Harry S. Truman National Historic Site Tours

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site showing a house and heritage elements
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site which includes a house and heritage elements
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site showing a house and heritage elements
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site featuring heritage elements and a house
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site featuring heritage elements and a house


Join a docent-guided tour of this 19th-century home to get a glimpse into the unassuming lifestyle of President Truman and his family.

The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence is the former home of Harry S. Truman, the 33rdpresident of the United States. Also known as Truman House, the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site offers an intriguing insight into the life of Truman away from politics. Admire the Victorian architectural style of the house and peruse rooms decorated with original artifacts.

George Porterfield Gates, the grandfather of Truman’s wife Bess Wallace, built Truman House as a family residence in the 1860s. Truman and Bess moved here in 1919 shortly after getting married. Truman used the home until his death in 1972 Bess stayed until she passed away a decade later. Notice the home’s asymmetrical design and Victorian-era aspects. A balustrade porch, scroll gable ornamentations and narrow colorful windows are among notable features. Surrounding the house is an immaculate garden shaded by oak trees. At the rear of the garden is a garage with President Truman’s 1972 Chrysler Newport car parked inside.

Inside, 14 rooms spread over two floors and are decorated as they were during the time of the Trumans’ residency. Following the will of Bess, only the lower floor is open to visitors. Family portraits, floral-patterned wallpaper and paintings adorn the walls. Look for the highlights including a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, a Steinway piano and a fireplace with decorative tiles that portray a Middle Eastern cityscape.

The house is a 10-minute walk west of Historic Independence Square. If you drive, park for free at the nearby First Baptist Church. The house forms part of the Truman Walking Trail, a 2.7-mile-long (4.3-kilometer) route that incorporates over 40 sites related to Truman. It comprises landmarks such as the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the Truman Memorial Building.

Purchase tickets, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Park Visitor Center on Main Street. The visitor center is open daily year-round. Tours of the Truman House are not available on Mondays from November 1 to Memorial Day. Truman Farm, located in Grandview, is also incorporated under the name Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.

Plan a trip to see Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

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Hampton Inn Kansas City - Liberty
Chateau Avalon Hotel & Spa
Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown Crossroads

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

Ophelias Restaurant & Inn

Ophelias Restaurant & Inn

3.5 out of 5
201 N Main, Independence, MO
Ophelias Restaurant & Inn
The Haven of Independence Square

The Haven of Independence Square

Independence
The Haven of Independence Square
The Amazing 3 Bed 2 Bath of Independence

The Amazing 3 Bed 2 Bath of Independence

Independence
The Amazing 3 Bed 2 Bath of Independence
Charming 1 BR/1 BA property| Mins to Kauffman

Charming 1 BR/1 BA property| Mins to Kauffman

2 out of 5
Independence
Charming 1 BR/1 BA property| Mins to Kauffman
Family-Friendly Independence Home: 5 Mi to Stadium

Family-Friendly Independence Home: 5 Mi to Stadium

Independence
Family-Friendly Independence Home: 5 Mi to Stadium
Family-friendly Independence Home: 5 Mi to Stadium

Family-friendly Independence Home: 5 Mi to Stadium

3 out of 5
Independence
Family-friendly Independence Home: 5 Mi to Stadium
Cheerful 4 bedroom close to historical/sport sites

Cheerful 4 bedroom close to historical/sport sites

Independence
Cheerful 4 bedroom close to historical/sport sites
Upscale Stay Near Truman, Stadiums, Historic Independence Square, & Downtown KC

Upscale Stay Near Truman, Stadiums, Historic Independence Square, & Downtown KC

Independence
Upscale Stay Near Truman, Stadiums, Historic Independence Square, & Downtown KC
Woodstock Inn B&B

Woodstock Inn B&B

3 out of 5
1212 W Lexington St, Independence, MO
Woodstock Inn B&B
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

At the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, visitors can explore the fascinating history of the area through house tours and grounds tours that highlight Truman's life and presidency. Additionally, the site offers opportunities for camping and discovering the rich heritage of Independence, Missouri. Nearby, enjoy local sports activities like baseball and football for a complete experience during your visit.

Food and drinks

Crane Brewing, located 7 miles from Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, offers a romantic atmosphere with craft beers. Stonehaus Farms Winery, 12 miles away, provides delightful wines in a charming setting. Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery, 19 miles from the site, is perfect for wine lovers seeking entertainment and romance.

Shopping

The City Market of Kansas City, located 9 miles away, offers a vibrant public market experience with local vendors and fresh produce. KidZone, a fun store 10 miles away, is perfect for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Zona Rosa Shopping Mall, 17 miles away, provides family-friendly entertainment and shopping.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium, where you can catch a game or event. For a tranquil retreat, visit Swope Park, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. Enjoy some fun at Centerpoint Community Ice, where skating brings adventure and excitement to your visit.

Adventure

Experience thrilling paintball at Jaegers Subsurface Paintball, located 5 miles from Harry S. Truman National Historic Site. For outdoor enthusiasts, the North Trailhead and South Trailhead, 12 and 13 miles away respectively, offer scenic trails perfect for hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience thrilling nightlife at Harrah's Casino, only 8 miles away, where you can enjoy the excitement of gaming and vibrant city vibes. For family fun, visit LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, 9 miles away, or catch a show at the Starlight Theatre, also 9 miles away, offering a rich cultural experience.

Find the best attractions near Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

When visiting the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri, you'll find a mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Explore the Truman Home and the local history museum, which showcase the life of Harry Truman. Nearby, Truman Lake offers recreational opportunities, making it perfect for families and history buffs alike. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history and charm of this area.

  • Worlds of Fun: Just 7 miles from the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, this vibrant theme park offers thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy roller coasters, water slides, and live entertainment, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled day with loved ones.
  • Kansas City Convention Center: Located 9 miles away, this venue is the hub for business events and conferences. Its modern facilities and spacious meeting areas cater to professionals, making it ideal for networking and discovering the latest industry trends.
  • Crown Center: Also 9 miles from the historic site, Crown Center is a delightful tourist precinct featuring shops, dining, and outdoor spaces. Enjoy family-friendly activities, seasonal events, and beautiful gardens perfect for leisurely strolls.

Best time to go to Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

Visitor numbers around Harry S. Truman National Historic Site is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Harry S. Truman National Historic Site can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Harry S. Truman National Historic Site falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Harry S. Truman National Historic Site falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July79.0°F (26.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

To save money on your visit to the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, consider traveling between November and January for lower accommodation prices. Enjoy nearby free attractions like Harrah's Casino, Crown Center, and the Truman Library. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays, making your trip even more affordable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Harry S. Truman National Historic Site are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.