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Strategically located in the fertile Kansas River Valley, the capital city of Kansas was born because a young Pennsylvanian, Colonel Cyrus K. Holiday, wanted to build a railroad. The present city of Topeka, which sits on the Kansas River, was chosen as a suitable site and the town company was formed in 1854. In 1861 when Topeka was designated Kansas's state capital construction began for the state capitol. Completed nearly 40 years later, the Classical Revival state capitol includes ornate senate chambers, with bronze columns and variegated-marble accents.
Topeka's historic tours bring back the sights and sounds of yesteryear. West of downtown Topeka, the Kansas Museum of History explains Kansas's history from the Native American era to the present. Historic Ward-Meade Park is as lovely as it is historic, with a restored mansion, a cabin, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, and botanical gardens.
True pioneer spirit is found all throughout the city of Topeka - particularly in the picturesque rolling hills, trees, lakes, and grasslands. If your seeking entertainment, The Expocentre and the Topeka Performing Arts Center bring the art culture alive in Topeka. For the visitor interested in the fast track - there isn't a better way to experience the racing excitement of motorsports racing than by visiting the Heartland Park Topeka.
The World Famous Topeka Zoological Park provides visitors with the opportunity to visit with lions and other wild animals. After a visiting the zoological park, take a ride on the restored Carousel in the Park, an attraction known for brings out the child in everyone! If theatre and art are more your style, make sure to visit the exhibits at the Mulvane Art Museum. This museum features an ever-changing array of artwork for the art enthusiast. In the evening, you can catch dinner and a show at the Topeka Civic Theatre.
Topeka has it all! For your next vacation, travel to Topeka and share in the adventures of a pioneer history, along with the excitement of visiting a contemporary city.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
1515 SE Monroe Street
Topeka, KS 66612
785-354-4273
1954 Supreme Court case, Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education that ended the doctrine of "separate but equal." Both schools are listed as National Historic Landmarks, and Monroe Elementary School is one of the nation's newest national parks.
Kansas Museum of History
6425 SW Sixth Avenue
Topeka, KS 66615
785-272-8681
Located on a branch of the Oregon Trail, features the story of Kansas as told through exhibits, videos, and programs. Visitors can learn about the prehistoric tribes that roamed the plains and the present day people who have made the Kansas plains the breadbasket of the world.
Kansas State Capitol Tour Center
300 West 10th
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-3966
Built in 1866, the Capitol houses Kansas' most famous works of art by native-born John Steuart Curry. The House and Senate Chambers are full of native oak, cherry wood, and marble from Kansas, Italy, Belgium and Tennessee. Guides are knowledgeable about the history and lore of the government.
Combat Air Museum
Hanger 602 "J" Street
Forbes Field
Topeka, KS 66619
785-862-3303
This museum displays operational aircraft from every armed conflict since powered aircraft have been involved. Much more than a collection of aircraft, the Combat Air Museum houses a wide variety of military and aviation-oriented memorabilia.
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site
124 NW Fillmore Street
Topeka, KS 66606
785-368-3888
Historic Wade-Meade Park is as lovely as it is historic, with a restored mansion, a cabin, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, and botanical gardens.
Cedar Crest
One SW Cedar Crest Road
Topeka, KS 66606
785-296-3636
This 12-room castle-like house has been home to the Kansas Governors since 1962.There are more than 200 acres of nature, jogging, and walking tails surrounding ponds at this beautiful site. Enjoy a public tour every Monday afternoon except holidays.
Charles Curtis House Museum
1101 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66612
785-357-1371
Tour the home of Topeka native, Charles Curtis, who lived in Topeka most of his life. He is the only Native American to have served as vice president. He served under Herbert Hoover.
Great Overland Station
701 North Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66608
785-232-5533
Formerly the Union Pacific Railroad Station, you will tour this historic area and view iron horses, pioneers, Kaw Indian history and artifacts, Underground Railroad information, Buffalo Bill history, and more adventures and learn the history behind it all!
Kansas Judicial Center and Fountain of Justice
301 SW 10th
Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-2256
You’ll be greeted by a 30-foot sculpture of Justice Bernard Frazier here. View the Fountains of Justice, and learn about the judicial center.
Museum of Kansas National Guard
6700 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66619
785-862-1020
Guided tours are by appointment so be sure to call ahead so you can view the reference library and archives, gift shop, artifacts from the Kansas Militia, and more. The outdoor park displays larger vehicles and aircraft used by the Kansas National Guard Units.
Tiffany Windows of Comfort-First Presbyterian Church
817 SW Harrison
Topeka, KS 66612
785-233-9601
This church is one of the few churches in the nation that boasts Tiffany stained glass windows throughout the sanctuary.
Topeka Harley-Davidson Museum
2047 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66612
785-234-6174
View approximately 30 rare Harley-Davidson bikes along with pictures, tools, and other collectibles. No admission!
West Ridge Mall
1801 SW Wanamaker Road
Topeka, KS 66604
785-271-5500
This large mall opened in 1986 and has lots of stores to browse through! The Wanamaker Corridor actually is a popular area for national retail outlets, hotels, entertainment centers, restaurants, and more!
Lake Shawnee Recreational Area
3137 SE 29th
Topeka, KS 66605
785-267-1156
Lake Shawnee is a man-made, 411-acre lake offering fishing, boating, sailing and swimming. Within the 1,600-acre park surrounding the lake are foot trails, fish hatcheries (for stocking the lake), a golf course, a marina, tennis courts, shelter houses, horseback trails, baseball fields and gardens.
Topeka Zoological Park
635 SW Gage Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66606
785-368-9180
Intimate views of nearly 400 animals from all over the world add to the reputation of the Topeka Zoo as one of the nation's finest small zoos. Major exhibits include Hill's Black Bear Woods, Animals & Man (a new Pachyderm Yard), Tropical Rain Forest, Discovering Apes, Lions Pride, and the Children's Zoo & Playground.
Heartland Park Topeka
7530 South Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66619
800-437-2237
This multi-purpose racing facility hosts NHRA drag racing, road course racing, a dirt track, cycling events, and more!
Gage Park Mini-Train & Carousel
635 SW Gage Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66604
785-368-3700
Take a mile-long scenic mini-train ride through the heart of Gage Park, then take a ride on the unique carousel that was built in 1908. The 160-acre park is home to the Helen Hocker Theatre, a mini-train, a historic carousel, and more.
Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy
3028 SW 8th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66606
785-357-5211
Topeka Civic Theatre offers dinner, non-dinner and matinée productions of award-winning community theatre.
Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center
4200 Reinisch Parkway
Gage Park
Topeka, KS 66606
785-271-5196
The is the best place in Topeka to get wet and have fun! Enjoy a 50 meter pool, 4 water slides, 3 diving platforms, zero depth entry, baby pool, floatables and sprays. There's something for everyone.
Gage Bowl North
200 East Highway 24
Topeka, KS 66608
785-234-5506
Full service bowling center with billiards, game room, snack bar and grill, features Glow-in-the-Dark bowling, leagues and pro shop.
Sports Center, Inc.
6545 SW 10th
Topeka, KS 66615
785-272-5522
Stop by and enjoy this complete family fun center offering driving range, mini golf, batting cages, go-carts, and a par 3 golf course.
West Ridge Lanes & Family Fun Center
1935 SW Westport Drive
Topeka, KS 66604
785-273-3333
State of the Art family entertainment facility featuring bowling, arcade games, mini-golf, go-karts snack bar and sports bar.
West Ridge 8 Movie Theaters
1727 SW Wanamaker Road
Topeka, KS 66604
785-272-7817
Hours of Operation: 1 pm - 8 pm Monday - Thursday 1 pm - 11 pm. Friday - Saturday 1 pm - 8 pm Sunday. All shows are $1.50
February
Kansas Silent Film Festival
785-670-1010
Come enjoy all types of films including old Silent Films.
September
Cider Days Fall Festival
785-272-9290
Come enjoy the pioneer spirit of the Wild West with shootouts and lots of fresh apple cider. Also living history demonstrations and one of the most popular arts and crafts shows in the state!
October
Apple Festival
785-368-3888
Come celebrate everything that has to do with apples! Live entertainment, annual quilt show, heritage food, petting zoo, and lots more for everyone to enjoy!
November
Parade of Holiday Crafts
785-233-9901
Annual Parade of Holiday Crafts offers festive decorations, gifts, exhibits, and more.
November/December
Winter Wonderland
785-232-0597
This Topeka tradition features more than one million lights winding through a two mile stretch around the scenic lake.
December
Children's Christmas Shopping Spree
785-368-3787
Children of all ages will enjoy this annual shopping event just for them! This program is designed to make shopping easier and more rewarding for the youngsters during the gift giving season. All gifts are priced $10 and under. A $1 admission fee is charged for individuals over 12 years of age.
Population:
122,377+
Time Zone:
Central Standard Time; observes daylight-saving time
Climate:
Cold winters and hot summers. The annual average summer temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and the annual average winter temperature is 26 F. The average annual precipitation level is 33 inches, and snowfall 21 inches.
Airport:
Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority
Phillip Billiard Airport (TOP) & Forbes Field (FOE)
6700 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66619
785-862-1811
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Topeka:
Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority
City Bus
785-233-2011
Taxis:
Capitol City Taxi
785-267-3777
Yellow Cab of Topeka
785-357-4444
Visitor Information:
Topeka Convention & Visitors Bureau
1275 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66612
785-234-1030 or 800-235-1030
Dining:
Annie's Place
4014 Gage Center Drive
Topeka, KS 66604
785-273-0848
Hours of Operation: 11 am - 9 pm Monday-Sunday
Cuisines: American
Price Range: $10-20
Full service, casual dining offering the “Best Hamburger in Topeka!”
Bobo's Drive-In
2300 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66604
785-234-4511
Hours of Operation: 11 am - 7:30 pm Monday-Thurs, 11 am - 8 pm Friday- Saturday
Cuisines: American, Desserts & Sweet Treats
Price Range: under $5
Established in 1948 and still offers a 50's style restaurant with outside car hops.
Constantino's
1003 SE Quincy Street
Topeka, KS 66612
785-232-5474
Hours of Operation: 11 am - 8 pm Monday –Thurs, 11 am - 9 pm Friday,
4 pm - 9 pm Saturday
Cuisines: Italian & Pizza
Price Range: $10-20
This family-owned restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine and quiet dining.
Nightlife:
Boobie Trap Bar
1417 SW 6th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66606
785-232-9008
Hours of Operation: 6 pm - 2 am Monday-Sunday
This is the home of live music featuring local, regional and national acts six days a week.
Electric Cowboy
3249 SW Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66611
785-267-3545
Hours of Operation: 7:30 pm - 2 am Wednesday-Sunday
The premiere Country and Dance Nightclub in Topeka.
Jeremiah Bullfrogs Live
4115 SW Huntoon
Topeka, KS 66604
785-273-0606
Hours of Operation: 11 am - 2 am Monday-Sunday
Sports bar and live entertainment, including Comedy Night on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.