5 Historic Sites in Topeka That You Shouldn't Miss

April 11, 2022 Phylicia Berquist

Get a blast of the past in this western Kansas state capital, which was founded in 1854 by a group of anti-slavery activists and later played a key role in the civil rights movement. Visit the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, which celebrates those involved in the 1954 Supreme Court decision that deemed segregated schools unconstitutional. Continue your back-in-time travel at Ward Meade Park, which features an early 1900s town, Victorian mansion, one-room schoolhouse and log cabins. View aircraft dating from World War I at the Combat Air Museum, and visit Cedar Crest, the historic Governor's home, overlooking the Kansas River. Aside from historical attractions, Topeka is also known for its world-class motor sports racing site, Heartland Park Topeka, with its record-breaking quarter-mile drag strip. Topeka has its share of cultural attractions as well in the form of numerous art galleries, live theater and local symphony and opera companies. For a great family outing, head over to the Topeka Zoological Park for a visit to the tropical rain forest, naturalistic bear dwelling and the children's petting zoo, featuring llamas and sheep.
Restaurants in Topeka

1. Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

1515 SE Monroe St, Topeka, KS 66612-1143 +1 785-354-4273 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/brvb
Excellent
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4.5 based on 323 reviews

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site

The Monroe Elementary School, one of the segregated schools involved in the 1954 Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools, is now a National Historic Site commemorating this landmark ruling.

Reviewed By JennCMorris - Kingwood, United States

It was easy to get to. It was closed when we got her. There are signs ALL over to give you history and information. It is a beautiful building and we loved seeing history. It is in an neighborhood left very unsafe. We LOVED the mural across the street.

2. Cedar Crest

1 SW Cedar Crest Rd, Topeka, KS 66606-2275 +1 785-296-3636 http://www.visittopeka.com/listing/cedar-crest-governors-mansion/3
Excellent
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4.5 based on 18 reviews

Cedar Crest

This beautiful French-Norman style Governor's residence, perched on a bluff overlooking the Kansas River, was recently renovated to reflect its original French theme.

3. Ward-Meade Park

124 NW Fillmore St, Topeka, KS 66606-1171 +1 785-251-2989 http://www.kansastravel.org/wardmeadepark.htm
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 104 reviews

Ward-Meade Park

Originally a family farm on the Oregon Trail, this six-acre park features an early 20th-century town, an elegant Southern-style mansion, botanical gardens and original log cabins.

Reviewed By jcrowe630 - Chicago, United States

History buffs will enjoy the building moved here, the drugstore from Potwin, the General store from Mulvane, the Barbarshop, train depot and livery stable. I enjoyed volunteering at the Apple Festival and I enjoyed strolling through the tulips this week.

4. The Great Overland Station

701 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608-1260 +1 785-232-5533 http://www.greatoverlandstation.com/
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4.5 based on 52 reviews

The Great Overland Station

5. Church of the Assumption and Rectory

204 SW 8th Street, Topeka, KS 66603-3924 +1 785-232-7744 http://www.materdeiparish.org/
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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