Top 8 Things to do in Independence, United States

July 19, 2017 Layne Dawes

Independence is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 9,483. It was named in commemoration of the Declaration of Independence.
Restaurants in Independence

1. Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo

Wells Dr, At the intersection of Oak Street and Park Boulevard, Independence, KS 67301 +1 620-332-2512
Excellent
73%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo

Reviewed By Ruth5757 - St Helens, United Kingdom

This park and Zoo are a surprising find in rural SE Kansas. Independence is to be congratulated in still maintaining such a fine family and visitor friendly facility. The preserved ex Santa Fe steam locomotive is an added attraction.

2. Little House on the Prairie Museum

2507 Cr 3000, Independence, KS 67301-7265 +1 620-289-4238
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 90 reviews

Little House on the Prairie Museum

Reviewed By Hrothmir - Smyrna, GA

Both my wife enjoyed reading the Little House on the Prairie books to our children. When we noticed this site was along our route we decided to stop.

There's frankly not much that's truly unique to see there. The cabin is a recreation and in bad shape following storm damage (I think's Pa's construction standards would have been higher). From what I read, if this is truly the site of Laura's home, the only thing remaining is the well site.

A little fun to stop there (to break up the drive) and remember the books - but don't expect too much from the structures recreated on / moved to what may (or may not) have been the site of Laura's home. The staff in the gift shop seemed nice enough. The entrance fee is modest and hopefully helps subsidize construction of a more accurate recreated cabin.

3. Magnolia Scents by Design

106 N Penn Ave, Independence, KS 67301-3524 +1 620-331-8900
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 8 reviews

Magnolia Scents by Design

Magnolia Scents by Design is the world's best smelling scent shop, artisanally handcrafting natural candles and soaps! Our downtown destination store is also a micro-factory, staffed with expert chandlers (candle/soap makers) creating some of the most delectably aromatic home fragrance and body products you've ever had the pleasure to sniff. The secret to superb scents is in the ingredients. Magnolia Scents uses only the best, most natural ingredients in our products; including soy wax, essential oils, and a long list of plant based oils and butters. Not only does this give healthy and clean benefits for your home and body, but it's good for the planet too! The company started as a home-based business in 2006 with $50 in candle making supplies and a dream. Magnolia Scents by Design is Independence's first destination artisanal candle/soap micro-factory and workshop space that must be sniffed to be believed!

Reviewed By Ksu1986 - Carthage

A trip to Independence isn't complete without a stop at Magnolia's!! The hand lotion is the best I've ever used.

4. Elk City State Park

4825 Squaw Creek Rd, Independence, KS 67301-7548 +1 620-331-6295
Excellent
78%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Elk City State Park

Reviewed By Jeanette W - Chanute

I have seen this one listed in Backpacker magazine as one of the top hiking trails in the country. Elk City State Park is nearby Independence, KS. There are several type of hiking opportunities from simple to complex. Even some rock climbing/rappelling options. Certain parts of the park offer free parking, others require a state park pass or day pass. We did camp here one year, but it rained throughout our trip. Most often our family goes to a day trip for bicycling, hiking, or simply driving through the area . I hear that the fishing and boating opportunities are good as well, although I have not done this.

5. Independence Cinemas

121 W Laurel St, Independence, KS 67301-3311 +1 620-331-6892
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 5 reviews

Independence Cinemas

Independence Cinemas offers first run movies with the latest digital projection and Dolby Surround Sound. Recliners in all houses make this one of the most comfortable movie experiences in the area. Located in downtown, restaurants and a hotel are not more than a couple of blocks away.

Reviewed By T B - Independence, Kansas

The theaters are clean and the reclining seats are amazing! The young family that now owns this business is working hard to make theirs the destination of choice for movie goers. Very enjoyable evening.

6. Uncle Jack's Bar & Grill

104 N Penn Ave, Independence, KS 67301-3524 +1 620-330-7090
Excellent
33%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
41%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 15 reviews

Uncle Jack's Bar & Grill

Reviewed By lrs383 - Kansas

There's a large horse shoe bar in the middle with a nice selection of beers on tap, including Craft Beer. Plenty of tables and booths for friends and groups. you don't have to worry about sitting in silence as there is always lively music playing and on some nights, live music. The food is very good and the regular menu, although a little pricey for the area, is well stocked. There is also a number of really great, affordable specials that not only taste great, but are good portioned as well. The GM, Allie, gets what customer service means, and that carries through to the wait staff. I live 25 miles away and it's worth the drive.

311 N Pennsylvania Ave, Independence, KS 67301-3325 +1 620-779-9048
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Eclectix Art Gallery

We are a co-op of artists working together to offer a showcase of diverse art in Independence Kansas with artists from southeast Kansas. We also hold a wide variety of events and classes to share our creativity with the community. Stop by and we're sure you'll find something you love no matter your taste!

Reviewed By Nancy C - Edna, United States

Very charming, easy to find little gallery located in downtown Independence. Several similar businesses nearby (another art gallery down the street, knick-knack shop next door, coffee shop a couple doors over). The gallery has several different types of art, from stained glass to watercolors, from jewelry to ceramics. Items for sale in every price range (original note cards start at $3.00 and prices seem to go up from there) This is a co-op, so the shop is ran by the artists...very nice to get the opportunity to visit with such creative, engaged people. If you are going to be in Indy for any amount of time, make sure to visit the gallery....would make a very nice addition to an afternoon spent strolling mainstreet, enjoying a coffee and soaking in the small-town feel.

8. Neewollah

148 W Laurel St, Independence, KS 67301-3312
Excellent
68%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
16%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Founded in 1919 in Independence, Kansas, Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards) was created to deter children from mischievous Halloween antics and provide a positive outlet for Fall fun. Nearly 100 years later, this October festival is now the largest annual celebration in the state of Kansas. All of the traditional carnival bases are covered with fun rides, cook-offs, parades, live music, and fried food galore. The Queen Neewollah pageant and Great Pumpkin contests are must-sees and provide an authentic glimpse back at old timey Americana.

Reviewed By PandasExpress - Independence, Kansas

Really, why do people go here? So few corny food vendors with premium priced mundane food. Typical pocket gouging Carney's set up on a runway. Upgrades are needed. First, more booths like face painting and other children attractions. Second, add vendor booths for locals who make things to sell. Arts and crafts booths would make a great addition. Third, add better food vendors. This event is one dimensional and Independence deserves a multi-dimensional event.

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