Truman Presidential Museum & Library

Missouri


There are thousands of objects, including the famous 'The Buck Stops Here!' sign, from the man who led the US through one of its most tumultuous eras. More than that, the museum provides a vivid snapshot of America in the late 1940s and early '50s. The museum is in the midst of a $25 million transformation to make it more relevant and engaging to the politics of today and will reopen by April 2020.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Missouri attractions

1. Truman Home

0.64 MILES

See the simple life Harry (1884–1972) and Bess (1885–1982) lived in this basic but charming wood house. It's furnished with their original belongings and…

2. National Frontier Trails Museum

1.1 MILES

Brings the tough life for the pioneers along the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails to life – many began their journey in Independence. You'll learn…

3. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

7.64 MILES

This comprehensive museum covers the lesser-known history of African American teams, such as the KC Monarchs and New York Black Yankees, that flourished…

4. American Jazz Museum

7.65 MILES

Learn about different jazz styles, rhythms, instruments and musicians – including Kansas City native Charlie Parker – at this interactive museum, at the…

5. College Basketball Experience

8.55 MILES

Really a gussied-up basketball hall of fame, this interactive (and entirely overstimulating) exhibition lets you try free throws or pretend you're an…

6. Arabia Steamboat Museum

8.6 MILES

In River Market, this museum displays 200 tons of salvaged 'treasure' from a riverboat that sank in 1856 (one of hundreds claimed by the Missouri River).

7. Union Station

8.91 MILES

Opened in 1914, KC's Union Station is a sublime example of the magnificent architecture that once was the hallmark of American train stations. Today it…

8. National WWI Museum

8.97 MILES

Enter this impressive modern museum on a glass walkway over a field of red poppies, the symbol of remembrance of WWI. Through detailed and engaging…