Buchanan County Tourism

Buchanan County Tourism Discover everything you can do in Buchanan County, Iowa! Explore snowshoeing, trails, ice fishing, food, and fun for the whole family.

Our Visitor Center is located in the Historic Illinois Central Railroad Depot. In 1994 a small group of volunteers purchased and began the restoration process on the depot. Some major accomplishments have been rebuilding the canopy, adding a geothermal heating system, completion of a parking lot and new sidewalks.

🚴‍♀️ RAGBRAI riders are getting a preview of what’s waiting for them in Independence!Our Tourism Director, Isabel Thurn,...
07/17/2026

🚴‍♀️ RAGBRAI riders are getting a preview of what’s waiting for them in Independence!

Our Tourism Director, Isabel Thurn, recently joined Murph on the JustGoBike Podcast for Episode 409: ‘A Preview of the Overnight Towns of RAGBRAI LIII’ to talk all things Independence during RAGBRAI.

In this episode, Isabel shares some of the best places to visit, local history, and unique experiences riders and visitors can enjoy while they’re in town - including:
🏛️ Local museums and historic sites opening their doors during RAGBRAI
🔦 Independence’s Underground Tour
🎨 Our newest downtown mural
🎶 The bands and entertainment joining us for RAGBRAI
…and more!

🎧 Find Episode 409: A Preview of the Overnight Towns of RAGBRAI LIII on your favorite podcast platform or listen here: https://on.soundcloud.com/EbPRlUDzcIGpQrl6RK

07/17/2026

Summer’s not over yet. ☀️

Here’s your sign to hit the road and start checking off your Buchanan County Bucket list. Where are you heading first? 👆

📍 Save this reel for your next weekend adventure!

RAGBRAI riders know that a good cup of coffee is an important part of the journey! ☕Two Buchanan County coffee shops wer...
07/16/2026

RAGBRAI riders know that a good cup of coffee is an important part of the journey! ☕

Two Buchanan County coffee shops were recently featured on the JustGoBike Podcast in Episode 408: 'The Coffee Shops of RAGBRAI LIII' as they prepare to welcome riders during this year’s ride.

Check out the episode featuring:
☕ Em's Coffee Co.
☕️ Green Roast Cafe

🎧 Find Episode 408: The Coffee Shops of RAGBRAI LIII on your favorite podcast platform or listen here: https://on.soundcloud.com/EbPRlUDzcIGpQrl6RK

07/16/2026

🍝 Learn something new at The Brick Kitchen!

From cake decorating and pasta making to pizza, pesto, sourdough, and more, The Brick Kitchen offers hands-on classes throughout the year for food lovers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking to try a new recipe, sharpen your kitchen skills, or enjoy a fun night out, there’s always something delicious happening in their kitchen.

Check out upcoming classes and reserve your spot here: https://www.thebrickkitchenstore.com/upcoming-classes.htm

What started as a mockup has become one of downtown Independence's newest attractions. Swipe through to see the journey,...
07/15/2026

What started as a mockup has become one of downtown Independence's newest attractions. Swipe through to see the journey, from the finished mural all the way back through each stage of the painting process.

📍 Be sure to stop by, snap a photo, and experience it in person the next time you're in Independence.

Artist: Jenna Brownlee

🚴‍♀️ RAGBRAI rolls through Buchanan County next week!We'll be welcoming riders to Jesup IA RAGBRAI 2026 and Indee RAGBR...
07/14/2026

🚴‍♀️ RAGBRAI rolls through Buchanan County next week!

We'll be welcoming riders to Jesup IA RAGBRAI 2026 and Indee RAGBRAI on Thursday, July 23, and Ragbrai 2026- Winthrop, IA on Friday, July 24. We can't wait to show thousands of cyclists the hospitality, small-town charm, and community spirit that make Buchanan County so special.

After an incredible time hosting riders in Fairbank, Stanley, Aurora, and Lamont last year, we're excited to do it all again. We can't wait to see everyone next week!

Our downtown Independence mural is officially complete! 🎉 🌹 🇺🇸 🌽 A huge thank you to our incredibly talented artist, Jen...
07/13/2026

Our downtown Independence mural is officially complete! 🎉 🌹 🇺🇸 🌽

A huge thank you to our incredibly talented artist, Jenna Brownlee, for bringing this to life, and creating a beautiful piece of art that celebrates our community. Check out more of her work at JennaBrownlee.com!

This project was made possible through the Iowans Create Community Mural Program, managed by the Iowa Arts Council and funded by Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Now it’s your turn to see it in person. Stop by downtown Independence, take a photo, and tag us. We’d love to see your favorite details! 🎨 📸

🎨 Day 5 is complete!At the center of the mural, you'll notice a cluster of red, white, and blue flowers. These colors we...
07/12/2026

🎨 Day 5 is complete!

At the center of the mural, you'll notice a cluster of red, white, and blue flowers. These colors were chosen to reflect both the spirit of Independence and America's history, serving as a reminder of the values and heritage that have helped shape our community. Positioned at the heart of the mural, they “Celebrate Our Spirit” while symbolizing pride, unity, and the connection between our local story and our nation's story.

We're getting closer to the finish line, but there's still more to reveal. Stay tuned for tomorrow! 🎨✨

Artist: Jenna Brownlee

07/11/2026

Weekend plans: 📚 ☕️ 🛍️ 👗

🎨 Day 4 Update: It's all in the details.Every flower petal, iconic element, leaf, and brushstroke is painted by hand. As...
07/11/2026

🎨 Day 4 Update: It's all in the details.

Every flower petal, iconic element, leaf, and brushstroke is painted by hand. As more details are added each day, the mural continues to tell the story of Buchanan County and the people, places, and traditions that make it unique.

While it's exciting to see the larger picture come together, some of the most impressive parts are the details you only notice when you stop and look a little closer.

Stay tuned... there's still more to come! 🎨✨

Artist: Jenna Brownlee

Address

112 First Street E
Independence, IA
50644

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+13193343439

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Buchanan County Tourism posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Buchanan County Tourism:

Shortcuts

Share