Independence (Iowa)

US Highway 20 runs along the south side of town, linking Independence with Dubuque to the east and Waterloo-Cedar Falls to the west. Other routes include Iowa Highway 939, which parallels US 20, and Iowa Highway 150, which runs north-south and links to Interstate 380 about 15 miles south to town, providing access to Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

• 🌍 Independence Mental Health Institute, 2277 Iowa Ave, ☎ +1 319 334-2583. Tours by appointment only. An old state mental asylum constructed in 1873, built under the Kirkbride Plan. The hospital is still in operation. Free. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Wapsipinicon Mill, 1st St W along the west bank of the Wapsipinicon River, ☎ +1 319 334-4616. Mid May-mid Sep: Tu-Su noon-4PM. It was built as a flour mill in 1875, and later used to produce stock feed for farm animals. It is operated as a historic museum today. Free. (updated Apr 2015)

• 🌍 Checkered Flag Sports Bar, 903 1st St W, ☎ +1 319 334-4554. M-Th noon-midnight, F noon-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-10PM. Sports bar with pool table and video slots. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 The Sanity Room, 111 1st St E, ☎ +1 319 961-0054. Tu-Th 4PM-10PM, F 3:30PM-11PM, Sa 1PM-11PM. A mental hospital-themed lounge in the back of an antiques store. (updated Apr 2015)

• 🌍 Best Western, 2100 Swan Lake Blvd (at Iowa Ave, off US 20 exit 252), ☎ +1 319 334-6400, toll-free: +1-800-780-7234. Fitness room, indoor heated pool, free wireless internet, free breakfast. No pets. $110+. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Super 8, 2000 1st St W, ☎ +1 319 334-7041. Free wireless internet, pets allowed. $80+. (updated Apr 2015)