Your Guide to Independence Square and Independence, Missouri
Independence Square is the vibrant historic heart of Independence, Missouri — a walkable district filled with locally owned restaurants, craft breweries, boutique shops, and landmarks dating back to the days of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. As the hometown of President Harry S. Truman and a jumping-off point for westward expansion, Independence offers a uniquely American blend of history, culture, and small-town charm.
Whether you are exploring the Truman Presidential Library, sampling Kansas City-style barbecue, or browsing antique shops around the Jackson County Courthouse, this guide covers everything you need to know about things to do near Three Trails Lofts.
Explore Independence Square by Category
Discover restaurants, historic sites, entertainment, and more — all within walking distance or a short drive from your loft.
Restaurants
Pizza, Italian, Mexican, burgers, and more — all within walking distance.
ExploreCoffee & Bakeries
Local roasters, French pastries, and cozy morning spots on the Square.
ExploreBars & Breweries
Craft beer, wine, soda fountains, and laid-back nightlife on the Square.
ExploreHistoric Sites
Truman Library, Vaile Mansion, and frontier trail museums.
ExploreParks & Recreation
Nature parks, lakes, water parks, and outdoor adventures nearby.
ExploreShopping
Boutiques, antiques, art galleries, and unique gifts on the Square.
ExploreEntertainment
Bowling, cinema, game cafes, escape rooms, and live events.
ExploreEvents
Santa-Cali-Gon Days, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals.
ExploreKansas City BBQ
World-famous BBQ joints just a short drive from your loft.
ExploreStay Steps From It All at Three Trails Lofts
Our fully furnished lofts sit directly on Independence Square — walk to restaurants, shops, and historic sites from your front door. Book direct for the best rates.
View Our LoftsIndependence Square: Common Questions
Where is Independence Square?
Independence Square is the historic downtown square of Independence, Missouri, in the Kansas City metro area. It should not be confused with Independence, Kansas — this is the Missouri city that served as the jumping-off point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails and is the hometown of President Harry S. Truman.
What is there to do on Independence Square?
Independence Square has locally owned restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries, bars and a craft brewery, boutiques and bookstores, an escape room, community theaters, and a seasonal farmers market, with major historic sites and Kansas City barbecue a short drive away.
Is Independence Square walkable?
Yes. The restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and shops in this guide are concentrated on and immediately around the Square, so most of them are reachable on foot in a few minutes without moving your car.
More Independence Square Guides
Restaurants
Pizza, Italian, Mexican, burgers, and more — all within walking distance.
Coffee & Bakeries
Local roasters, French pastries, and cozy morning spots on the Square.
Bars & Breweries
Craft beer, wine, soda fountains, and laid-back nightlife on the Square.
Historic Sites
Truman Library, Vaile Mansion, and frontier trail museums.
Parks & Recreation
Nature parks, lakes, water parks, and outdoor adventures nearby.
Shopping
Boutiques, antiques, art galleries, and unique gifts on the Square.
Entertainment
Bowling, cinema, game cafes, escape rooms, and live events.
Events
Santa-Cali-Gon Days, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals.
Kansas City BBQ
World-famous BBQ joints just a short drive from your loft.