Independence, Iowa travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Independence is a town in Northeast Iowa.

2 sights · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Independence

Independence Mental Health Institute

An old state mental asylum constructed in 1873, built under the Kirkbride Plan. The hospital is still in operation.

Wapsipinicon Mill

It was built as a flour mill in 1875, and later used to produce stock feed for farm animals. It is operated as a historic museum today.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 11°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Waterloo)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
ALO Waterloo Regional Airport, Waterloo — 26 mi away. Directions
CID The Eastern Iowa Airport, Cedar Rapids — 42 mi away. Directions
DSM Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines — 111 mi away (major hub). Directions

US Highway 20 runs along the south side of town, linking Independence with Dubuque to the east and Waterloo-Cedar Falls to the west. Other routes include Iowa Highway 939, which parallels US 20, and Iowa Highway 150, which runs north-south and links to Interstate 380 about 15 miles south to town, providing access to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Places to stay listed here: about $80–$80 a night (typical $90), from 2 listed prices.
Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$120, mid-range ~$160, comfortable ~$250.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Independence Mental Health Institute
Afternoon Wapsipinicon Mill
Evening Checkered Flag Sports Bar

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

Go Independence Municipal Airport

General aviation airport. No scheduled passenger service.

⚠ Last checked Aug 2020 — confirm before you go

Maps

See

See Independence Mental Health Institute

An old state mental asylum constructed in 1873, built under the Kirkbride Plan. The hospital is still in operation.

📍 2277 Iowa Ave🕒 Tours by appointment only💲 Free☎ +1 319 334-2583⚠ Last checked Apr 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website

See Wapsipinicon Mill

It was built as a flour mill in 1875, and later used to produce stock feed for farm animals. It is operated as a historic museum today.

📍 1st St W along the west bank of the Wapsipinicon River🕒 Mid May-mid Sep: Tue-Sun noon-4PM💲 Free☎ +1 319 334-4616⚠ Last checked Apr 2015 — confirm before you go

Maps Website