American Legion Mural   -     East of the bridge on the north side of 1st St. E
The west wall of the American Legion and Crow Bar Restaurant features color renditions of historic building and sites around Independence, painted by Al Alvin  Hepler. The buildings include the Illinois Central Depot, the Gedney Hotel, the  Wapsipinicon Mill, the Mental Health Institute, and the Rush Park Race Track.

Barn Quilts of Buchanan County
The Barn Quilts of Buchanan County, a project initiated in 2006, is designed to celebrate our agricultural heritage by highlighting local farm buildings with beautiful, quilt-related folk art. The full tour includes 110 quilt blocks places throughout the county. Each quilt block is a unique pattern selected by the owners and displayed where it can be seen from a paved road.   

Brimmer Park  Mural   -     East of the bridge on the north side of 1st St. E
​A  small mural featuring works from local artists appears on the  wall of the restroom located in Brimmer Park. The mural frame was donated by local artist John Decker in 2021. The artwork changes monthly and is sponsored by various local organizations and individuals.   Stop by for a good view of the Wapsipinicon Mill and take a photo with the artwork!

Daniel S. Lee Mansion Local Art Gallery -   800 block of 1st St. E.,  Independence
This gallery of works by local  artists is located on the second floor of the Lee Mansion. It especially features artworks of sites around Buchanan County. 

Hooked Rugs Exhibit   -   Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Swan Lake Blvd., Independence
A group of dedicated local "hookers" are keeping the age old artistic craft of rug hooking alive. View an exhibit of their work   using both traditional and modern patterns at the upper level of  Heartland Acres.
​MORE INFORMATION

Independence Post Office Mural - 200 2nd Ave. NE, Independence
Robert Tabor, a native of Independence and a nationally renowned artist, painted "Postman in Storm: A Mural Study" as part of one of the New Deal's art projects to  boost the morale of people suffering from the Great Depression and restore confidence in the nation. It was created under the auspices of the Treasury Department's Section of Painting and Sculpture and was hung in the Independence Post Office in January 1938. 

 Independence Library Mural    - Independence Public Library, 805 1st St. E.
John Paul Schafer, an Independence native, painted a mural entitled "Open Books, Open Hearts, Open Minds" for the opening of Independence's new public library in 2010. Images in the mural reflect the theme of liberty and independence. It is displayed on the west wall of the foyer. More information

Balance (Metal Sculpture) -   Independence Public Library, 805 1st St. E.
Housed in a restored 19th century hardware store. the Aurora Museum will surprise you with it

Independence History Mural  -  west wall of 108 1st St. E, Independence next to the river
A large mural covers the west wall of 108 1st St. E. It was painted in the 1980s by Barbara Lake and depicts  sites and events from Independence's rich history. ​

School Marm - Heartland Acres, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence
This larger than life wooden sculpture by  artist  Denny Vance stands outside the 1869 School House that is part of the Heartland Acres Agribition Center.  It depicts a woman holding   The McGuffy Reader,   a basic tool for the  pioneer teacher who   had to teach children of all ages. 

Largest Frying Pan in Iowa - Brandon Community Center, 820 Main St.
Created in honor of the annual Cowboy Breakfast, the frying pan measures 14.3 feet tall by 9.3 feet wide and weighs 1020 pounds. While it may not be the largest in the world, it is certainly the largest in Iowa. Just off I-380, this roadside attraction sits at the end of the main drag in Brandon and is the perfect size for standing in and taking pictures that tell your friends, "Hey, I found something unique!"  

Tin Man - Stanley, Iowa

Brandon City Park Mural   - Brandon, IA