“What a pleasure to be back here at home–once more a free and independent citizen of the gateway city of the old Great West.” -Harry S. Truman
Independence, Missouri: Home to President Harry S. Truman and jumping-off point for Pioneers heading West. To visit Independence – at least the square, which cherishes its old-town charm – is to step back in time. Historic buildings still stand, interpreters are excited to share their stories, and visitors can experience, with all of their senses, a trip to the past.
Walking / Driving Tours
Independence is proud of its heritage – and rightly so! History lovers can enjoy the Historic Landmarks Walking Tour, exploring a wealth of historic homes and buildings Truman himself walked past and frequented, like the Presbyterian Church he attended not far from the Truman Home. In late 2020, you’ll be able to visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, when it re-opens after massive renovations. One of my favorites is the Harry S. Truman Walking Tour, which showcases the well-preserved (and still-utilized!) buildings on the square, leading visitors on a walk backward in time.
To get started on any of these and other tours and trails, stop by the National Parks Service Visitors Center at 223 N Main St and chat with the Ranger, who will be happy to show you a brief film and help you plan your visit!
Eateries on the Square
Independence Square offers a variety of eateries that echo of times gone by. Ophelia’s, a relaxed yet upscale restaurant and inn, is housed in the former Hills Brothers Hardware store at 201 Main. Just across the street is Clinton’s Soda Fountain, where Harry Truman himself worked when he was young. Next door to Clinton’s is El Pico, a Mexican-style restaurant, and a block further up at the intersection of Maple Street and Liberty is UpDog, where you can get -you guessed it!- made-to-order hotdogs. Across the street on the other side of Square Pizza is Dave’s Bakery and Deli. That’s where Joseph and I decided to take lunch.
Dave’s Dining Room Bakery & Deli Counter
Dave’s offers all kinds of deli sandwiches, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and other grill items, as well as french fries and some of the best onion rings I’ve had in a while! Joseph ordered the chicken tenders (which he said were really good) with a side of fries, and I had a veggie sandwich in addition to my rings. I often eat veggie sandwiches, and I’m sorry to say that this is not the menu item I’d recommend at Dave’s. But definitely get those onion rings!
The deli staff was kind and attentive. It felt good to be in a place where you feel acknowledged and appreciated. It definitely fed into the feeling of small-town charm.
Clinton’s Soda Fountain
After lunch, I told Joseph I’d treat him to ice cream at Clinton’s Soda Fountain – even though we were satisfied from Dave’s, it was more for the experience than the dessert. We walked back past the historic courthouse, which sits in the center of the square, and could just see Cafe Verona (an Italian restaurant) and The Court House Exchange (an underground pub) on the opposite side – adventures for another day!
Walking into Clinton’s Soda Fountain really is stepping back in time. The same counter where Harry Truman worked as a boy still serves customers, and you can get everything from edible cookie dough to ice cream to floats! Stools line the counter, and while there is also seating in the back of the store, it just seems like more fun to sit at the counter and think of the many young people who have visited and worked at the soda fountain over time. Kind of like Mary and George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life!
Antique Stores
After lunch, Joseph had to get back to the fire station, so I amused myself by popping into a number of antique stores on the square. (Their prices here are really good!) The stores were clean, neatly arranged, and pleasant to peruse. I almost added a teacup and saucer to my collection, but I decided to save it for another visit on another day.
Independence Square is a place where you could easily spend a short weekend, immersed in the history and old-fashioned charm of a town that has worked hard to hold on to and revitalize its historic roots. And it’s working.
What is your favorite old-town square? Comment below and let me know where I need to go next!
