When people talk about the surrounding suburbs of Kansas City, Independence often gets ignored. You'll hear about the beautiful riverfront park in Parkville, the historic downtown in Weston or the shopping centers in Zona Rosa, but rarely does the neighbor of Lee's Summit get a mention. However, if you take time to visit and explore Independence, you'll be blown away by how much it has to offer.
Independence is located just 10 miles east of Kansas City and is known to be the fifth-largest city in Missouri with a population of 117, 240 people.
Historically, the town is best known as the hometown of President Harry S. Truman.
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Visitors can take a guided tour of the former president's home. It costs $5.00 for a tour, but children under the age of 15 are free which makes it a great activity for the whole family. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be purchased at the Visitor Center.
Address:
219 N Delaware St.
Independence, MO 64050
Aside from its historical significance, Independence also has a bustling downtown area.
The Historical Downtown Square is host to a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a theater and bowling alley.
The best barbecue in town can be found at A Little BBQ Joint.
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While you're downtown, check out A Little BBQ Joint for mouthwatering burnt ends, baked beans and cheesy corn.
Address:
1101 US-24
Independence, MO 64050
For a peaceful retreat, escape to Albonée Country Inn and Vineyards.
Enjoy an overnight stay at this adorable bed and breakfast or just spend the afternoon here enjoying a complimentary wine tasting from their outstanding vineyard selection.
Address:
2200 S Crenshaw Rd.
Independence, MO 64057
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The Little Blue Trace Trail is the perfect outdoor activity for a sunny day.
The Little Blue Trace Trail follows the course of the Little Blue River for 15 miles and runs through Independence and the Little Blue Trace Nature Reserve. It's a nice break from busy roads and cars and is especially popular among cyclists and joggers, as well as walkers.
Have you been to Independence before? What was your favorite thing to see or do while there? Share with us in the comments below.
Rolla, Missouri, offers the perfect balance of “big city” amenities balanced with small-town heart. The up-and-coming town is home to about 20,000 people, making it the "Goldilocks" of mid-sized towns.
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Let me count the ways we love this town: Rolla offers access to shopping, entertainment, and activities without big crowds or heavy traffic. It’s the kind of place that has just enough—one or two of everything you need, like a rec center, theater, and local shops—without going overboard. Personally, I find that refreshing.
The number of options for where to go and how to spend your time (and money) can feel overwhelming in bigger cities: Rolla, Missouri, keeps things simple and stress-free. And if you love the outdoors, you’re in for a treat: this area is right on the doorstep of the beautiful Ozarks, offering endless opportunities for adventure.
I went to school in Springfield, Missouri, in the southwest part of the state, so for four years in the mid-2000s, I regularly passed through Rolla on my way out of the St. Louis area. Back then, there didn’t seem to be much going on besides Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), a nationally ranked research university. Rolla felt like a typical college town, not much more.
But recently, as I've headed south to visit family in Springfield and Branson, I’ve noticed how much Rolla has grown. The up-and-coming town now feels like the kind of place where I'd want to spend time; I’d absolutely consider living there. Rolla has developed into a community with more to offer, from shopping and dining to the outdoor activities nearby. It’s definitely evolving in a way that makes it more attractive as both a weekend stop and a place to call home.
Let me start by telling you the best thing about Rolla, Missouri: the Mark Twain National Forest is only 15 minutes from the city center! This massive stretch of woodlands, streams, and trails covers over 1.5 million acres in the gorgeous Ozarks. Popular trails like Kaintuck Trail and Berryman Trail are perfect for hiking and biking, offering convenient access to the outdoors. This part of Missouri also has some of the clearest, bluest waters, especially at Maramec Spring Park, home to the fifth-largest spring in the state.
You can reach the Ozark Trail for a longer adventure, a scenic, rugged path that winds through the Missouri Ozarks. The Courtois Section, not far from Rolla, takes you deep into the woods for a more secluded experience. Spending time outside is immeasurably good for our bodies, minds, and souls, and living in Rolla makes it easy to enjoy the best of nature with a variety of beautiful landscapes.
What else can you do besides spend time outside in Rolla, Missouri? Missouri S&T’s presence in the town adds a lot of investment into the activities and culture scene because the university attracts engineers, researchers, and tech professionals, making Rolla a center for innovation. Stop by the campus to visit a half-scale Stonehenge replica created by faculty at the university. You can tour Missouri S&T’s experimental mine. Students get hands-on training in mining engineering, and tours for visitors provide a glimpse into mining technology and history. The university also hosts public lectures, research symposiums, and community events, enriching the local culture.
If you are into performing arts, the Rolla Civic Theater has regular productions, from musicals to local performances. There are festivals like Route 66 Summerfest, Rolla Arts & Crafts Festival, and the Old Iron Works Days, meaning there is always something to do seasonally.
Rolla, Missouri, is a community where neighbors know each other, and the slower pace of life appeals to those wanting to escape the hustle of larger metropolitan areas. With a low crime rate and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to settle down. Missouri S&T produces a steady stream of highly skilled professionals, many of whom stay to work in local tech startups, engineering firms, and government research. The local schools are highly regarded, and the parks and recreation system offers plenty for families, with facilities like The Centre providing fitness programs, youth sports, and swimming classes. Rolla’s safe streets and affordable cost of living, with lower housing prices than in cities like St. Louis or Kansas City, make it especially attractive for families and professionals.
The small business scene is thriving. When local people make beer, create delicious food, and open unique boutique shops - it adds to the whole character of a town. Public House Brewing Company is a local favorite. They focus on sustainability with things like sourcing from local farmers, reclaiming water from brewing processes, and giving back spent grain from brewing for cattle feed for local farmers. Speaking of farmers, visit the Rolla Downtown Farmers Market, which is open spring through fall for produce, homemade jams, baked goods, and handcrafted products made by locals.
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Rolla’s downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods are home to various small independent shops. You’ll find antiques, women’s fashion, and gift shops. Restaurants like Just a Taste are tapped into the local wine scene and offer regional wines to drink or take home. Unsurprisingly, in a town of 20k, there are also “necessary” chain stores like home improvement retailers, grocery chains, pharmacies, and clothing stores.
But if you want to access a larger city, Rolla’s location along I-44 makes it convenient for travel. It's about a 90-minute drive to St. Louis, Columbia, Missouri, and Springfield, Missouri. Rolla, Missouri itself gives residents easy access to the entertainment, shopping, and dining that comes with a major metropolitan area while still enjoying the peace and quiet of rural living.
It’s surprising how Missouri’s busiest highway, the I-70 corridor, hides charming small towns that you might not know exist! Conveniently located along this major route, these hidden gems are easily accessible via scenic, tree-lined two-lane highways and rolling fields. Many of these towns are along the Katy Trail, a 237-mile scenic route following the Missouri River that offers beautiful hiking and biking. You can easily hop onto the trail during your trip to stretch your legs. At just 69 miles and under an hour and a half drive time, this small-town road trip is perfect for an afternoon, though I recommend extending your visit over a few days or a weekend to fully appreciate the historic towns.
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You can use this Google Maps link to guide you on the route. Feel free to customize it as needed.
1. Rocheport
When I visit Rocheport, Missouri, it feels like I’ve stepped into another world. The town’s quaint, peaceful, and historic charm makes it seem like a movie set. It’s entirely walkable, with charming bed and breakfasts, the scenic Katy Trail, al fresco dining, and lovely shops and galleries, all nestled among the bluffs and hills of the Missouri River region. Be sure to stop at Les Bourgeois Vineyards on your way into the historic village; this award-winning winery and restaurant offers breathtaking views of the river.
2. Boonville
Boonville, Missouri, offers a variety of attractions for every interest. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Katy Trail State Park, ideal for hiking and biking, and admire the historic pedestrian rail bridge featured in the photo above. Visit the Budweiser Clydesdales Breeding and Training Facility at Warm Springs Ranch to see these impressive horses up close. For car enthusiasts, the town has the largest collection of Mitchell wagons, bicycles, and cars in the world at the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum. History lovers can enjoy a self-guided walking tour and visit the Rivers, Rails, and Trails Museum. Additionally, you can play a round of golf at the scenic Hail Ridge 18-hole course or try to get lucky at the Isle of Capri Casino.
3. Blackwater
Blackwater, Missouri, is a quintessential railroad town where visitors can explore the restored Depot near the railroad tracks, a reminder of its rich history dating back to 1887 when the Missouri Pacific Railroad established the "River Route" connecting many towns along the Missouri River. Like many rural towns, it had its boom in the mid-20th century; the town now has about 200 residents. Luckily, the town’s community is passionate about preserving its history, with local businesses like boutiques, a coffee shop, the historic Iron Horse Hotel, and a quirky telephone museum—complete with a vintage phone booth, perfect for a photo op. The Blackwater Preservation Society’s website is a great resource for seasonal events, festivals, and more information.
4. Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock, Missouri, is one of the most charming tiny towns in the state. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers. Nestled within the Arrow Rock State Historic Site, the town offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Missouri River valley right on the Katy Trail. Visitors can also enjoy a musical performance [off-Broadway quality] at the renowned Lyceum Theatre, one of Missouri's oldest regional theaters. The town’s rich history comes alive through engaging guided tours offered by the Friends of Arrow Rock, showcasing beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and homes.
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5. Fayette
Historic downtown Fayette, Missouri, boasts a rich history with numerous 19th-century buildings and homes that reflect the town's architectural heritage. It's the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to walk past the architecturally impressive Howard County Courthouse. There are over 25 buildings on the National Historic Register, most of which are in the downtown area. After spending the day exploring nearby Arrow Rock or enjoying a performance at the Lyceum Theatre, my family often stays in Fayette, drawn by its quaint atmosphere. Hotel Frederick is a beautifully restored hotel in the heart of downtown. The hotel exudes charm with its vintage décor and has a reputation for being haunted, adding a touch of mystery. For guests looking to unwind, the hotel features an inviting basement bar that offers live music and a speakeasy vibe, a delightful surprise in this rural setting.
Are you ready to explore some of Missouri's most charming small towns on a road trip? This may be my personal favorite route. Nature, history, shopping, dining, theater, wineries, haunted hotels - what more could you ask for? Before you hit the road, make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all you'll need for a lengthy ride in the car.