About Independence

“Where Culture Meets Tradition”

On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau and residents of Independence, we would like to welcome you to our community. Sitting along the Verdigris River at the intersection of Highways 75 and 160, tree-lined streets with historic turn-of-the century homes set the stage for a one-of-a-kind experience. Legend has it that Independence, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, had more millionaires per capita than any place in the United States.

Independence is the place where you, your family and friends can attend the Pulitzer prize winning author William Inge Annual Theater Festival along with famous playwrights and actors, plan a day of fun at Riverside Park, Ralph Mitchell Zoo and Riverside Beach Family Aquatic Center, or enjoy the week-long Neewollah annual celebration. (Neewollah is Halloween spelled backwards.)

You will definitely want to visit and experience Little House on The Prairie Museum where the famous Laura Ingalls Wilder lived, then travel to our historic downtown. Our downtown provides a unique shopping experience including many specialty shops blended nicely with name-brand stores. Our excellent public school system, public library and community college, along with state-of-the-art health care, contribute to the high quality of life we enjoy! We are also proud of our diverse manufacturing base. Whether you are here on a short visit or plan on staying a while, we think you will find your experience to be positive and our community inspired by tradition while looking forward to a progressive future.