10 Easy Road Trips Near Independence, Missouri (That Take You Out of Jackson County)
If you live in or around
Independence, Missouri, you probably know the big local spots already. But what about those quick little getaways just outside Jackson County?
Today, we’re heading out on
10 short road trips to nearby counties in both Missouri and Kansas. These are easy day trips where you can hop in the car, drive an hour or so (sometimes less), and find something fun, relaxing, or just plain different.
All of these ideas are
outside Jackson County, in one of these nearby counties:
Johnson (KS), Wyandotte (KS), Cass (MO), Clay (MO), Johnson (MO), Lafayette (MO), and Ray (MO).
1. Explore the Historic Square in Liberty, Missouri (Clay County)
Looking for a classic small-town vibe that still has plenty going on? Head to
Liberty in Clay County, about a 25–30 minute drive north of Independence.
The
Liberty Square feels like a step back in time, but with modern touches. You’ll find:
- Charming local shops and boutiques
- Cozy coffee spots and bakeries
- Historic buildings and markers to wander past
One of the most famous stops is the
Clay County Museum, where you can learn how this area shaped the region’s frontier and Civil War history.
If you like true-crime history, you can also check out sites connected to the
Jesse James era around Liberty. It’s the kind of town where you can park the car once and just stroll.
Approximate drive from Independence: 25–35 minutes
Perfect for: History fans, couples, casual shoppers
2. Catch a Game or Big Event at Village West in Wyandotte County, Kansas
Want more action? Head west to
Village West in Wyandotte County, Kansas. It’s roughly a 35–45 minute drive, depending on traffic, and it’s packed with big attractions.
This area is home to major venues and shopping areas, including:
- Large stadiums and sports venues
- Outlet and big-name shopping centers
- Plenty of chain and local restaurants
Even if you’re not into sports, the atmosphere on game days is electric. It can be a fun road trip just to people-watch, grab a bite, and wander around the huge retail area.
Approximate drive from Independence: 40–50 minutes
Perfect for: Sports lovers, families, friends’ night out
3. Step Into the Past in Lexington, Missouri (Lafayette County)
If you enjoy Civil War history, river views, and quiet streets,
Lexington in Lafayette County is a must. It’s about an hour east of Independence along the Missouri River.
Lexington is known for its well-preserved history:
- Beautiful old homes and brick streets
- Historic Civil War sites and museums
- Scenic views of the Missouri River bluffs
This is one of those towns where you drive in, slow down, and just breathe a little deeper. If you like photography, the old houses and courthouse steps make great backdrops.
Approximate drive from Independence: 50–60 minutes
Perfect for: History buffs, photographers, quiet weekend explorers
4. Hit the Water at Smithville Lake (Clay County)
On a hot summer day, there’s one simple question:
Where can we go to cool off? One answer:
Smithville Lake in Clay County.
Located about 45–60 minutes north of Independence, Smithville Lake offers:
- Swimming beaches
- Boating and fishing
- Walking and biking trails
- Picnic areas and campgrounds
You don’t need a fancy boat to enjoy it. Pack a cooler, grab some folding chairs, and you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly day at the lake. I once spent an entire afternoon here doing nothing but reading a book under a tree and watching boats drift by. It was exactly the reset I needed.
Approximate drive from Independence: 45–60 minutes
Perfect for: Families, outdoor lovers, budget-friendly fun
5. Enjoy a Small-Town Stroll in Warrensburg, Missouri (Johnson County, MO)
Head southeast to
Warrensburg in Johnson County, Missouri, about an hour from Independence. It’s a college town with a relaxed, friendly feel.
Here, you’ll find:
- A walkable downtown with local restaurants
- Unique shops and coffee spots
- Campus culture and public art
Warrensburg is also known for its quirky claim to fame: a famous story tied to the phrase “man’s best friend.” You’ll see little hints of that history around town. It’s the kind of place where you can grab lunch, stroll a bit, and feel like you’ve escaped your normal routine without going far.
Approximate drive from Independence: 55–70 minutes
Perfect for: Casual day-trippers, couples, low-key explorers
6. Drive the Back Roads of Lafayette County’s Farm Country
Sometimes a road trip isn’t about a single attraction. It’s about the
drive itself.
Lafayette County, just east of Jackson County, is full of:
- Rolling farm fields
- Roadside produce stands (in season)
- Quiet two-lane highways and country churches
Pick a sunny afternoon, head east toward towns like
Odessa or
Higginsville, and just wander the back roads. Stop when you see an interesting barn, grab a snack at a local diner, or pull over at a farm stand for fresh sweet corn or peaches in late summer.
It’s a simple trip, but it can be surprisingly refreshing. No tickets, no crowds—just you, the road, and wide-open sky.
Approximate drive from Independence: 30–60 minutes (depending on your route)
Perfect for: Sunday drives, couples, photographers, anyone needing quiet time
7. Relax in the Countryside of Ray County
North and slightly east of Independence lies
Ray County, a mostly rural area that’s ideal when you want to get away from traffic and noise.
Out here, you’ll find:
- Peaceful country roads and small towns
- Fields, streams, and wide-open views
- Local diners and mom-and-pop shops
While Ray County doesn’t have a single huge “headline” attraction, that’s exactly what makes it nice. Take a slow drive toward small communities, stop for a slice of pie at a little café, and enjoy the calm.
If you like taking photos of barns, old bridges, or sunset skies, you’ll have a field day here—literally.
Approximate drive from Independence: 40–60 minutes
Perfect for: Scenic drives, photographers, quiet escapes
8. Explore Harrisonville and Rural Cass County, Missouri
To the south of Jackson County is
Cass County, home to the county seat of
Harrisonville. It’s just under an hour from Independence, depending on your route.
In and around Harrisonville, you can:
- Wander a traditional town square
- Check out local shops and diners
- Drive through rolling countryside and small farming communities
This is a good choice if you’d like a mix of “town” and “country” in one day. Start with a burger or breakfast at a local spot, then hit the back roads and see where they take you.
Approximate drive from Independence: 45–60 minutes
Perfect for: Laid-back day trips, small-town explorers
9. Cross the State Line to Johnson County, Kansas Suburbs
If you’re in the mood for something more modern and suburban, point your car toward
Johnson County, Kansas. While the names of the towns—like Overland Park, Olathe, and Lenexa—get most of the attention, the whole area is known for its parks, shopping, and dining.
On a simple road trip, you can:
- Visit large shopping centers and outdoor malls
- Grab coffee or dessert at local spots
- Walk in well-kept suburban parks and green spaces
This is a “do-whatever-you-feel-like” kind of trip. Maybe you start at a farmer’s market, then end the day with dinner on a patio. It feels different from Independence, even though it’s not that far.
Approximate drive from Independence: 45–60 minutes
Perfect for: Shoppers, foodies, couples’ date days
10. Make a Big Day Out with a Multi-County Loop Drive
Can’t decide where to go near Independence? Combine a few spots into one bigger loop. Here’s one idea for a full day on the road:
- Start: Independence
- Stop 1: Liberty (Clay County) for coffee and a walk around the square
- Stop 2: Smithville Lake (Clay County) for a picnic or short hike
- Stop 3: Rural Ray County back roads for a late-afternoon drive
- Finish: Head back to Independence around sunset
Another option:
- Start: Independence
- Stop 1: Warrensburg (Johnson County, MO) for lunch and a downtown stroll
- Stop 2: Lexington (Lafayette County) for history and river views
- Finish: Scenic drive home through Lafayette County farmland
These kinds of loop trips let you see more than one county in a day and give you a true taste of what’s around Independence without going very far from home.
Perfect for: Weekend explorers, couples, small groups of friends
Tips for Easy Road Trips from Independence, Missouri
To make your out-of-county adventures smoother, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Check drive times before you go so you’re not rushed.
- Fill your gas tank in Independence—some rural stretches don’t have many stations.
- Bring snacks and water, especially if you’ll be driving through farm country.
- Have a backup plan in case a small-town shop or café is closed that day.
- Take side roads when you can—interstates are faster, but back roads are more memorable.
Ready to Plan Your Next Road Trip from Independence?
You don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to feel like you’ve “gotten away.” From
Independence, Missouri, a short drive into a neighboring county—whether it’s
Clay, Cass, Johnson (MO), Johnson (KS), Wyandotte, Lafayette, or Ray—can give you new views, new flavors, and new stories to tell.
So, which of these 10 road trip ideas sounds best to you?
Are you more into quiet country drives, lake days, historic towns, or busy shopping districts?
I’d love to hear about your favorite places to visit near Independence.
- Have you tried any of these spots?
- Do you have a hidden gem in one of these nearby counties?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for fun, easy road trips from Independence. Your shares and comments help keep guides like this coming!
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