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All the United States Missouri Independence

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Independence

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Independence, Missouri

Updated November 30, 2025
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Unusual Attractions in Independence

Independence, Missouri

Vaile Mansion

A remarkably opulent mansion with a tragic history.

Independence, Missouri

Leila's Hair Museum

A museum celebrating the Victorian obsession with hair art.
Independence Temple.

Independence, Missouri

Independence Temple

This otherworldly church spire reaches up toward the heavens.
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Bingham-Waggoner Estate

Independence, Missouri

The Bingham-Waggoner Estate

This mansion was made famous by its colorful cast of owners and location along the Sante Fe Trail.
International Puppets!

Independence, Missouri

Puppetry Arts Institute

Learn about puppetry and get a chance to make your own puppet.
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A typical SubTropolis building.

Kansas City, Missouri

SubTropolis

The "World's Largest Underground Business Complex," a 55,000,000-square-foot city underneath Missouri.
5 miles from Independence
Kessler Park Reservoir

Kansas City, Missouri

Kessler Park Reservoir

An abandoned concrete jungle surrounded by a lush park.
7 miles from Independence
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Independence, Missouri

Museums 3
Architecture 2
Houses 2
Homes 2
Art 1
Hair Art 1
Puppets 1
Temples 1
Architectural Oddities 1
Sacred Spaces 1
Eccentric Homes 1
Mansions 1
Religion 1
Mormons 1
Christianity 1
Civil War 1
Trails 1
Memento Mori 1
Churches 1
Engineering 1

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