Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Topeka, Kansas

The capital city of Kansas holds significance for several pivotal events that molded the nation’s history. Notably, the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954 signaled the end of the “Separate but Equal” doctrine.

This significant civil rights milestone is preserved as a National Historic Site at one of Topeka’s former segregated elementary schools.

Circa a century prior, Topeka was a stop along the Oregon Trail, and at the Kansas Museum of History, visitors can experience the journey of early emigrants.

During summer, Gage Park offers a wonderful retreat, hosting the city’s zoo and an array of other attractions, including a charming carousel established in 1908.

1. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

The Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education originated in Topeka in 1951, arising from a public school system’s refusal to enroll the daughter of African-American resident Oliver Brown in the nearest school to their home.

In 1954, the court delivered a unanimous verdict stating that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal,” thus infringing upon the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which assures all citizens “equal protection of the laws.”

This transformative chapter in American history is honored at the former Monroe Elementary School, one of the city’s four segregated educational institutions, now managed by the National Park Service and reopened in 2004 as a civil rights interpretive center and National Historic Site.

Visitors can explore the narratives of individuals who championed the fight for justice, trace over a century of civil rights struggles in Kansas, starting with abolitionist John Brown, and understand the enduring legacy of this pivotal case. Additionally, a kindergarten classroom has been restored to reflect its 1954 setting.

2. Kansas State Capitol

An essential visit in Topeka is the Kansas Statehouse, which took 37 years to construct, from 1866 to 1903.

The building features a 304-foot copper dome that surpasses the height of the United States Capitol dome. Additionally, it is one of the few state capitols in the nation that provides tours extending into the dome itself, requiring a climb of 296 steps from the fifth floor.

Upon reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of Topeka that make the climb worthwhile. Recently, a 13-year renovation project completed in 2014 modernized the building while remaining true to the architect’s original design.

Touring the capitol is entirely free and is available Monday through Saturday.

3. Gage Park

This picturesque park covering 160 acres has been a favorite for Topeka residents since its inception in 1899 and continues to be a popular destination for families.

Gage Park encompasses several attractions mentioned in this guide, such as the Topeka Zoo and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, alongside additional amenities.

For those seeking a leisurely stroll, the Reinisch Rose Gardens, boasting over 400 varieties of roses, provides a stunning panorama.

The Helen Hocker Theater showcases the community’s creative spirit, presenting performances of notable quality.

Another popular summer attraction is the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center, which features a 50-meter pool. Children are often delighted by the antique carousel from 1908, equipped with a Wurlitzer organ, as well as a mini-train that has been in operation for more than fifty years.

4. Kansas Museum of History

Located in the western part of Topeka, this renowned museum is managed by the Kansas Historical Society, established as far back as 1875.

The museum, initially situated within the Kansas State Capitol, explores the history of the state through various perspectives.

A chronological tour reveals the region’s Native American heritage, the era of the Emigrant Trails, the Civil War, frontier life, the rise of railroads, urbanization, the early 20th century, and the more recent history of the Sunflower State.

A wealth of artifacts enrich the experience, including the pike belonging to abolitionist John Brown, Custer’s riding boots, the oldest surviving locomotive from the Santa Fe Railroad (1880), William Allen White’s printing press, and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s World War II field jacket.

Engaging replicas and scenarios, such as a Cheyenne tipi, an Oregon Trail wagon, and a 1950s diner, further enhance the exhibition.

5. Lake Shawnee

Consequently, Lake Shawnee, a project initiated by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), was opened in 1939 on the southeast side of Topeka. Presently, it attracts over one million visitors annually and serves as the centerpiece of a 1,100-acre park.

During the summer months, Lake Shawnee is bustling with activities; we will outline some of the key highlights.

One of the main attractions is Adventure Cove, which opens on Memorial Day weekend and features a sandy beach, paddleboard and paddleboat rentals, sand volleyball courts, and food concessions.

The lake area also includes a campground with 140 sites, a family sports complex, a heated fishing dock, a boating and ski garden, formal gardens, a yacht club, and the Topeka Rowing Association.

6. Evel Knievel Museum

A key attraction in Topeka, the Evel Knievel Museum has received official approval from the estate of the renowned daredevil, housing the most extensive collection of authentic Evel Knievel memorabilia worldwide.

In part, the museum’s location in Topeka is due to the restoration of his famous Mack Truck, “Big Red.” The extensive collection includes stunt bikes, leathers, and helmets, complemented by detailed narratives of his thrilling endeavors.

The exhibits are organized chronologically, showcasing about 1,000 artifacts, many displaying signs of crash damage. Visitors can also examine the physical toll of his career through an interactive X-ray exhibit.

7. Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden

This exceptional historical site provides insight into Topeka’s origins as a waypoint on the Oregon Trail.

The Ward-Meade Historic Site preserves a beautifully crafted mansion built in 1870 for Anthony Ward, a wheelwright who settled here approximately two decades earlier and amassed wealth through sand rights on the Kansas River.

Acquired by the city in the 1960s, the estate includes a remarkable 2.5-acre botanical garden and a recreated turn-of-the-century settlement known as Old Prairie Town.

Centered around a quaint square, the site features a collection of relocated historic buildings, including the 1891 Victor Schoolhouse, the 1800 Everest Church, a railroad depot, caboose, general store, drugstore, and the preserved study of Charles Sheldon, a leader of the Social Gospel movement (1857-1946).

8. Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center

The zoo, established in Gage Park since 1933, has undergone a modernization effort since the early 2000s, leading to improved exhibits and numerous successful animal births.

Topeka Zoo is home to nearly 400 animals from diverse habitats, with some of its immersive exhibits featuring Jungle Cats (Sumatran tigers), an impressive indoor Tropical Rainforest, Waterbird Lagoon, Hill Black Bear Woods, and Kansas Carnivores, which include river otters and cougars.

Among the highlights are the Lianas Forest, featuring Bornean orangutans, and Camp Cowabunga, home to lions, painted dogs, and Patas monkeys, the latter sharing a spacious enclosure with guineafowl, dik-diks, and leopard tortoises.

For younger visitors, the Children’s Zoo allows them to feed goats and sheep, accompanied by an excellent playground.

9. NOTO Arts & Entertainment District

In recent years, the historic North Topeka business district has transformed into a vibrant neighborhood rich in artistic expression, known as NOTO.

This area features an array of public art, including a dynamic collection of sculptures and vivid murals.

Moreover, it boasts a growing number of studios and galleries, complemented by various boutiques and eateries, along with Redbud Park, a performance art venue during the summer.

Essentially, NOTO represents a compact and walkable district, alive with activity, particularly during the summer evenings of the First Fridays Art Walk.

10. Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

Located adjacent to Topeka Zoo in Gage Park, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is an ideal choice for parents seeking educational entertainment for younger audiences.

This venue offers over 15,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that allow children to learn, create, and explore through play, covering various themes including arts, science, careers, commerce, finance, and engineering.

Activities include shopping in a grocery store, constructing cities, racing miniature cars on a magnetic track, experimenting with color and light to create masterpieces, and managing a restaurant.

Outdoors, a 4.5-acre Nature Explore Playground features a treehouse, a climbable pirate ship, a zipline, a large sandbox, a butterfly garden, musical instruments, and much more.

11. Mulvane Art Museum

Washburn University proudly hosts the oldest accredited art museum west of the Mississippi, the Mulvane Art Museum, founded in 1924.

This museum encompasses an international collection of approximately 5,000 pieces, with a particular emphasis on 20th-century art from Kansas and the Mountain-Plains region.

Its facilities include 9,000 square feet of gallery space, two outdoor sculpture gardens, four classrooms, and an interactive art lab designed for younger visitors.

Featuring over ten exhibitions annually, the museum presents high-quality solo and themed showcases, selections from the collection, and juried art exhibitions for students at Washburn.

12. Combat Air Museum

Housed in hangar #602 at Forbes Field (currently Topeka Regional Airport), the Combat Air Museum showcases over 40 military aircraft.

The collection spans from World War I to the present day and is accompanied by an array of related exhibits, including engines, missiles, immersive environments, and various military vehicles.

Among the most notable aircraft on display are three Cold War-era MiGs, two Bell Huey helicopters, and a Lockheed EC-121T-LO Warning Star, which visitors can enter.

As Topeka Regional Airport serves as a joint civil-military facility, visitors may also observe contemporary military aircraft during their visit.

13. Ted Ensley Gardens

Situated on the picturesque west shore of Lake Shawnee, Ted Ensley Gardens boasts a high reputation in horticulture and spans nearly 20 acres.

This garden delights visitors from spring through fall as they walk along winding pathways to admire the beautifully designed pagoda and gazebo.

The meticulously arranged beds contain approximately 1,200 perennials and 300 varieties of shrubs, roses, trees, and annuals.

Among the 87 tree varieties are some that are rare in Kansas, forming an impressive arboretum with over 450 individual trees. In April, the gardens serve as one of three locations in Shawnee County for Tulip Time, showcasing around 100,000 blooming tulips.

14. Heartland Motorsports Park

Topeka has also carved its niche in the motorsports arena, largely due to Heartland Motorsports Park, located just south of the airport.

Opened in 1989, this versatile racing facility features a multipurpose track comprising a road-race course with four possible configurations, a ⅜-mile clay oval, an off-road course, and a ¼-mile drag strip.

This broad range of facilities facilitates a packed schedule from April through October and has previously hosted numerous prestigious racing events, such as CCA National Runoffs, NASCAR, ARCA, and IMSA.

In mid-July, Heartland Motorsports Park transforms into the venue for the Heartland Stampede Music Festival, a popular country music and camping event.

15. First Friday Artwalk

The most effective way to immerse yourself in Topeka’s vibrant arts scene is through the monthly First Friday Artwalk.

This event embodies a welcoming atmosphere where art, music, food, and commerce converge on a self-guided tour throughout the downtown area and NOTO.

Each participating venue, whether it be a gallery, studio, restaurant, bar, or store, hosts its unique activities, all promoting creative expression and community involvement. An interactive map and shopping guide are available on the ArtsConnect website.