National Parks Near Independence, Missouri

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our complete guide to 58 national parks near Independence. The closest park is just 12.6 miles away—perfect for a quick day trip.

58
Parks Within Range
3
Within 100 Miles
12.6
Miles to Closest

Closest Parks (Within 100 Miles)

Perfect for day trips from Independence

⭐ Closest
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
12.6 mi (~15 min)

Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Independence, Missouri
National Historic Site
Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
67.7 mi (~1 hr 21 min)

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Topeka, Kansas
National Historical Park
Fort Scott National Historic Site
87.6 mi (~1 hr 45 min)

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott, Kansas
National Historic Site

Weekend Getaways (100-200 Miles)

Great for weekend trips from Independence

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
124.3 mi (~2 hr 29 min)

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Strong City, Kansas
National Preserve
George Washington Carver National Monument
145.4 mi (~2 hr 54 min)

George Washington Carver National Monument

Diamond, Missouri
National Monument
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
148 mi (~2 hr 58 min)

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Republic, Missouri
National Battlefield
Homestead National Historical Park
152.9 mi (~3 hr 3 min)

Homestead National Historical Park

Beatrice, Nebraska
National Historical Park
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
170 mi (~3 hr 24 min)

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Omaha, Iowa
National Historic Trail
Pea Ridge National Military Park
183.4 mi (~3 hr 40 min)

Pea Ridge National Military Park

Garfield, Arkansas
National Military Park
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
189.1 mi (~3 hr 47 min)

New Philadelphia National Historic Site

Barry, Illinois
National Historic Site

Extended Adventures (200-300 Miles)

Perfect for long weekend adventures from Independence

Ozark National Scenic Riverways
218.3 mi (~4 hr 22 min)

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Missouri
National Scenic Riverways
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
221.9 mi (~4 hr 26 min)

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

Missouri
National Historic Site
Buffalo National River
226.3 mi (~4 hr 32 min)

Buffalo National River

Arkansas
National River
Gateway Arch National Park
229.6 mi (~4 hr 36 min)

Gateway Arch National Park

Missouri
National Park
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
240.2 mi (~4 hr 48 min)

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Iowa
National Historic Site
Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park
248.5 mi (~4 hr 58 min)

Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park

Missouri
National Historical Park
Fort Smith National Historic Site
255.9 mi (~5 hr 7 min)

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Arkansas
National Historic Site
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
259.1 mi (~5 hr 11 min)

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Illinois
National Historic Site
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
259.4 mi (~5 hr 11 min)

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Illinois
National Monument
Fort Larned National Historic Site
266.7 mi (~5 hr 20 min)

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Kansas
National Historic Site
Nicodemus National Historic Site
279.1 mi (~5 hr 35 min)

Nicodemus National Historic Site

Kansas
National Historic Site

Planning Your Visit from Independence

Independence is perfectly positioned for exploring national parks across the region. With 3 parks within 100 miles, you can enjoy incredible outdoor adventures without extensive travel. Harry S Truman National Historic Site is your closest option at just 12.6 miles—approximately 15 min by car.

Best practices: Check individual park pages for current conditions, entrance fees, and reservation requirements. Many parks offer America the Beautiful passes for frequent visitors. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect all park regulations during your visit.

Guided Tours Near Independence

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