A Haunted Weekend in Independence
Some stories never really leave. And in Independence, Missouri, some say the people behind them haven’t either.
With more than 200 years of history, Independence has seen pioneers heading west, Civil War conflict, notorious outlaws, grand Victorian families and generations of people leaving their mark on the community. Today, that history lives on in museums, mansions, businesses and landmarks throughout the city—and, according to local legends and those who have experienced the unexplained, perhaps in a few other ways, too.
A Haunted Weekend in Independence: Make a Weekend of Your Paranormal Pursuit
Ready to spend a weekend chasing ghosts, uncovering eerie legends and exploring the darker side of Independence, Missouri? The Paranormal Pursuit Passport is your invitation to discover 13 locations where history—and perhaps a few spirits—still linger.
Available September 23–November 6, the digital passport makes the perfect excuse for a fall weekend getaway. Check in at participating locations, earn points along the way and redeem them for prizes. Between paranormal pursuits, make time for local restaurants, shopping, attractions and a comfortable place to recharge before your next ghostly encounter.
Friday: Check In & Get into the Spirit
Arrive in Independence, check into your hotel and get ready for a hauntingly good weekend.
Start your Paranormal Pursuit on the Historic Independence Square, where several passport stops are located within easy reach of one another. Check in at places like Coffee Elsewhere, Pharaoh Cinema 4, Courthouse Exchange, Gilbert Whitney & Co. and other participating locations while exploring the heart of historic Independence.
Grab dinner at one of the Square’s locally owned restaurants, such as Ophelia’s or Café Verona, then take an evening stroll as the lights come on and the fall air settles in. Browse local boutiques, antique shops and specialty stores, or stop for a drink before continuing your night.
For an appropriately spooky ending, climb aboard with Pioneer Trails Adventures for a haunted tour filled with local history, eerie tales and stories of unexplained happenings around Independence.
Saturday: Historic Haunts & Local Finds
The next morning, fuel up with breakfast or coffee at Dave’s Bakery & Deli or Main Street Coffee House before setting out for another day of paranormal pursuits.
Walk the halls of the Vaile Mansion, explore the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and step inside the 1859 Jail & Marshal’s Home—three historic places with plenty of stories and local legends attached to their pasts.
But don’t rush from haunt to haunt. Between passport stops, make time to experience more of Independence. Hunt for vintage treasures, browse locally owned shops, discover public art and murals, and explore the historic attractions that tell the stories of the people who shaped the city.
Continue checking in throughout the day to earn points toward your Paranormal Pursuit prizes, stopping for lunch or a sweet treat along the way.
As evening arrives, head back to the Square for dinner, cocktails and another chance to explore after dark. You never know what—or who—you might encounter.
Sunday: One Last Pursuit
Before heading home, slow things down with brunch and check off any remaining stops on your Paranormal Pursuit Passport.
Make your way to Woodlawn Cemetery, where some of Independence’s past residents have been laid to rest, for one final opportunity to uncover another layer of the city’s history.
Then take one last look at your passport. All those check-ins may have earned you enough points to redeem another prize before heading home.
Stay a Little Longer
With 13 paranormal stops to explore—and plenty of restaurants, shops, historic attractions and local experiences in between—there’s no reason to squeeze your Paranormal Pursuit into a single day.
Make a weekend of it. Book a stay, discover a new favorite restaurant and see how much of Haunted Independence you can uncover.
Sign up for the Paranormal Pursuit Passport at VisitIndependence.com/paranormalpursuit.
Check in. Earn points. Unlock prizes. And discover what might still be lingering in Independence.
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