Explore Topeka
Bright Ideas
Welcome to the Capital City of Kansas. Whether you have an entire weekend or just a few hours to explore, we hope that you’ll find some time to experience the attractions and events that make Topeka unique. Here’s our suggestions for fun.
See ‘Things to Do’ for additional ideas.
Back in Time
Kansas State Capitol
Take a guided tour to discover the history of Kansas while marveling at the Capitol’s impressive architectural features and decor.
Kansas Museum of History
Kansas’ people, places and events have played a significant role in American history. Learn how the Kansas story shaped our nation’s story.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site & Museum
Learn about the 1954 case that mandated desegregation in schools nationwide and trace the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.
Old Prairie Town
Tour a complete pioneer village and enjoy an old-fashioned treat from the working soda fountain. Take a stroll through the botanical gardens.
Great Overland Station
Marvel in the grandeur and beauty of this former train depot that is now a railroad history museum. Learn more about Topeka’s railroad heritage.
Explore Downtown Topeka
Venture downtown to see Topeka’s first building and Kansas’ first Statehouse. The Free State Capitol features a colorful outdoor mural illustrating the state’s earliest history.On Saturdays, enjoy a tour of the Charles Curtis House Museums, a unique mansion that was the home of Charles Curtis, the only U.S. Vice President of Native American descent. While you are downtown, spend some time enjoying numerous shopping and dining opportunities.
Explore the Arts
Mulvane Art Museum
See something classic or current, traditional or totally unexpected at Mulvane, which showcases art from the Midwest. Make some art of your own in the ArtLab, a hands-on creative center for all ages. This summer the Mulvane is featuring “Inside Peanuts: The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz.”
Topeka Civic Theatre
Almost every weekend, TCT offers award-winning community theatre, with dinner and non-dinner shows. See comedies, dramas, musicals and children’s productions, as well as side-splitting improv comedy.
First Friday ArtWalk
Explore Topeka’s thriving arts scene on the first Friday of the month. Meet local artists and learn more about the inspiration behind their creations at art galleries throughout town.
Saturday Mornings in Topeka
On Saturday mornings from April-November, the parking lot at 12th and Harrison transforms into the Topeka Farmer’s Market, featuring fresh produce, arts and crafts and food vendors. Not to be outdone, the North Topeka Arts District (NOTO) showcases arts, antiques, fine crafts and flea market items at Veteran’s Park, under the north end of the Kansas Avenue Bridge.
Washburn University’s Outdoor Sculptures
Take a walking tour to enjoy the striking sculptures showcased in this annual exhibition. You’ll find plenty of permanent outdoor sculptures to admire as well throughout campus. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Harvey Garden, a Japanese inspired garden located between the Art Building and Yager Stadium.
Great Mural Wall
This community driven mural arts initiative began in 2007. Panels are painted each summer, with an ultimate goal of becoming the largest mural in Kansas.
Tiffany Windows
See 10 extraordinarily beautiful Tiffany Windows at Topeka’s First Presbyterian Church. Explore them on your own, or schedule a guided tour to learn more.
Outdoor Adventure
Lake Shawnee
Swimming, boating, fishing and golfing, whatever your pleasure, you can do it and more at Lake Shawnee.
Kaw River State Park Trails
Kansas’ newest and only urban state park features trails perfectly suited for walking, hiking, running and off-road-biking.
Gage Park
Take a scenic mini-train ride through this expansive park, ride the carousel built in 1908, explore the Topeka Zoo and see more than 400 varieties of roses at Reinisch Rose Garden. Cool off at the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center.
Heartland Park
Experience the heart-pounding excitement of drag strip, road course and dirt track racing, in a season running from March through October.
Topeka Golden Giants Baseball
What would summer be without baseball? In a nod to Topeka’s historic past, this team shares the name of the original team from 1887.
Shawnee North Aquatic Center
Topeka’s newest aquatic center features a lazy river, a kiddy pool and numerous slides for family fun in the summer sun.
Topeka Tourism Bag Giveaway
We want to help you enjoy Topeka’s great dining and fabulous shopping with a Topeka Tourism shopping bag. For a limited time, pick up your very own reusable shopping bag with $15 worth of coupons inside. It’s our way of saying thanks for visiting Topeka! Just come by the Visit Topeka Inc. Visitor and Information Center at 618 S. Kansas Ave.
Limit one per family please.
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