Independence Township was organized on April 11, 1858, and became the Village of Independence on January 8, 1957, and the City of Independence on April 9, 1974.

Independence still offers the advantages of rural life-styles to its residents even though it is within the Twin Cities Metropolitan District.  Located on the western edge of Hennepin County, we are a city of 3,700.

Independence is loaded with surprises that remain undiscovered by many people.  For example, did you know that the Polo Grounds is located here and that the Twin Cities Polo Club plays games nearly every Sunday afternoon during the summer?  It is a magnificent place to take a picnic lunch, to sit in the shade and to watch these athletic horses and players.  It was the home of the popular Polo Classic that helped raise over $2,000,000 for the Children's Home Society during the past 18 years.

On the northeast side of our community is beautiful Lake Independence.  The popular YMCA camp, Ihduhapi, is located on the lake.  Public access is available through Baker Park.

Some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Midwest can be found in the western part of the city.  The famous Zuhrah Shrine Horse Patrol has its farm facility in the northwest section of the city. Not far from the Shriner’s facility, buffalo can be seen grazing in a pasture.

Independence is a “gem” of a rural city in the heart of an exploding metropolis.  It’s dotted with pretty, little farms, lovely and unique homes, attractive churches, lakes, ponds, rolling hills, wetlands and large wooded areas.  Two major Three River Parks– Rebecca and Baker – can be accessed directly from Independence.  The popular Luce Line recreation trail crosses the south side of our community.  Loretto, a little city with a number of quaint and excellent restaurants and taverns, is just to our northeast.  The city of Delano, with its convenient shopping center, is located on our west boundary.  The pretty, quiet, little city of Maple Plain is just to our east.  Medina and Orono also lie immediately east and Minnetrista is to our south.

Courtesy City of Independence

INDEPENDENCE WEATHER