Topeka, Kansas, United States, is the capital of Kansas. In 2010, the city was named one of the Top 10 Best Cities for the Next Decade by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine. Topeka is a Kansas Native-American tribe name that means “place where we dug potatoes” or “a good place to dig potatoes.” Topeka is best known for the popular United States Supreme Court case known as Brown versus the Board of Education. This case was a history changer since it proclaimed racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Book the top Vrbos and other places to stay the city, and have a look at these fun things to do in Topeka, KS.
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1. Charles Curtis House Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Charles Curtis House Museum on Friday, August 8, 2014
Go on a cultural trip first in case you don’t know what to do in Topeka, KS. This museum is the former residence of Charles Curtis, who was the first Vice President of the United States of Native American descent. Curtis was born in North Topeka, Kansas Territory, in 1860, a year before Kansas became a state. The home museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the Topeka Landmarks Register, and details the life of the former VP. Schedule a tour soon and get to know a piece of American history!
Charles Curtis House Museum
Address: 1101 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66612, United States
Website: Charles Curtis House Museum
2. Burnett's Mound
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Overlooking all of beautiful Topeka, Burnett’s Mound is the highest elevation in the city. If you prefer a nature trip with an unbelievable payoff, hike the trails of this natural landmark and the view that awaits really is one you shouldn’t miss. It is named after former owner Potawatomi Chief Abram Burnett.
There have been constructions around the site since a tornado disaster in 1966 but its topmost part remains a natural view deck for Shawnee County. Located in Skyline Park, this Topeka attraction is best visited at dawn, so you can settle and find the best spot to watch the magnificent sunrise!
Burnett's Mound
Address: 3511 SW Skyline Pkwy, Topeka, KS 66614, United States
Opening hours: 3:30am - 10pm (daily)
3. Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
Are you visiting with your little ones and looking for the best Topeka activities? We have just the place for you! Located inside Gage Park, Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is home to more than 250 animals. The site contains one of the first indoor tropical rainforests in the country. The exhibits here include Kansas Carnivores which has river otters and cougars, Camp Cowabunga which features several lions, and Lianas Forest, a space for orangutans in a treetops setting. Various educational programs and classes are held at the zoo as well.
Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
Address: 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66606, United States
Website: Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
Opening hours: Mon: 7:30am - 5pm; Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm
4. Norsemen Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
New Beer Release Pub Ale When Kansas Malt Company told us they had an English-style malt, we just had to make Pub...
Posted by Norsemen Brewing Company on Friday, August 6, 2021
Just bring good company and leave the rest to Norsemen Brewing Company. They’ll make your night out more fun with good food and even better beer. This brewery is one of the most beloved hangout spots in Topeka and serves Norse-inspired eats.
Their bestsellers and year-round beers on tap are Odin’s One EyePA (American IPA), Raiding the Highlands Scottish Ale, and Shield Maiden Wheat with Rye. If you want to try their seasonals, we highly recommend Irish Stout, Salted Lime Lager, and Pink Guava Sour!
Norsemen Brewing Company
Address: 830 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608, United States
Website: Norsemen Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm
5. Topeka Graffiti Wall
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Topeka's Graffiti Wall on Thursday, January 11, 2018
One of Topeka’s famous spots, especially among the youngsters, is the Graffiti Wall on Southeast 6th Avenue. The wall is sanctioned for the use of local and traveling spray artists. It is a community project of Two Wolves Studio and Artist Collective that aims to collaborate with street artists in beautifying the city by providing a legal space for graffiti. This spot is a must-visit if you’re not only into art but also interested in getting to know more about the vibrant community of Topeka.
Topeka Graffiti Wall
Address: 1001 SE 6th Ave, Topeka, KS 66607, United States
Website: Topeka Graffiti Wall
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Rip-On Skate Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Are you a skater? Find like-minded people in the community and pay a visit to Rip-On Skate Park. This park offers a space for cyclers, in-line skaters, and skateboarders to practice and enjoy their passion. The park is open 24 hours and features grind rails, quarter pipes, bank-to-bank ramps, pyramids, and a bowl. Bring your friends by and spend the afternoon sliding, gliding, and of course, having endless fun! Do take note that this skate park does not provide supervision.
Rip-On Skate Park
Address: Shunga Glen Park, 23rd and Washburn Ave, Topeka, KS 66611
Website: Rip On Skate Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Lake Shawnee
This is a pretty lake with scenic views that you can enjoy with family. Here you will find something for everyone like the Garden House, Reynolds Lodge, a marina, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, open spaces, a campground, a golf course, shelter houses, water activities, a playground and best of all, a swimming beach complete with a water slide. Just be aware that if you want to trout fish or just fish here, you will need a Kansas state license to do so. Lastly, most festivals and special events are held here, so this place is a favorite of the local community.
Lake Shawnee
Address: 3137 SE 29th Street, Topeka, KS
Website: Lake Shawnee
8. Evel Knievel Museum
This is a museum that is dedicated to Evel Knievel. There is a lot of memorabilia here of the famous American stunt performer, painter, entertainer, and international icon that wowed the world. He attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps during his courageous and daring career. This is a place that fans and non-fans alike will enjoy. When you are here, don’t forget to check out the 4-D Virtual Reality Jump.
Evel Knievel Museum
Address: 2047 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, KS
Website: Evel Knievel Museum
9. Gage Park
This is a serene park that is one of the largest parks in Topeka. The Topeka Zoo, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, a miniature train of gauge, an outdoor theatre as well as the 70-year old Reinisch Rose Garden can all be found here. Last, but not least, there is a cute train here for kids to ride.
Gage Park
Address: Between 6th and 10th Streets caca, Topeka, KS
Website: Gage Park
10. Brown vs Board of Education National Historic Site
As mentioned before, the Brown vs Board of Education case is one of the things Topeka is famous for. The United States Supreme Court’s decision in the Brown vs Board of Education is one of the most important opinions ever made. What people remember about this case is a little girl, whose parents sued the Board of Education so that she could attend an all-white school in her neighborhood. This historic site pays tribute to the case that changed history forever.
Brown vs Board of Education National Historic Site
Address: 1515 SE Monroe Street, Topeka, KS
11. Combat Air Museum
At this historic museum you will see a collection of 39 aircrafts in two hangars. You will also get to see various military aviation engines, exhibits, artifacts and aviation art, from WWI to present day. The museum is one of the major aviation museums in the United States that is located on an active air field.
Combat Air Museum
Address: 7016 SE Forbes Avenue Forbes Field, Topeka, KS
Website: Combat Air Museum
12. Kansas State Capitol
One thing I love to do when I visit United States capital cities is to visit the specific state’s capitol building. I grew up in a capital city and that is what fueled my passion for state capitol buildings. The Kansas State Capitol building is regarded as the state’s greatest architectural treasure. It has 5 floors, which house murals, statues, and artwork. Best of all, you can enter the dome by climbing 296 steps that go from the fifth floor to the top. Be sure to take a tour and see the exciting building for yourself.
Kansas State Capitol
Address: 300 SW 10th Ave Ste 525, Topeka, KS
Website: Kansas State Capitol
13. Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden
This historic site has a botanical garden. It is neat to see the 1854 replica of the log cabin which includes a blacksmith shop. Also, here you will find an 1870s Victorian Prairie Mansion that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden
Address: 124 NW Fillmore Street, Topeka, KS
Website: Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden
14. Ted Ensley Gardens
As soon as you enter the park you will get an opportunity to walk through a beautiful covered bridge, which goes over a serene rocky stream. Equally as relaxing is the meditation garden, the rock gardens, the many annual and perennial beds, the rose gardens as well as water gardens. There is also a gazebo, pergola, waterfalls, streams, and several ponds to enjoy.
Ted Ensley Gardens
Address: 3650 SE West Edge Road, Topeka, KS
Website: Ted Ensley Gardens
15. Cedar Crest
This landmark and historical place is the Kansas Governor’s mansion. It was built in the year 1928 and given to the state in 1955, but it did not become the governor’s residence until 1962. Today it is the main attraction of a French architectural estate that oversees the Kansas River. The estate has several ponds, gardens as well as hiking trails.
Cedar Crest
Address: One SW Cedar Crest Road, Topeka, KS
Website: Cedar Crest
Topeka, a gem in Kansas
Topeka is a capital city that is rich in history and culture. Be sure to pay this exciting city a visit on your next vacation to Kansas.
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