Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Harry S Truman National Historic Site is a national historic site run by the National Park Service in Missouri.

In the park service’s words

President Harry S Truman took America from its traditional isolationism into the age of international involvement. Despite his power, he never forgot where he came from. Today, visitors can experience the surroundings Truman knew as a young man of modest ambition through his political career and final years as a former president.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Challenge 1: On Pace with President Truman! (1 Hour): Challenge 1: On Pace with a President Follow Harry S. Truman’s daily physical wellness habit by taking the Truman Historic Walk. This 2.7-mile trail includes 43 stops featuring many historic places in Independence, Missouri. You can see his childhood home, homes of his friends and family, and the Truman Library along t
• Challenge 3: Reader to Farmer to County Judge to Senator to Vice President to President!: "All leaders must be readers. Not all readers will be leaders, but all leaders must be readers." Harry S Truman
• Challenge 2: Visit the Truman Library and Museum! (2 Hours): Continue with a visit to the Truman Library!
• Challenge 3: Pat the Gingko Tree: While on his famous walks in his neighborhood, Harry Truman loved a particular Ginkgo tree. He always told it it was doing a great job. It's one of the oldest trees in Independence, Missouri.
• Challenge 2: Focus on Nature: Enjoying nature, whatever season, can do wonders for you!
• Challenge 1: Write a Letter: Writing a letter to a friend or loved one can greatly energize your mind and soul.
• Challenge 2: The Origin of Common Sense (15 Minutes): A visit to the Truman Farm in Grandview will help you understand why the land was so important to Harry Truman and his family.
• Challenge 1: Stop by the Noland House (15 Minutes): The Noland Home can help you understand the role of Harry Truman's family in his life and professional career.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Take a guided tour of the historic Truman Home. With thousands of artifacts on display, the home is an insightful glimpse into the personal lives of the Trumans. Visitors must stop by the visitor center first to obtain tickets to tour the Home. Tickets are not issued at the Truman Home itself. All tickets first come, first served on the day of. We can't make exceptions. The Noland Home is self guided...you can stop in before or after your tour. (We recommend before.)

Getting there

The Visitor Center is located at 223 North Main Street. From the north or south, take I-435 to Truman Road (State Hwy 12), exit 60. Travel east on Truman Road three miles; you'll pass the Truman Home at Delaware Street. From the east or west, take I-70 to the Noland Road exit (12). Travel north on Noland Road four miles to Truman Road. Turn west on Truman Road and travel two blocks. The Truman Home is five blocks to the west of the visitor center.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• Visitor Center (Secure Truman Home Tickets Here): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The park visitor center is located in the 1928 Independence Fire Station No. 1,which is in the Harry S Truman Historic District National Historic Landmark and one block north of the historic Independence Town Square.

Weather

Located on the western edge of Missouri, the park enjoys each of the four seasons. Early spring brings frequent and rapid fluctuations in weather. The summer season has warm days, periods of high heat and humidity, and mild nights. The fall season is normally mild with sunny days and cool nights. Winters can be cold. The January low averages 21 degrees. The area receives a yearly average of 37 inches of rain per year and around 18 inches of snow. Our zip code is 64050 if you wish to go to www.weather.gov

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Gateway Arch, about 234 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Harry S Truman National Historic Site (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.