Topeka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
The capital of Kansas played a key role in American history. Today it’s known for outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and camping across its vast landscape.

Topeka is at the center of Kansas, America’s heartland of prairies and wheat fields, but there’s more to the laidback city than rolling countryside. The capital of Kansas fascinates with its museums, activities, retail settings and decisive part in the battle for civil rights.

Go to the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site. This interactive museum inside Monroe Elementary School commemorates the 1954 ruling that ended segregation in public schools in the USA. See Civil War battle flags and an 1868 locomotive at the Kansas Museum of History. Tour Great Overland Station for insights into Topeka’s railroad heritage.

Visit some of the city’s historic neighborhoods. Appreciate the Victorian-style homes at Potwin Place. Admire the 1920s and 1930s Italian Renaissance-style properties in Westboro. For a look at some of the city’s oldest residences, take a look throught Holiday Park, which dates back to the turn of the 20th century.

Topeka’s flat plains and farmlands provide the setting for numerous outdoor pursuits. Go walking, hiking and biking along the forested trails of the Kaw River State Park. Sail across Lake Shawnee and camp out in the park that surrounds it.

Experience the life of a prairie pioneer at Old Prairie Town, a collection of 19th-century buildings at Ward-Meade Park. This 5.5 acre (2.2 hectare) pioneer village has a restored 1870 Victorian Mansion, an 1854 replica log cabin, town square and an 1891 school house. Visit the town’s two-story reproduction of a drug store and enjoy a cold drink from its working soda fountain. Jump back into the modern world with some 21st-century shopping at the 1.1 million-square-foot (102,000-square meter) West Ridge Mall.

Take the family on a day of activities at Gage Park. The 160-acre (64-hectare) park is home to numerous attractions. Travel on the mini-train, ride the vintage 1908 carousel, see apes, jungle cats and alligators at its zoo, and enjoy the sights and smells of about 400 rose varieties at Reinisch Rose Garden. Let the children press buttons, pull levers and play games at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.

Topeka is located 64.5 miles (104 kilometers) west of Kansas City on the Interstate 70. Get around the relatively small center by bus or taxi. Rent a car to see the countryside that Kansas is known for.

Where to stay in Topeka

Kansas as well as a large group of people

Downtown Topeka

If you're spending some time in Downtown Topeka, Topeka Performing Arts Center and Kansas State Capitol are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Topeka
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Southwest Topeka

5/5(1 area review)

When in Southwest Topeka, you can plan a visit to Topeka Zoological Park and Kansas Expocentre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Southwest Topeka
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College Hill

Though College Hill may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kansas Expocentre and Kansas State Capitol.

College Hill
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Historic Holiday Park North

While there might not be top attractions in Historic Holiday Park North, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kansas State Capitol and Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Historic Holiday Park North
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Westboro

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westboro and surrounding area, you can visit Topeka Zoological Park and Kansas Expocentre.

Westboro
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Greater Auburndale

Greater Auburndale might not have many top sights, but Topeka Zoological Park and Kansas State Capitol are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Greater Auburndale
Ramada Hotel & Convention Center by Wyndham Topeka Downtown
Ramada Hotel & Convention Center by Wyndham Topeka Downtown
3 out of 5
420 E 6th St, Topeka, KS
The price is AU$139 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
AU$139
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The clerk knew I was coming in late and he was ready when I arrived to open the doors so I didn’t have to call and wait in the cold. The next day, I had a conference call before I left the building and they had a place I could set up. You guys all rocked!!"

Reviewed on 21 Nov. 2024

Ramada Hotel & Convention Center by Wyndham Topeka Downtown
Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
924 Southwest Henderson Road, Topeka, KS
The price is AU$137 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
AU$137
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,026 reviews)
"Plenty of green space around property to walk and let your dog run. Room was clean and pleasant. TV issue addressed promptly. Courtesy drinks 5-7pm a great plus. Desk lady and bartender super friendly. Will stay here again."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
AmericInn by Wyndham Topeka
AmericInn by Wyndham Topeka
2.5 out of 5
1530 Sw Westport Dr, Topeka, KS
The price is AU$113 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$113
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (589 reviews)
"Great Experience. Thanks!"

Reviewed on 13 Nov. 2024

AmericInn by Wyndham Topeka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Washburn Hotel Suites
Washburn Hotel Suites
4 out of 5
1635 SW Washburn Ave, Topeka, KS
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Topeka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mulvane Art Museum and ...
7.8/10 Good! (95 reviews)
"The property is a three-story apartment building, the two bedroom suite had plenty of room. The room was clean and smelled good, no issues."

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Washburn Hotel Suites
Cozy Treehouse Cottage - can sleep 8 with airbeds - sleeps 4 without air beds
Cozy Treehouse Cottage - can sleep 8 with airbeds - sleeps 4 without air beds
Topeka
Stay at this vacation home in Topeka. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
Wonderful stop on cross-country journey
"What a cool place this is, nestled in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood of Victorians and other older houses, with kids playing outside and kitties on front porches. Reminds me of my childhood a million years ago! The house has character, and was a great overnight stay for me and my young dog, Willie, ..."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Cozy Treehouse Cottage - can sleep 8 with airbeds - sleeps 4 without air beds
Pet Friendly Home by Lake Shawnee!
Pet Friendly Home by Lake Shawnee!
Topeka
Stay at this vacation home in Topeka. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Shawnee and Brown v. Board of Education National Historic ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Cozy little place
"As describe on the listing. Easy communication"

Reviewed on 12 Nov. 2024

Pet Friendly Home by Lake Shawnee!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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