Need a small-town getaway with history, charm, and fun? Head to Independence! Nestled in Southeast Kansas, Independence offers rich Laura Ingalls Wilder heritage, a nationally acclaimed zoo, and vibrant community events. Whether you're into pioneer stories, local festivals, or family-friendly parks, Independence delivers a memorable Midwest escape.
Independence, KS Highlights:
- Visit the Little House on the Prairie Museum: Explore a replica of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s early Kansas cabin and historic homestead site.
- See animals up close at Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo: Free zoo with bears, monkeys, and playgrounds perfect for families.
- Explore Elk City State Park: Hike, camp, fish, or enjoy scenic lake views just minutes from downtown.
- Walk downtown Independence: Discover boutique shops, historic architecture, and friendly cafés.
- Catch a show at the Independence Civic Center: Home to concerts, theater performances, and community events year-round.
Best Time to Visit Independence, KS
The best time to visit Independence is in the spring and fall (April–May and September–October). These seasons bring mild weather ideal for outdoor activities and highlight the town's biggest events like Neewollah. Summer is great for lake days and zoo visits, while winter is quieter and cozy.
How to Get to Independence, KS
- If you are traveling by car: Independence is located near U.S. Routes 75 and 160, about 2 hours from Tulsa, OK, and 2.5 hours from Wichita, KS.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT). Rental cars are recommended.
- By Bus: Jefferson Lines and regional transit services provide limited service to nearby towns; driving is the most convenient option.
Where to Stay in Independence, KS
- Comfort Inn & Suites Independence – Clean and convenient with complimentary breakfast and a pool near major attractions.
- Apple Tree Inn & Suites – Affordable lodging in the heart of downtown with family-friendly amenities.
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Budget-friendly hotel with basic comforts and easy highway access.
Best Things to Do in Independence, KS
1. Little House on the Prairie Museum
Explore the Ingalls’ cabin and discover exciting pioneer sights on a family trip.
The Little House on the Prairie Museum preserves the history of the Ingalls family and the historic site on which they lived from 1869 to 1871. The museum features a replica of the family’s 1870 cabin, located on their cabin’s original site, offering a glimpse into pioneer life at a reconstructed log cabin that was made famous by Laura Ingals Wilder’s books. The Little House on the Prairie historic site also consists of an original turn-of-the-century post office and an authentic 1870’s one-room schoolhouse. The museum is open daily April through August and Wednesday to Sunday during September and October.
2507 County Rd 3000, Independence, KS 67301, Phone: 620-289-4238
2. Elk City State Park
Hike wooded trails and fish the lake on a peaceful weekend getaway.
The Elk City State Park is a place where rolling meadows meet dense hickory and oak woodlands to create a beautiful park encompassing more than 850 acres by the eastern shore of the Elk City Reservoir. Offering a family-oriented, quiet destination for escape, the state park provides easy access to hiking trails, playgrounds, a campground with a variety of shaded sites, a swimming beach, and boat ramps. The lake area at Elk City State Park offers visitors picturesque views of the limestone bluffs, wooded hills, and open prairie, however, the are is perhaps best known for the diverse trail systems.
4825 Squaw Creek Rd, Independence, KS 67301, Phone: 620-331-6295
Recommended Attractions
3. Neewollah
Celebrate Halloween fun and enjoy exciting fall parades, food, and music.
Neewollah, which is Halloween spelled backwards, is an annual fall celebration that takes place in the city of Independence, Kansas. Originally started back in 1919 as a way to provide kids with an alternative to the typical Halloween activities, the event has transformed from a one-day Halloween celebration into a 10-day festival. Neewollah began with a day full of parades primarily consisting of decorated carriages and cars. Today, the event is the state’s largest annual celebration and includes three different parades, nightly entertainment, a large carnival, food vendors, a chili cook-off, the queen’s pageant, an arts and craft show, and more.
220 N. Penn, Independence, KS 67301, Phone: 877-633-9655
4. Magnolia Scents by Design
Create custom candles and shop unusual handmade scents on a relaxing visit.
Magnolia Scents by Design claims it is the best smelling scent shop in the world, artisanally handcrafting natural soaps and candles in the city of Independence, Kansas. The company’s Master Chandlers are expertly trained to create amazingly scented products for customers’ body, bath, and home using the most nourishing, robust, and natural ingredients they can find and incorporating precise recipes and complex techniques. The candle and soap business also aims to be good stewards of the planet and its natural resources. The Magnolia Scents by Design shop is generally open from 9:00am until 7:00pm, Monday through Saturday.
106 N Pennsylvania Ave, Independence, KS 67301, Phone: 620-331-8900
Where to Eat in Independence, KS
- El Pueblito – Local favorite for flavorful Mexican dishes and generous portions.
- Brothers Railroad Inn – Cozy Italian-American restaurant known for pasta and steaks.
- Uncle Jack's Bar & Grill – Casual hangout with burgers, wings, and Kansas comfort food.
If you are interested in local events:
- Neewollah Festival (October) – One of Kansas’ largest annual festivals, with parades, carnival rides, food, and music.
- Riverside Beach Festival (Summer) – Family fun day with music, food, and water activities at the park.
- Independence Farmers’ Market (Spring–Fall) – Fresh produce, handmade goods, and local flavor on Saturdays downtown.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Independence, Kansas:
- Elk City State Park (10–15 min) – Hike, fish, and picnic at one of Kansas’s best outdoor destinations.
- Cherryvale (15–20 min) – Visit Big Hill Lake or explore the legacy of Vivian Vance, star of *I Love Lucy*.
- Caney (25–30 min) – Small-town charm with history museums and access to Copan Lake just across the Oklahoma border.
- Liberty (10–15 min) – Quiet countryside escape and a nice scenic drive from Independence.
- Havana (20–25 min) – Ideal for birdwatching, nature walks, and enjoying rural southeast Kansas landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Independence, Kansas located?
- Situated in Montgomery County, the city of Independence is located in the southeastern part of Kansas, around 95 miles from Tulsa, 120 miles from Wichita, and approximately 180 miles from Kansas City.
-
What historical attractions can visitors explore in Independence?
- Visitors will find a charming heart of the city where they can explore the local history of the area.
-
What outdoor activities are available in Independence?
- Not only is there history to be found in Independence, but outdoor activities abound at Elk City State Park.
-
What special events take place in Independence?
- The city also boasts unique events, such as Neewollah, a 10-day Halloween celebration and fall festival that draws people from all over the region.
Best Time to Visit Independence, Kansas
- April to June – Pleasant spring weather, ideal for outdoor events and nature walks.
- September & October – Mild fall temperatures, great for festivals and scenic drives.
- July & August – Warm summer months, perfect for visiting local parks and attractions.
- November to March – Cooler months, ideal for enjoying indoor museums and historical sites.
- Late September – Best time to experience the annual Neewollah Festival.
Getting to Independence, Kansas
- By Air
- Fly into Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), about 90 miles away.
- Smaller regional options include Joplin Regional Airport (JLN) in Missouri.
- By Car
- Drive from Wichita in about 1.5 hours via US-400 East.
- Accessible from Tulsa, Oklahoma in about 2 hours.
- By Bus
- Limited regional bus services connect to nearby towns and cities.
- By Train
- No direct Amtrak service; nearest stations are in Newton, KS and Kansas City, MO.
- From there, drive or arrange local transportation to Independence.
Hotels in Independence, Kansas
- Apple Tree Inn – Budget-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and free breakfast.
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Independence – Modern accommodations with convenient amenities.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Independence – Affordable option with easy highway access.
Unique Attractions
How did I do?
Is the article too broad, too narrow, or just right ? Do you like the presentation of photos and text? Let me know in the comments! If you want to see more in this location, I can put it on my editorial calendar. I'm listening!
Plan Your Trip