Independence Attractions

The 22 exhibit rooms at the Independence Historical Museum highlight the life of early settlers; the history of the oil industry; an Indian Culture collection; and artifacts from Florida, the Orient, Africa and Mexico.

Little House on the Prairie is located southwest of Independence. It is the site where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived from 1869 to 1870. A reconstructed log cabin, post office and a one-room schoolhouse are on the grounds.

The Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence was named for one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell. The zoo covers over half of the park's 106 acres and is home to about 200 specimens.

Riverside Park in Independence is a 124-acre area that offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, a playground, miniature golf and rides.