What makes Independence sights so special is the way history can be felt here not only in dusty plaques, but in every sloping house facade and every sloping sidewalk. I remember driving over the old railway bridge, which once formed the backbone of the city, and immediately heard the silent sum of the past – a mix of steam locomotives and the voices of the early settlers, which here in 1790 opened the country. The city is located in the Independence Township, nestled in Kenton County, and you can feel it immediately when you take the I‐275 from Cincinati, choose the exit 12 and then walk the highway 237 – a short but surprisingly picturesque trip that gives you the feeling that you have fallen out of time.
My favorite stretch leads me through the old business district, where the brick buildings still spray the charm of past centuries, while the modern cafés also offer an almost ironic contrast – “real great”, says my inner cynicist when he sneaks the latte with a touch of nostalgia. And yes, I don't quite understand the hype about the annual autumn parade, but the people who come together give the place a warmth that you don't find in travel guides. So, if you travel to Independence the next time, let yourself be guided by the small details – they are the true heart of Independence sights.
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The old cemetery on the outskirts of Independence has more stories to tell than some guides – and this is only the start to the true treasures that you only discover with a short jump over the Ohio River border.
A short 20-minute drive after Big Bone Lick State Historic Site and one stands in the middle of the prehistoric Kentucky. Where Mammuts and Mastodontes once left their traces, there are still real fossils to be excavated today – yes, that is not a marketing gag, that is real paleontology for hobby geologists. Once I almost got into an ancient bone piece that was so big that I thought it could be a new doorman for the pub at the main square. Parking is usually easy, except for the hot summer days when the families with picnic baskets flood the field.
Just a few miles further, behind the gentle hills of Boone County, this is Cincinnati Nature Center. Those who thought that nature parks consist only of boring hiking trails are quickly taught a better one. The treetop trails give you the feeling of floating over the forest, and the visitor center has a café that serves surprisingly good coffee – no joke, that's almost better than what I find in most urban cafes. The entrance is free, parking is a bit tight, but a short walk from the parking to the entrance is almost a workout.
A little further south, in New Haven, this is waiting Kentucky Railway Museum – a paradise for those who love the sound of squeaking wheels and the aroma of old diesel. I made a trip with a historical steam locomotive and had to admit that the rats of the wheels were almost more romantic than any Netflix series. The museum has a small but fine parking offer; On Saturdays, however, there can be a small chaos when the families move with strollers.
If you have enough of railroads then the path leads to Williamstown Lake, a glittering water basin, which is equally appreciated by anglers and boaters. I rented a kayak there and enjoyed the peace, while a few ducks flew loudly over my paddle – a perfect example that nature is sometimes louder than the city. The public car park is well signposted, and the entry and exit is easy thanks to wide ramps.
A short detour to Newport, Ohio, brings you to Newport Aquarium. Yes, that is technically not in Kentucky, but the short bridge ride over the Ohio makes it an indispensable stop. The sharks that swim through the glass tunnel are impressive, and the interactive touch pool makes you almost forget that you are only there for a few hours. Parking is paid at the aquarium itself, but there are a favorable parking lot a few blocks on that I always use to bypass traffic.
For culture hungry Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal A must. The Art Deco building is an architectural highlight, and the exhibitions range from natural history to contemporary art. I spent hours in the dinosaur hall because I still can't get rid of the huge skeletons. Parking is free at the main building as long as you arrive early enough – otherwise you will almost roll over from the tourist streams.
Finally, if you want to experience the authentic city life, you should Covington MainStrasse Village visit. The small boutiques, the weekly peasant market fever and the cosy cafés give you the feeling of walking in another time without losing the comfort of modern amenities. I bought a handmade leather bag that is now my favorite accessory – and that, although I usually wear nothing more than a T-shirt and jeans. Parking is available in the side streets, but you have to look for a bit because the main road is often blocked by vans.
So, Independence Attractions seeks to quickly realize that the true adventure lies outside the city boundaries – from prehistoric fossils to calm lakes to urban culture temples, all of which are only a stone's throw away.
The history of Independence begins long before the first highway sign I've ever overlooked, and I'm lucky that the city center has kept a bit of this old charm. My personal favorite spot is that Historic City Hall on Main Street – a red brick building dating back to 1915, which has more stories to tell than most guides. I remember how I was overwhelmed by a horde of enthusiastic seniors who unpacked their old photo albums at a city festival, while I tried to shoot a photo that was not immediately wiped by a passing tractor. Parking is usually a Klacks as long as you don't come on Friday night, then the small parking space turns into a battlefield from parked vans.
A short walk further Independence Public Library, an inconspicuous but surprisingly cozy building that I like to design as my personal “read cave”. The shelves are full of local history books that I would never read, but the atmosphere is really great for a little rest after the city stroll. I once found an old town plan that showed that today's main business district was once a chicken farm – a detail that makes me sneak every time I think of the modern supermarket.
If you're looking for something green, Independence Park That's right. The park is small, but it has a small lake that is populated in the summer by ducks who have no barbarity for tourists. I once made a picnic with a friend, and we were asked by a group of teenagers with loud speakers “Live-Music” – a real earworm when you ask me. The playground is not the newest, but the swing is stable enough to catapult you back into your childhood, and this is unpaid.
A bit off the hustle and bustle Independence Community Centerthat used to be an old school. The high ceilings and the original wooden benches give the place a slightly nostalgic vibe, which I particularly like when I experience a local jam session there on a Saturday night. The entrance is free, but bring a few snacks – the coffee machine is a relic from the 80s and spits more black coffee than espresso.
For those who really want to dive into the past, there is Independence Historical Society. The museum is small, but the exhibitions are carefully curated and show everything from old maps to handmade furniture of the founding families. I once discovered an old diary from the 19th century. century was handwritten – a real find that made me think about the importance of crafts in the region for hours. The museum is located next to the old cemetery complex, which is also worth a visit.
The old courthouse, today an office for lawyers, is another architectural jewel. The facade of sandstone is impressive, and the interior still has the original marble pillars that I admire again and again when I look past it for a short time. I once met a lawyer who told me that the building was once the scene of an infamous trial where a pig allegedly broke the law – no joke, that was a real scandal in the 1920s.
Last but not least, Independence Cemetery do not forget that extends somewhat outside the center. It is not only a place of tranquility, but also an open air museum with artfully engraved gravestones that tell stories about pioneers, veterans and even a former mayor who is supposed to have buried a treasure. I once discovered an old family coat of arms that made me think about the many generations who lived here.
If you ask yourself what else you can find in this city, just look around – the Independence Attractions are not listed in a shiny catalog, but hide in the small alleys, the friendly faces of the inhabitants and the surprising anecdotes that each place has to tell. And honestly, this is what makes this city so special for me: a mix of history, a bit of chaos and a lot of heart that you only discover when you are ready to walk a little off the beaten paths.
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