Kid-Friendly

Coming to Missouri: German Migration in the 19th Century @ 1859 Jail and Marshal's Home

Jun 1 @ 10:00 am – Oct 9 @ 4:00 pm

Visitors will learn about the massive German migration to Missouri and the lasting effects on Missouri life and culture. It opens April 28, 2017 and closes September 5, 2017. Cost will be museum admittance (regular prices). The exhibit will be open during museum hours. M-Sat 10-4, Sun 1-4.

If you are unable to see the exhibit from April – September, it will be moved and on display at the JCHS History Center from Sept. 6-Dec. 31 2017.

Saving the White House – Truman’s Extreme Makeover @ Truman Library and Museum

Tickets

Jun 1 2017 @ 10:00 am – Mar 24 2018 @ 6:00 pm

When the Truman’s moved into the White House, they became aware of many flaws within the house. The shabby conditions were apparent, but soon the structural issues became undeniable: chandeliers shook, floors creaked, and Harry Truman joked that ghosts roamed the halls. After Margaret’s piano leg fell through the floor, the Truman’s knew they had to take a closer look. Eventually it was determined that the White House was in serious danger of collapsing in on itself and something had to be done. In response, the president worked closely with Congress to create a group, the Commission on the Renovation of the Executive Mansion, which was responsible for the most noteworthy and politically complex home-improvement job in America.
The Truman Library is now presenting a 3,000-sq ft temporary exhibit to share the complex story of the White House renovation. In the exhibit, the 1,222-day, $5.7 million renovation, controversial project is displayed through many different sources such as quotes and artifacts. In addition, the exhibit features the photographs of Abbie Rowe, a National Park Service photographer assigned to the White House. Rowe’s exclusive access to the White House and the resulting photographs have provided an invaluable record of the time. Visitors to the museum will be able to view artifacts such as mantel pieces, souvenirs, and never-before-seen film footage.

Sep

Sat

Pioneering People – A Path to Progress @ Historic Independence Square

Tickets

Sep 9 @ 10:00 am – Sep 30 @ 4:00 pm

Saturday, May 6 then Saturdays May 27 through September 30, 2017 Pioneering People and Path to Progress

Except weekend of September 1-4 during the Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival.

10:00 AM Encounters with People of the Past

1849 was certainly an important year for Independence, Missouri. What better place to catch up on local gossip than the Farmer’s Market, just off the Square. While you meet some of the residents shopping for fresh produce, you may want to take some home yourself!

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Covered Wagon Rides

Visitors experience a wagon ride while learning about the workings of the wagon, animals, and a bit of local history.

Rides depart from the Historic Courthouse Square for the National Frontier Trails Museum on the hour. Rides depart from the National Frontier Trails Museum on the half hour (except 12:30 PM).

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM A Lady and A Maid

Explore the workings of a wealthy household of 1880s during tours of the Vaile Mansion. While you tour the house with an expert guide to learn about the life of the Vailes and their home you will encounter a visiting guest and a member of the household staff.

10 AM to 4:00 PM All Aboard!

If you want to know about the comings and goings of just about everyone in town, the place to be is the Chicago and Alton Depot. The Station Master is just about the best informed of anyone in town. Visit the depot and discover just why this is so. If the station master is out, perhaps you will encounter a C&A passenger.

11 AM, 1&3 PM “Chin Music” at the 1827 Log Courthouse and National Frontier Trails Museum

Come to the 1827 Log Courthouse where you may eavesdrop on some of the town residents as they “make chin music” by discussing some of the challenges they face living in a frontier town. You may also explore this oldest of Missouri courthouses to find out about its history while you are there. At the National Frontier Trails Museum, learn about how our town helps so many pioneers get a successful start to their overland journey.

12:00 PM Walking Tour

Take a tour of historic 1849 Independence with one of our first person interpreters. Meet at Jackson Statue.

2:00 PM Town Topics at the 1827 Log Courthouse

Join two residents as they debate the pros and cons of great national issues dominating 1849 America. The People of the Past are so very decided in their views that an eminent townsperson has been asked to serve as Moderator, just to ensure a civil discussion. Feel free to join in the debate!

3 to 6 PM Melodies of the Pioneers

Enjoy the sounds of pioneer music as you stroll around the Square.

Sep

Sat

Pioneering People – A Path to Progress @ Historic Independence Square

Tickets

Sep 16 @ 10:00 am – Oct 7 @ 4:00 pm

Saturday, May 6 then Saturdays May 27 through September 30, 2017 Pioneering People and Path to Progress

Except weekend of September 1-4 during the Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival.

10:00 AM Encounters with People of the Past

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Covered Wagon Rides

Visitors experience a wagon ride while learning about the workings of the wagon, animals, and a bit of local history.

Rides depart from the Historic Courthouse Square for the National Frontier Trails Museum on the hour. Rides depart from the National Frontier Trails Museum on the half hour (except 12:30 PM).

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM A Lady and A Maid

10 AM to 4:00 PM All Aboard!

11 AM, 1&3 PM “Chin Music” at the 1827 Log Courthouse and National Frontier Trails Museum

12:00 PM Walking Tour

Take a tour of historic 1849 Independence with one of our first person interpreters. Meet at Jackson Statue.

2:00 PM Town Topics at the 1827 Log Courthouse

3 to 6 PM Melodies of the Pioneers

Enjoy the sounds of pioneer music as you stroll around the Square.

Sep

Sat

Pioneering People – A Path to Progress @ Historic Independence Square

Tickets

Sep 23 @ 10:00 am – Oct 14 @ 4:00 pm

Saturday, May 6 then Saturdays May 27 through September 30, 2017 Pioneering People and Path to Progress

Except weekend of September 1-4 during the Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival.

10:00 AM Encounters with People of the Past

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Covered Wagon Rides

Visitors experience a wagon ride while learning about the workings of the wagon, animals, and a bit of local history.

Rides depart from the Historic Courthouse Square for the National Frontier Trails Museum on the hour. Rides depart from the National Frontier Trails Museum on the half hour (except 12:30 PM).

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM A Lady and A Maid

10 AM to 4:00 PM All Aboard!

11 AM, 1&3 PM “Chin Music” at the 1827 Log Courthouse and National Frontier Trails Museum

12:00 PM Walking Tour

Take a tour of historic 1849 Independence with one of our first person interpreters. Meet at Jackson Statue.

2:00 PM Town Topics at the 1827 Log Courthouse

3 to 6 PM Melodies of the Pioneers

Enjoy the sounds of pioneer music as you stroll around the Square.

Sep

Thu

Book Event: The First Beverly Hillbilly – The Untold Story of Paul Henning @ Wild About Harry

Tickets

Sep 28 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Cost: $25 for a copy of the book.

“Come listen to a story about a man named Jed …”It’s a book launch. Join us for the release of The First Beverly Hillbilly: The Untold Story of the Creator of Rural TV Comedy. This book shares the untold story of Independence native Paul Henning – best known for creating the Clampetts, one of America’s most beloved families in television history, and Hooterville, one of its wackiest hometowns. The $25 ticket includes one hardcover copy of the book and a free drink (cocktail, wine or beer) that evening at Cafe Verona or Ophelia’s Restaurant on the Independence Square. The book will retail for $27. Purchase one ticket for each hardcover copy you would like. Books will be available that evening. After the event, books will be available at the Jackson County Historical Society bookshop (Truman Courthouse) or online at www.beverlyhillbilly.org. Mary Childers, a well-known Independence educator and niece of Paul and Ruth Henning, will be present and share some family stories. The book shares Henning’s amazing life – working in early Kansas City radio, writing for celebrities and creating the widely popular television shows Beverly Hillbillies, Petticoat Junction and Green Acres. The book was written by Ruth Henning, his talented wife, who shares stories about Henning who was a shy but talented man who she describes as “the writer nobody knows.” The actress Doris Day, had this to say about the book: “”Paul Henning and Stanley Shapiro wrote a very funny, Oscar-nominated screenplay for my second film with Rock Hudson, “Lover Come Back.” Rock and I had such great laughs, and working on the film was truly a joy.” The manuscript, completed in 1994 was never published, but later was found in the Jackson County Historical Society archives among the papers of local historican and journalist Sue Gentry and a friend of the Hennings.

Click here for tickets

Categories: Events Featured Event

Sep

Sat

Pioneering People – A Path to Progress @ Historic Independence Square

Tickets

Sep 30 @ 10:00 am – Oct 21 @ 4:00 pm

Saturday, May 6 then Saturdays May 27 through September 30, 2017 Pioneering People and Path to Progress

Except weekend of September 1-4 during the Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival.

10:00 AM Encounters with People of the Past

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Covered Wagon Rides

Visitors experience a wagon ride while learning about the workings of the wagon, animals, and a bit of local history.

Rides depart from the Historic Courthouse Square for the National Frontier Trails Museum on the hour. Rides depart from the National Frontier Trails Museum on the half hour (except 12:30 PM).

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM A Lady and A Maid

10 AM to 4:00 PM All Aboard!

11 AM, 1&3 PM “Chin Music” at the 1827 Log Courthouse and National Frontier Trails Museum

12:00 PM Walking Tour

Take a tour of historic 1849 Independence with one of our first person interpreters. Meet at Jackson Statue.

2:00 PM Town Topics at the 1827 Log Courthouse

3 to 6 PM Melodies of the Pioneers

Enjoy the sounds of pioneer music as you stroll around the Square.

Over the Santa Fe Trail to Mexico Book Presentation @ Historic Truman Courthouse - Brady Courtroom 2nd Floor

Tickets

Sep 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

****You must RSVP for this event. We have limited seating.******

One of the first physicians to travel the Santa Fe Trail and El Camino Real in 1825, and who was the only medical doctor to examine mountain man Hugh Glass after his near-fatal grizzly bear attack, is the subject of a new book edited by Joy L. Poole, Deputy State Librarian of Santa Fe, NM. The book is entitled Over the Santa Fe Trail to Mexico: The Travel Diaries & Autobiography of Dr. Rowland Willard 1825-1828 (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2015, 279 pp., $21.95 Paperback). The American Association for State & Local History Leadership in History Awards Committee chose Poole’s book as a 2016 Award of Merit winner. Poole will be speaking about Dr. Willard and signing copies of her book on Sat., Sept 30 @ 1:00 p.m., at the Jackson County Courthouse for the Jackson County Historical Society in Independence, Missouri. Few Americans know much about Dr. Willard who set out on the Santa Fe Trail from St. Charles, MO, soon after completing his medical apprenticeship. On his first day on the trail, he met Hugh Glass, who regaled Dr. Willard with stories of his wilderness experiences. Dr. Rowland Willard (1784-1894) recalled in his memoir that Glass, subject of the Oscar-nominated hit film, THE REVENANT, (starring Leonardo DiCaprio), had … “large chasms upon right arm and shoulder blade, the crest of which was wanting, also the upper portion of the right thigh…”. Dr. Willard’s exam occurred in May of 1825, at Blue Springs, a well-known mountain man rendezvous site on the Santa Fe Trail. Dr. Willard traveled with Hugh Glass and other mountain men across the Santa Fe Trail. They arrived in Taos, NM in July just in time to celebrate the America’s Independence day. Dr. Willard practiced medicine in Taos, visited Santa Fe briefly, and then traveled south to Chihuahua, Mexico. He arrived during a measles epidemic. There Dr. Willard treated patients for two years before returning to MO in 1828. Leonardo DiCaprio won an Academy Award for portraying Hugh Glass in the Oscar-nominated 2015 hit film, The Revenant.
Link to RSVP: https://jchsmo.eventbrite.com/

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Fri

Haunted Ghost Tours @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 6 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

It’s time for our annual Haunted Ghost Tours! Tickets go on sale to the General Public on September 5th at 10AM. Tour times are 7PM, 8PM, and 9PM. No refunds. No exchanges. All sales are final. Visitors will tour the 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home to learn about the history of the building and some of the ghosts that still “haunt” it. Then you will be whisked away on a covered wagon ride around the Historic Independence Square, where you will hear more stories about the Square. The tour takes approximately two hours.
The Haunted Ghost Tours benefit the Jackson County Historical Society.
Sponsors: Dusk 2 Dawn Paranormal and Pioneer Trails Adventures.
Link for tickets: https://jchsmo.eventbrite.com/

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Sat

Haunted Ghost Tours @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 7 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Thu

Ghouls (Girls) Night Out

Tickets

Oct 12 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Presented by: Wild About Harry

Ladies! Need a little retail therapy? Looking for something fun and unique to do with your girlfriends? Plan a night out, escape to the Square, and take advantage of special shopping offers, socializing and spending quality time with friends. This will be a night of food, beauty, fun and of course shopping! Our shops will have extended shopping hours along with food & beverage samples, promotional items, games, prizes raffles, a plenty of great discounts throughout the night. So grab your girlfriends, mother, sister, aunt and neighbor and head to the Square for an ultimate night of sisterhood, shopping, and socializing on the Square! Proceeds help promote, preserve and beautify our historic downtown district.

This Girls Ghouls event adds an additional layer of fun with your friends! Put on your best witchy wear and come to the Square! Windows will be decorated for the season including a jack-o-lantern contest between merchants.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT:

Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. TICKETS
Your pre-registration includes:
- Reusable swag bag and special goodies to start your night.
- Several lucky ladies will receive a $10 gift certificate to participating businesses in their bag. Gift certificates are randomly put into swag bags.
- Fabulous giveaways, samples, prizes and/or discounts at the shops.
Bring your printed registration ticket to the check-in location to receive your swag bag.
The check-in is located at the Exchange Event Space on street-level of the Courthouse Exchange Restaurant, 113 West Lexington Avenue.
Bags may be picked up on the day of the event only between 4:00pm-7:00pm. BAG MUST BE PICKED UP BEFORE 7:00PM.
Each participant will receive a wristband, map of the Square with the location of each of the participating businesses.
Raffle entry will be at the check-in location.
From there participants can venture out to the participating businesses. Event flags will mark participating merchants.
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT, NO REFUNDS!

ABOUT THE CONTEST:

Come dressed in your best witchy wear! When you check-in, we will ask you if you would like to be entered in the contest and which category you would like to be entered. Our Facebook friends will choose the best witch hat, witch broom, witch shoes, and best overall costume.

Categories for the contest: Best witch’s hat, best witch’s broom, witch’s shoes, and best overall witch’s costume.

A photo will be taken of you in your hat, with your broom, shoes or in your costume.
Your photo will be posted on the Independence Square Facebook page for you to like and share with family and friends. Remember, the more likes the better!
The photo with the most likes per category will be awarded the prize.
Each winner per category will receive a $50 gift certificate. Only one winner per category will be chosen.
Winners will be announced on Facebook, Monday, October 16th.

PINK TICKETS

Pink Tickets are back!!! Receive a PINK TICKET for $$ spent during the night.
Here’s how the PINK TICKETS work:

The more you spend the more tickets you will receive for a chance to win a large prize.
You will need to spend $10 initially at any participating GNO businesses to receive a ticket.
For every $10 you spend you will receive additional tickets (Example – If you spend $43.25 you receive 4 tickets increasing your chances of winning).
Shop the next participating store; spend at least $10 to register at that business.
Receive additional pink tickets for every EXTRA $10.00 spent.
We will announce the winner on Facebook & Twitter and our website.
The winner doesn’t need to be present to win.
If you have won, to collect your prize, bring the other half of the winning ticket to our Square office.
Only one winner will be drawn.
The winner will receive $100 in Square gift certificates!

Pre-purchase your ticket before we are sold out! TICKETS

A limited supply will be available for purchase at the door.

This is a rain or shine event, no refunds.

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Fri

Historical Hauntings at the 1859 Jail Museum @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

This tour will follow the same format as the Haunted Ghost Tours, but guests will have the opportunity to “meet” some of our spirits. The tour will be approximately 2 hours- visitors will spend 1 hour in the 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home, then spend 1 hour on a covered wagon meeting other “spirits.” Tours begin at 7, 8, and 9PM. This event is recommended for ages 13 and above. The cost for Historical Hauntings is $25. No refunds or exchanges. Tickets go on sale September 5th for the General Public.
The Haunted Ghost Tours benefit the Jackson County Historical Society.
Sponsors: Dusk 2 Dawn Paranormal and Pioneer Trails Adventures.
Link for tickets: https://jchsmo.eventbrite.com/

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Sat

The Bandit Rides Again: Jesse James, Whiskeyhead Ryan & the Glendale Train Robbery @ Historic Truman Courthouse, Brady Courtroom - 2nd floor

Tickets

Oct 14 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

The Jackson County Historical Society plans to reenact the retrial of Bill “Whiskeyhead” Ryan and his involvement in the 1881 robbery of an Alton & Chicago train about five miles east of Independence at the Glendale Station. It is equally a story about the end of the Jesse James gang. This event is based on extensive research by local historian Ralph Monaco and will feature many members of the Jackson County legal community and other historic reenactors. The public performance will take place in the actual courtroom where the case was first heard in September 1881. Space is limited for the performance in the historic Brady Courtroom in the Truman Courthouse on the Independence Square. Tickets are $10. All proceeds benefit the Jackson County Historical Society.
Link for tickets: https://jchsmo.eventbrite.com/

Categories: Events Featured Event

Haunted Ghost Tours @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 14 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Fri

Haunted Ghost Tours @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 20 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Sat

Victorian Funeral Customs

Tickets

Oct 21 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Do you know why a visitation is held before a funeral service? Do you know why it is called a “wake”? Are you aware that the dead were carried out of the house feet first? Are you curious as to why? Have you wondered why family pictures were turned face down when a family member passed? When did the term, “Saved by the Bell” come from and what does it mean. Find out the answers to these and many other questions when you attend the Victorian Funeral Customs Event.

Purchase Tickets

$25.00/couple
$15.00/single

Categories: Events Featured Event

Haunted Ghost Tours @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 21 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Fri

Haunted Ghost Tours @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 27 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Categories: Events Featured Event

Oct

Sat

Haunted Ghost Tours @ 1859 Jail Museum

Tickets

Oct 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Categories: Events Featured Event

Nov

Fri

Victorian Holiday Elegance

Tickets

Nov 24 @ 10:00 am – Dec 30 @ 4:00 pm

November 24-December 30, 2017

(Closed December 23-25)

Monday – Saturday 10AM-4PM

Sunday 1-4PM

Adults $6.00

Children $3.00

Categories: Events Featured Event

June – November 2017 Jun – Nov 2017

Are We There Yet?

Make fun memories with your kiddos and sneak in a few history lessons too. From hands-on learning exhibits to action-packed attractions, a visit to Independence is sure to keep the youngsters (and not-so-youngsters) entertained. Kids of all ages can play pioneer and pack their wagon to head West.

Take a ride in a real covered wagon for a trip
back in time tour around the Independence Square.

Sip on a tasty milkshake at the old-time soda fountain where a boy named Harry worked before going on to become one of the United States’ most beloved presidents. See the stomping grounds of Jesse and Frank James. Pack the swimsuits and enjoy fun in the sun at our local water park, Adventure Oasis. There’s so much to do, the only thing you’ll hear from the backseat is: “Best. Trip. Ever!”

Are We There Yet?

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Independence Department of Tourism

Are We There Yet?

Kid Friendly

Adventure Oasis Water Park

AMC Independence Commons 20

Centerpoint Medical Center Community Ice

Children’s Peace Pavilion

Cool Crest

Diamond Bowl

Englewood Station Arts District

George Owens Nature Park

Leila’s Hair Museum

Main Event Entertainment

Missouri Comets

Missouri Mavericks

Newsletter Signup

Independence Department of Tourism