With many free and low cost attractions and packages, you can stay and play for less in historic Independence

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES – 10th March 2010 - more bang for your buck in independence, mo
Truman's hometown a great value for family travelers

President Harry S Truman displayed a sign on his desk in the Oval Office which read: "The Buck Stops Here." Although Independence, Missouri is over a thousand miles from Washington, D. C., visitors can see this sign today in a faithful re-creation of his White House office at the Truman Presidential Museum & Library. When visiting Harry's beloved Independence to experience Truman heritage sites and other attractions, families discover they can get a lot of "bang" for their travel buck.

Conveniently located on the eastern border of Kansas City, Missouri, at the intersection of major north-south and east-west interstates, Independence offers a wide selection of attractively priced lodging options, with rates from $45 to $119 a night. As part of the metro, it shares the honor of being chosen 2nd most affordable getaway by a Travel and Leisure 2009 reader poll.

Major tourism attractions adult admission tickets range from $2 to $8 and a three site combo ticket for the historic Vaile Mansion, Bingham-Waggoner Estate and 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home is available for a discount price of $12 per adult. Add the National Frontier Trails Museum admission for a total price of $16, a savings of $4 per person. In addition, almost a dozen sites don’t charge any admission. Free attractions include:

1827 Log Courthouse, 107 W. Kansas. Last courthouse between Independence and the Pacific Ocean for forty years.

Bass Pro Outdoor World, 18001 E. Bass Pro Drive. Enjoy outdoor trails, playground, pavilion and lake, or wildlife displays and acquarium inside. Minimal charge for laser shooting gallery and rock climbing wall.

Chicago and Alton Depot, 313 W. Pacific. Built in 1879, the oldest two story restored depot in Missouri. Furnished with railroad memorabilia and equipment, as well as period antiques upstairs in the station master’s home. Donations.

Community of Christ Temple, 201 S. River and Auditoruim, 1001 W. Walnut.
The Temple spirals 300 feet high and houses a museum, two theaters, bookstore, 1600 seat sanctuary graced by a world class organ, and artwork. Free organ recitals 3 daily, May through September. The Auditorium also boasts a famous organ and is home to the Children’s Peace Pavilion, a free interactive museum for children packed with hands-on activities and exhibits.

Historic Independence Square, Lexington and Main. Enjoy eight restaurants, 15 gift and specialty stores and five antiques shops in the charming area surrounding the historic Jackson County courthouse.
Independence Center. Sample all the best in retail shopping. Take a break at the indoor play area or spin on the elegant carousel (minimal charge).

Midwest Genealogy Center, 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Road. Just opened in June 2008, this is the largest public genealogy library in the nation.

Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut. Learn about the key roles Mormons played in frontier Independence through flat screens, video kiosks, dioramas and a full size log cabin, plus a frontier themed play area for kids. Upstairs, interactive exhibits share modern beliefs of the Church.

Pioneer Spring Cabin, Truman and Noland Roads. Take a walk back into time and during a look at log cabin life in the 1800s.

Skate Park at Hill Park, 23rd Street and Maywood. Concrete bowls, rails, stairs and grind blocks allow kids to show their skate skills.

Spraygrounds. Features that mist, spray and shoot water let kids cool off.
Located in Rotary Park, 24th and Hedges and McCoy Park, 24th Highway and North Delaware.

Walking Trails: Hike one of the three marked walking trails, with the themes of Truman sites, Mormon heritage and the Swales (ruts) made by covered wagons. Or follow a driving tour of Civil War sites in Independence. Free brochures available for each of the four.

Find packages with discount admission/lodgings at www.visitindependence.com or call 816-325-7111.

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