Location: Topeka
Top Things to do in Topeka
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Top 10 Museums in Topeka, Kansas (KS)
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. Curtis House
2. Evel Knievel Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 401 reviews
The Evel Knievel Museum showcases an incredible collection of authentic artifacts that belonged to the most legendary, death-defying daredevil of all time! Experience Knievel’s life and journey to record-setting, super-stardom! The 2-story 13,000 sq ft Evel Knievel Museum features: • Evel’s motorcycles – the bikes that launched a legend • Knievel’s genuine leathers and helmets • “Big Red,” Knievel’s fully-restored Mack Truck • Evel’s personal and never-before-seen memorabilia INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS: • Virtual Reality 4-D Jump Experience • Broken Bones Interactive, including Evel’s actual X-rays • “Plan Your Jump” Interactive Challenge • Engine & Suspension Interactive • Snake River Experience Room featuring Knievel’s actual X-2 Sky Cycle
Reviewed By 786clifft
I have to tell you this is an absolute MUST DO. I never knew how much me and Evel had in common. The museum is unbelievable. The layout is perfect. I stumbled across it by way of the BBQ spot that is attached to the Harley dealership the museum is attached to. Well the BBQ was off the hook, the bikes were BA and then we found the museum. WOW. You have got to do the jump. Check it out. Pro tip: Don't lean to far in the turns.... In a word it was awesome. worth every penny!
3. Kansas Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
The striking "White Buffalo" sculpture outside offers an inkling of the interesting exhibits inside this museum, including a steam locomotive, a Southern Cheyenne teepee, one of the largest collections of prairie memorabilia in the U.S. and a hands-on children's area. Admission is $10 for adults, and $5 for children aged 2-17. Admission includes admittance to the discovery place.
Reviewed By jennyleer2017 - Carlisle, United States
This museum was a great look at the surrounding area through time. Great displays of famous influential people over the years and progress of civilization; Indians, cowboys, immigrants, buffalo, horses, cattle, trains and covered wagons, etc. Well worth a trip!
4. Combat Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
A collection of military aircraft, a re-created German P.O.W. barracks, aircraft engines and aviation memorabilia spanning World War I to the space shuttle program are on display at this museum tailor-made for flight enthusiasts.
Reviewed By sue6k
This is a great place to visit. I have been to several airplane museums and this is the best. A lot ofhistory and it's really great that there are a few that you are allowed to walk inside of. There is war memorbilia here. It's humbling to think of the sacrifice our military has made to keep our country free. Thank you veterans!!
5. Mulvane Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The permanent collection of the Mulvane Art Museum is national and international in scope and is also well represented with Kansas and regional artists. Other features are the ArtLab: look, create, understand education facility, a hands-on activity center for all ages. The Mulvane is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed major holidays, Thanksgiving weekend and mid-December through mid-January.
6. The Great Overland Station
7. Kansas Children's Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is a hands-on children’s museum with a mission to enhance the lives of children and enrich the communities it serves. Since opening in 2011 in Topeka, Kansas, the Discovery Center has become a special place where children can explore, create, discover and learn through play. The museum has hosted visitors from all 50 states and 23 countries. The Discovery Center features 15,000 square feet of indoor exhibits exploring science, careers, art, building and more, special space for babies and toddlers, and a 4.5-acre certified Nature Explore Outdoor Classroom. Daily programs, field trips, birthday parties and other special events provide additional opportunities for serious fun. Outreach programs bring quality, hands-on experiences into our community to inspire a lifelong love of learning for every child.
Reviewed By RoseyV5 - Minneapolis, United States
Took my 7 year old granddaughter. She loved the variety of experiences. The slime making session was her favorite. There was a large variety of activities for ages toddler to 12 yr olds.
8. Museum of the Kansas National Guard
9. Yeldarb Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Largest Art Gallery in the NOTO Art District. Over 60 local artists represented offering work available for purchase in many mediums. Wall art exhibited in fiber, scroll saw, water color, acrylic and oil change on a monthly basis. Pottery, glass, metal sculptures, fine jewelry, wood sculptures and gourd work also available in first floor gallery. Additional second floor exhibits rotate as well as 2 artist studios available for viewing.
10. Kaw River Rustics
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By TheaR775
What a pleasant surprise to find this store! Located in an historic building in the newly revitalized North Topeka (NOTO), the owner has worked very hard to make this an interesting, well-organized shopping experience! There are many different items as the store is divided into "booths" rented to many interesting vendors. Lots of antiques as well as new items, including stain-glass, photos, jewelry. Prices are good.
