If you ever find yourself in Topeka, the state Capital of Kansas,
stay tuned to learn all the best things you can do in the city.
From the art and history museums to the beautiful state capitol building and
plethora of opportunities for outdoor recreation, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Attractions Kansas's statehouse
is one of the most stunning capitol buildings in the country. The architecture is beautiful,
and visitors have the chance to look at the impressive murals painted on the 2nd floor
and in its rotunda, with some murals dating back to the 1930s. A free tour of the building's six
floors and capitol dome should be at the top of any Topeka visitor's itinerary. Visitors
can venture 296 steps up to the top of the dome, where they'll get a gorgeous view of the city from
the highest point in Topeka. However, the 296 step climb is not for the faint of heart or anyone with
a fear of heights! The building's dome is even taller than the United States capitol dome in DC.
Another great way to learn more about the history of the state is to head over to the
Kansas Museum of History. The award-winning museum tells the story of Kansas's rich past
through exhibitions about the early settlers, the civil war, and Native American history.
You'll also journey through exhibits about the 1950s, African American history, locomotives,
and more. Some of the interesting sights you'll see along the way include a windmill,
a 1930s Chevrolet, and a biplane that was built in 1914.
To further immerse yourself in Topeka's history, head over to Ward-Meade historic site.
Here you'll find Old Prairie Town, which is a replica of 19th-century town. You can step
into the past with an 1800s church, general store, pharmacy, schoolhouse, and more. You'll
even find a working soda fountain and a large Victorian Mansion complete with period furniture.
Another interesting activity you can do here is have a hearth meal inside of a charming replica
1854 cabin. When you're done with that, you can visit their beautiful botanical garden,
complete with over 500 species of plants, a water garden, and a gazebo.
To indulge in more recent history, you can visit the Evel Knieval museum. The
museum houses the world's most extensive collection of the daredevil's memorabilia,
performance wear, and motorbikes. You can learn about the performer's exciting life,
and also gain insight about the mechanics of his death-defying stunts.
One of the museum's fun features is the virtual reality station, which promises the exhilarating
experience of jumping over a long line of cars. If you're enjoying this video so far,
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Gage Park
If you’re toting kids on your trip to Topeka, be sure to visit Gage Park where you can check out
the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. There are over 15,000 square feet of opportunities to learn
and play at this hands-on children’s museum. Here, there are endless ways kids can explore, create,
and discover to their heart's content. Kids can create art, discover different careers, experiment
with science and engineering activities, play games, build towers, speed cars down raceways,
make music, rock climb, go on a challenge course, and so much more. There’s even a sensory garden
and playhouse for babies and toddlers, so children of all ages can have a blast.
Another place in Gage Park that the whole family can enjoy is the Topeka Zoo and Conservation
Center. The Zoo is home to over 300 animals and was the first zoo in the country to house an
indoor rainforest. Aside from the usual wild animal fare, visitors have the chance to see
black bears, coyotes, sloths, armadillos, hippos, foxes, and much more. There is also a children's
area with domestic animals you can feed and a playground. An additional unique feature is the
rainbow lorikeet aviary houses, with parrots that you can feed yourself. A recent addition to the
zoo is an exhibit that recreates a traditional Japanese garden, complete with a koi fish pond.
For even more fun activities to do with little ones, Gage Park also has an aquatic center,
carousel, and mini-train. The aquatic center features pools, water slides,
and sprinklers. You can also take a ride on the vintage carousel built in 1908 and
explore the garden adjacent to it. In addition, the family is sure to enjoy taking a mile-long
scenic ride on the mini-train, which takes you on a course through the heart of the park.
The Art Scene
For art lovers, Topeka has multiple spots and opportunities for visitors to go appreciate art.
In fact, they have a 1st Friday artwalk, where every month hundreds of people gather
to explore local art galleries. Also featuring food and music, you can stroll the streets,
visit galleries and meet artists. Even if you aren't in town on a first Friday,
you can still visit the eclectic NOTO arts district to view artwork and explore all the
quaint shops. In addition to the art galleries, the NOTO arts district also has vintage and
antique stores, gift shops, a brewery, an escape room, axe throwing, and eateries.
Art lovers will also love visiting the Mulvane Art Museum. Featuring over 5,000 works of art
and multiple sculpture gardens, there's plenty to admire. The museum also has an interactive
art lab for kids. The museum features many different art mediums from all around the world,
but puts a spotlight on artwork originating from Kansas and the Midwest, with a particular emphasis
on art from the 20th century. With 9,000 square feet of exhibition space,
you're sure to find an exhibit that resonates with you.
Topeka is also known for their large-scale public murals. This beautiful sprawling
artwork can be found in different spots around the city, as part of the Topeka Mural Project.
The goal of the organization is to install public art in places around the city that suffer from
property damage and graffiti, as a way to foster a sense of community pride and mentor the artists
creating the community-wide artwork. There are over 10 colorful murals splashed along
walls throughout the city, and each tells a unique story. One of the most famous murals in the city
is the Brown vs. Board of Education mural, which depicts themes of equality and inclusion.
The great outdoors
Topeka has much to offer for all the outdoor enthusiasts out there, and those who enjoy
being out in nature. Lake Shawnee is loved by tourists and locals alike and gets an impressive
one million visitors per year. The lake has many recreational activities to offer such as boating,
fishing, camping, and even golf. You can also take a hike on the Lake Shawnee trail and utilize the
playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and tennis courts. One popular area of the lake is the
adventure cove. Here, you can relax on the lake's beach, go swimming, kayaking, paddle boating,
paddle boarding, or rent a canoe. The most unique feature of the adventure cove, however, is their
floating playground. The floating playground features an array of floaties in different sizes
and shapes. You can leap off an iceberg, jump on a trampoline, float on a giant swan. and much
more. Lake Shawnee is also home to the Ted Ensley Garden, a 37 acre garden with scenic views of the
lake. The tranquil garden has over 1500 varieties of plants, including a meditation garden,
water and rock gardens, and an arboretum. The arboretum houses over 400 trees in 120 varieties.
Another scenic body of water you can enjoy in Topeka is the 148 mile Kansas River. Aside from
spectacular views, sandy beach areas, and hiking trails, you can kayak and canoe here as well.
The river is also an excellent spot for fishing, rowing, and float trips.
Entertainment & Nightlife
In Topeka, there are multiple places to relax, unwind, and have some fun. Downtown Topeka has
many great spots to do exactly that. Here, you can go axe throwing at Axe & Ale, and go to Brew Bank
where you can enjoy regional craft beers from Kansas's first digital self-serve taps. If you
happen to find yourself there in the summer, downtown Topeka has the grand evergy plaza, a
place that regularly hosts live music and events. In the summer months, you can watch a movie on the
30-foot digital marquee, huddle by the fire pits, and catch choreographed water, lights, and music
show at the Crossroads fountain. To indulge in great food and play some games, head over to
The Pennant. At this restaurant, you can try their signature burger and famous milkshakes, then head
to their bowling alley and end your visit at their vintage arcade. For a more unique dining
experience, there's the Topeka Civic Theatre, Topeka's only dinner theatre. Here, you can
enjoy a delicious meal while watching a musical, comedy show, or drama. Another nice spot in Topeka
is Studio 62, where you can create artwork, grab drinks, and catch a live show all at once.
That wraps up our list of best things to do in Topeka, KS. If you ever find yourself passing
through the city, which attraction would you check out first? Let us know in the comments.
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