We’re Reopening our Historic Sites
After being closed for more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Visit Independence will reopen the Vaile Mansion and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate to the public beginning Saturday, May 1, 2021.
These treasured historic sites help tell the story of Independence’s rich history, and their reopening is a sign of good things to come for visitors to Independence in 2021.
Tour these must-see properties for a firsthand look into our city’s past.
Learn moreCovid-19 Precautions
For the most part, tours will take place as normal. However, masks and social distancing will be required for all volunteers and visitors. These precautions will help us protect the health of both our visitors and the volunteers who staff our historic sites.
Depending on the state of the pandemic further into the year, these requirements make be amended to better protect the public health.
For those interested in visiting the Vaile Mansion, please note that the mansion will only be open for tours from Thursday to Friday each week.
Our Other Historic Sites
The Chicago and Alton Depot is slated to reopen beginning June 1, 2021.
Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, the National Frontier Trails Museum is scheduled to remain closed through at least June, the end of our fiscal year.
We look forward to seeing visitors again soon. After closing in 2020, our volunteers are excited to welcome you and your loved ones to Independence and share our history.