Independence is known as the as the "Queen City of the Trails" because historically it was a point of departure of the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. Its lively center, The Independence town square, features numerous family-owned shops and restaurants surrounding the city's historic courthouse, which was modeled after Philadelphia's Independence Hall.

Just last year the Midwest Genealogy Center opened, the largest stand-alone public genealogy research facility in America. The 52,000-square-foot building houses a unique collection of records, offering many services for visiting researchers and enthusiasts. The nearby National Frontier Trails Museum is dedicated to the history of the Overland Trails and the settlement of the American West.

Independence or nearby Kansas City also has all one expects of such a vibrant town, including Harrah's Casino, an IMAX Theater complex, Independence Symphony, Kansas City Zoo, Kauffman Stadium, a Museum of Fine Arts and Starlight Theater.