite hot, while winter can be cold. Visiting during the annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days festival in late summer is also popular.
A car is the most practical way to get around Independence and explore the wider Kansas City metropolitan area. The city is served by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) buses, but coverage may be limited in some areas. Walking is feasible in the historic downtown area, specifically around Independence Square.