Location: Topeka
Top Things to do in Topeka
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Things to do in Topeka, Kansas (KS): The Best Nature & Parks
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 323 reviews
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. Gage Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By bghjwp - Topeka, United States
With a community theater, a small zoo, a swimming pool, the kids' train and lots of playground equipment, Gage park is an ideal place to spend a day with the kids.The fishing pond, so many trees and the amazing rose garden provide a beautiful and tranquil setting. The Discovery Center is located there too! The City really needs to resurface the tennis courts, however. They are so torn up it has become almost impossible to play on them.
3. Lake Shawnee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By 892laurenz - Topeka, United States
Enjoyed the walking trail that circles the lake. The Rose Garden was especially nice. I understand that the tulips are lush, but we missed those. Nice
4. Ted Ensley Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By rdm2015
Perfect place to take long leisurely walks and take in the beautiful flowers and listen to the water attractions. The main paths are paved and wide enough for a couple to hold hands during the stroll.
5. Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 279 reviews
Continuously updating and expanding its exhibits, this small but nationally recognized zoo features nearly 400 animals, a tropical rain forest, children's zoo, carousel and train that circles the park.
Reviewed By jennyleer2017 - Carlisle, United States
This was a great little zoo. The price was fair and the time was well spent. We saw more animals than I thought capable for a small zoo. Lions, bears, giraffes, monkeys, elephant, birds, snakes, spiders, etc. Indoor viewing areas were cool and inviting during the afternoon heat. Displays and "statements" about the animals were both informative and interesting. Go to the Zoo! It was fun!
6. Going Bonkers
7. Burnett's Mound
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
8. Harry W. Colmery Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
9. Kaw River State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
