Day Trips
Available April 1 - October 31
Stop 1 - Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
500 W. 24 Hwy
Independence, MO 64050
1 hour and 30 minutes
816-268-8200 www.trumanlibrary.org
Enjoy film by producer Charles Guggenheim, exhibits and memorabilia on Truman's presidency and private life. Of special interest is a full-scale reproduction of the Oval Office circa 1948 and the gravesites of Harry and Bess. The Museum has completed a $22 million renovation which includes a new multi-media exhibit with two interactive decision theaters on the Truman presidency. Also inlcuded are four interactive "discovery" activities for children.
Stop 2 - Vaile Mansion
1500 N. Liberty
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 45 minutes
816-325-7430 www.vailemansion.org
Built in 1881, this ornate 31-room mansion is one of the finest examples of Second Empire Victorian architecture in the country; with colorful ceiling paintings, hand wood-grained trim, crystal chandeliers, and 9 marble fireplace mantels.
Stop 3 - Lunch on the Historic Independence Square
Main & Lexington
Allow 1 hour
Enjoy lunch on the Historic Independence Square which once served as the rallying point for wagon trains heading west and many of Harry's favorite haunts. Families can enjoy a sandwich or full-course meal at one of the several eateries on the Square.
Stop 4 - 1859 Jail, Marshal's Home & Museum
217 N. Main
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 45 minutes
816-461-1897 www.jchs.org
Massive walls, barred windows that once housed Frank James give an authentic look at frontier justice; and mid-1800s home life. Four feet away is federalist style house that was home for county marshal until 1920s.
Stop 5 - Pioneer Spring Cabin
Truman & Noland Road
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 20 minutes
Stop to take a look at log cabin life in the 1800s.
Stop 6 - Bingham-Waggoner Estate
313 W. Pacific
Independence, MO 64050
Allow 1 hour
816-461-3491 www.bwestate.org
Built in 1852 along the 1846 alignment of the Santa Fe Trail, this magnificent home was once owned by George C. Bingham, famed Civil War artist. In the 1890s the Waggoner's purchased the home and 95% of the furnishings are original to the home. Visit the unique Carriage House Gfit Shop.
Stop 7 - National Frontier Trails Museum
318 W. Pacific
Independence, MO 64050
Allow one hour
816-325-7575 www.frontiertrailsmuseum.org
During America's expansion in the 1800s three great routes led the pioneers west, the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails. All three began in or near Independence - known as the "Queen City of the Trails." Experience the history of the trails and the personal trials and adventures of the pioneers who opened the West through the Museum's exhibits and award-winning film.