Book a Tour of Historic Homes in Independence, MO

The abundance of historic landmarks throughout Independence includes a variety of carefully preserved and maintained homes. What better way to get a glimpse into the past than to see how some of the city’s most notable residents lived? All of the following homes are open for tours, and many host seasonal events throughout the year. Our recommendation? Visit during the holiday season, when the homes are beautifully decorated and filled with festive cheer.

Architectural experts agree that the Vaile Mansion is one of the finest examples of Second Empire-style architecture in the U.S. This 31-room mansion was built in 1881 and included a number of distinct and ornate features like multiple marble fireplaces, a 48,000-gallon wine cellar and a striking, solid black walnut staircase in the foyer.

The Italianate-style Bingham-Waggoner Estate is a must-see for a variety of reasons. Renowned artist George Caleb Bingham called the estate home until the Civil War erupted; it was later purchased by the Waggoner family, millers from Pennsylvania who started the wildly successful Queen of the Pantry flour brand. The estate’s location put it in the direct path of wagons embarking from Courthouse Square to one of three westward trails — Santa Fe, California and Oregon. You can still see (and feel) original wagon swales, or ruts, on the property today.

You can’t visit Independence without a stop at the home of its most famous resident: 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman. When he married his longtime sweetheart, Bess Wallace, in 1919, they moved into a 14-room Victorian home originally built by Bess’s grandfather. The Trumans lived here for nearly six decades; during Truman’s presidential terms, the Truman Home served as the family’s “Summer White House.”

This last recommendation might be a stretch, but go with us. The 1859 Jail Museum did, in fact, partially serve as a house for the jailmaster and his family. The jail also housed 12 limestone cells and an office for the county marshal and his staff. You can visit the kitchen where the jailmaster’s wife cooked meals for her family and the prisoners. In the late 19th century, a jailer made around $50 per month and was also given use of the home.