Starla & Julian
Things To Do
Ralph Mitchell Zoo
The Ralph Mitchel Zoo has free admission! It was also home to Miss Able, the very first monkey to survive a space flight. The zoo features animals such as Monkeys, Ostridge's, Alligators, Donkeys, Bears, Mountain Lions, Porcupines, Owls, A Bald Eagle, A giant Tortoise, Miniature Kangaroos, a Reptile room with Pythons, and so much more!
Riverside Park
Located right next to the Ralph Mitchel Zoo, this park is a fantastic place to have a family picnic. It features attractions such as a Carousel, Mini Golf Course, and Train. The Carousel is 5 cents per ride, Mini Golf is $2 per person, and the Train is 50 cents per ride.
Riverside Beach Aquatic Center
This is Independence' very own water park. It features two twisty slides, a toilet bowl, diving boards, lazy river, and a little kiddy section. There is also a snack shack for all of your swimming hunger needs. Admission is $4 per person. Thursday and Friday nights from 5pm - 7pm is family night and the cost of one entire family is $5 (up to 5 members of the same household, each additional member is an additional $1).
Elk City State Park
This state park features a wide range of campsites as well as a HUGE lake to go boating, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in! There are also hiking trails throughout the park that are great for some good old fashioned family fun. Just watch out for poison ivy!
Downtown
Stroll downtown for a look at our murals and sculptures by the locally famous E.S. Schubert. Stop in at some of the finest antique stores this side of the Mississippi. Stop for lunch at any of the local restaurants or go for coffee at Ane Mae's Coffee Shop. There is also a local brewery downtown that no one really knows about because its new and the locals are afraid of new. But you can be brave and give it a try!