Topeka serves as the capital of Kansas. Rich in history, Topeka is home to the highly acclaimed Kansas Museum of History which tells the story of Kansas through exhibits, videos, and programs. Historic Ward Meade Park overlooks the Oregon Trail's ferry site across the Kansas River and includes the original Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad depot from Pauline as well as a turn of the century town, botanical gardens, and dinners served by hosts in period dress. In addition to its historical attractions, Topeka boasts an abundance of sports and recreation facilities. Activities for the sports minded include tennis, golf, camping, walking/jogging trails, and water sports. Spectator sports excitement includes Heartland Park for auto racing or Kansas Expocentre for Topeka Tarantulas hockey. The arts are alive in Topeka as well. Live theater can be experienced nearly every night at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, the Topeka Civic Theatre, the Helen Hocker Performing Arts Center in Gage Park, Terrance McKerr's Theater Pub, or Washburn University. A number of museums and art galleries feature the finest in visual art. Whatever the area of interest, Topeka has an adventure to offer. Best Western Topeka Kansas.
Things to do in Topeka
Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center
This state-of-the-art aquatic center offers water based fun with a 50-meter pool, zero depth entry, separate baby pool, 4 water slides, and picnic areas. Located in Gage Park. Call 785-271-5300 for more information.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools. Interpretive presentations tell the story of the famous legal milestone. The Monroe Elementary School, one of the four segregated elementary schools for African American children in Topeka, is located on the site. Call 785-354-4273 for more information.
Casinos
The gaming excitement and live entertainment of three casinos - Harrah's, Golden Eagle and Sac & Fox - lies just a short drive north of Topeka on Highway 75.
Cedar Crest
Residence to the governor of Kansas, the 1928 renovated French-Norman style house houses 12 rooms and is located on a 200-acre estate overlooking the Kansas River. Public tours are given on Monday afternoon. Call 785-296-3636 for more information.
Center for Historical Research
The Center for Historical Research boasts one of the world's largest collections of research materials. Resources include state archives, archaeology materials, a newspaper collection, manuscripts, state records, maps, photos, and genealogical information. Call 785-272-8681 for more information.
Combat Air Museum
Combat Air Museum houses an extensive collection of historic military aircraft and memorabilia dating from World War I to Desert Storm. The Museum progressively updates exhibits as new planes and helicopters come out of service. Included among the exhibits are the EC-121 Super Constellation, F-101B VooDoo and the F-11F-1 Tiger flown by the Blue Angels. Located at Forbes Field, Hangar 602. Call 785-862-3303 for more information.
Curtis House
An elegant historic residence that was home to Charles Curtis, Vice President of the United States who served under Herbert Hoover. Call 785-357-1371 for more information.
First Presbyterian Church
The only church west of the Mississippi containing original, priceless Tiffany stained glass window and beautiful hand carved woodwork in the recently renovated sanctuary. 817 SW Harrison. Call 785-233-9601 for more information.
Forbes Public Golf Course
701 Capehart Road., Topeka, KS
Gage Park Mini-Train and Carousel Park
The 160-acre Gage Park is home to the famous Topeka Zoo, the Reinisch Rose Garden, an authentically restored carousel, the Helen Hocker Theatre, and numerous recreational facilities, including tennis, swimming, softball and volleyball. Visitors can enjoy a mile long train ride through the scenic park. Call 785-368-3700 for more information.
Great Overland Station
The former home of the Union Pacific Station, the Great Overland Station is now a museum and education center that focuses on Topeka's railroad heritage through historic photographs, docents and displays. 701 N. Kansas Avenue. Call 785-232-5533 for more information.
Heartland Park Topeka
A state-of-the-art motorsports complex, Heartland Park features NHRA drag racing, off road racing, and other racing events. 7530 SW Topeka Blvd. Call 785-862-4781 for more information.
Hidden Springs Golf Course
16653 S Ratner, Overbrook., Topeka, KS
Kansas Expocentre
A multi purpose facility that hosts concerts, family shows, ice hockey, indoor football, conventions and tradeshows. Located at Expocenter Drive. Call 785-235-1986 for more information.
Kansas Museum of History
Located on a branch of the Oregon Trail, the Kansas Museum of History tells the story of Kansas from prehistoric times to modern day through exhibits, videos, and programs. Exhibits include a Cheyenne tepee, a Pawnee earthen lodge and a Wichita grass lodge among many others. 6425 SW 6th. Call 785-272-8681 for more information.
Kansas National Guard Museum
The National Guard Museum preserves the military heritage of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard through exhibits, outdoor displays and more. Located at Forbes Field. Call 785-862-1020 for more information.
Kansas State Capitol
The magnificent 1903 State Capitol building is representative of the strength of the pioneer spirit. The Capitol houses Kansas' most famous works of art by native John Steuart Curry. Located in downtown Topeka at 10th and Jackson. Call 785-296-3966 for more information.
Lake Shawnee Golf Course
4141 SE East Edge Road., Topeka, KS
Lake Shawnee Recreational Area and Campground
The 411-acre Lake Shawnee offers boating, fishing, beach, docks and swimming. The surrounding 1,600-acre park features golf, tennis courts and ball fields, as well as a beautiful botanical garden and arboretum. Facilities include a campground, shelters, showers, laundry and concessions. 3137 SE 29th. Call 785-267-1156 for more information.
Mulvane Art Museum
The works of regional artists from Kansas and the Mountain Plains are featured in this museum on the campus of Washburn. The museum's original limestone building was constructed in 1925 and is now the oldest visual arts museum in the state of Kansas. Call 785-231-1124 for more information.
North Topeka Golf Center
350 NE Hwy 24., Topeka, KS
Potwin Place
Elegant Victorian homes situated on brick streets of Potwin Place provide a beautiful scenic drive. Start the drive at 4th and Greenwood.
Reinisch Rose Garden
Located in Gage Park, Reinisch Rose Garden is one of the most attractive floral displays in the Midwest. Visitors can stroll amidst over two acres of beautiful roses, roam the Doran Rock Garden and gaze into the reflecting pool. Blooming season is May - October. Call 785-246-1996 for more information.
Thunder Speedway
Located 14 miles north of Topeka in Mayetta, regular Saturday night racing includes 410 Sprint cars, IMCA modified, sportsman, street stock, and pony stock. Call 785-966-2844 for more information.
Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy
One of the oldest dinner theatres in the nation, the Topeka Civic Theatre is nationally acclaimed. Productions include musicals, comedies and drama. 3028 SW 8th Avenue. Call 785-357-5213 for more information.
Topeka Performing Arts Center
The center presents a wide variety of events include Broadway shows, dance companies, major symphonies, popular singers and entertainers. 214 SE 8th Call 785-234-2787 for more information.
Topeka Public Golf Course
2533 SW Urish., Topeka, KS
Topeka Tarantulas Hockey
Formerly the Scarecrows, the Topeka Tarantulas bring professional Central Hockey League action to the Kansas Expocentre. Call 785-235-9466 for more information.
Topeka Zoological Park
Topeka Zoological Park is a 30-acre oasis providing home to over 300 animals from around the world. Major exhibits include Hill's Black Bear Woods, Tropical Rain Forest, Discovering Apes, Lions Pride, and more. Call 785-272-5821 for more information.
Ward-Meade Historic Site
Lcoated on the historic Oregon Trail, this five-acre turn of the century prairie town is complete with an historic Victorian home, reconstructed log cabin, drugstore with working soda fountain, general store and botanical gardens. 124 NW Fillmore. Call 785-368-3888 for more information.
Western Hills Golf Course
8533 SW 21st Street., Topeka, KS