TRAILS IN INDEPENDENCE

Downtown Tour
Makes a nice downtown tour for returning ‘class  reunions’ or other group tours.

Begin at Wapsipinicon Main St. Bridge (2 groups=one each side of street)  Need two historians or tour guides.  One takes each group.  Walk up street to ‘bank corners’ and then cross street and back down to bridge.  Then to awaiting tour guide at Wapsipinicon Mill for additional tour.  (takes around 2 hours)

Read More>

The Heritage Trail
a/k/a “Historical Hiking Trail”, sponsored by the Buchanan County Historical Society, winding the way around Independence locating historical spots and brief descriptions.  Brochures available at Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, Wapsipinicon Mill and several downtown merchants.  Watch for the signs!

Read More>

The Liberty Trail
1.5 MILE TRAIL ON THE FORMER Rock Island R.R. tracks.  Starts at 1st St. West and West Elementary to the Mental Health Institute.  Comes out on 20th Ave. Southwest, south of Cornerstone Foursquare Church.  Maintained by civic groups and volunteers.  Wild flowers and prairie grass.

River Walk Parks
River Walk Parks emcompasses the Old Mill, Brimmer Park, Veteran's, Teachers, and Bathing Beach Parks, plus 37 additional acres of new green space as a result of a FEMA flood buy-out program. Efforts to restore the area into usable recreations and picnic areas are under way. Become a part of this nostalgic river view scene.

Independence Tree Tour
A WALK OF TREES in Independence with a wide selection of trees based on size, unique features and diversity.  Map available at Munson Public Library, Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, Wapsipinicon Mill and several downtown merchants.  Map is divided into two sections both starting and ending at the Public Library.  Originally done as a Master Gardener Project.  Please respect the privacy and property of all residents.

Wapsipinicon River Water Trail
The Conservation Board has long promoted Buchanan County's natural resources gems, and this effort was given an important boost recently whan a grant was awarded to develop a Water Trail on the Wapsipinicon River.

Read More>