Topeka, Kansas: Where Fun Never Stops! Best Places to Visit and Things to Do

Start downtown and work outward, because the record of this city is written there. The Great Mural Wall sits on the north side of the Kansas Avenue bridge and takes a while to read properly. The Kansas State Capitol is a short walk from it, and the dome climb wants doing before the afternoon tours fill. Brown v. Board sits a few streets further on. The one constraint is the dome: the climb runs on a timed tour, so the Capitol has to anchor the morning.

Looking for a full vacation spot? Topeka, Kansas is worth the drive. This Midwestern city is packed with activities and attractions that will keep you busy for days. A slow stroll through a park or an adrenaline-pumping day, Topeka runs both.

Tickling Your Funny Bone at Topeka’s Theatres If you’re a theatre buff, Topeka is the place for you. The city has a thriving theatre scene, with plenty of options for drama, comedy, and musical performances. Catch a show at the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy, or head to the Topeka Performing Arts Center for a larger-scale production. No matter where you go, you’re sure to be entertained.

A Walk Through History Take a step back in time with a visit to one of Topeka’s historic sites. The Kansas State Capitol Building is worth going out of your way for, with its architecture and its long history. For a fuller look at the city’s past, head to the Kansas Museum of History. Here, you will find exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Kansas, from prehistoric times to the present day.

Key Takeaways

Topeka, Kansas is a fun-filled vacation spot with something for everyone.
The city has a thriving theatre scene and plenty of options for drama, comedy, and musical performances.
Topeka is also home to historic sites like the Kansas State Capitol Building and the Kansas Museum of History.

Tickling Your Funny Bone at Topeka’s Theatres

If you are in Topeka and looking for a good laugh, you are in luck. The city runs some strong theaters with genuinely funny shows. Here are a few of the places to catch a comedy show in Topeka.

Topeka Civic Theatre

The Topeka Civic Theatre is one of the best places to catch a comedy show in Topeka. This theatre has been entertaining audiences for over 75 years and has a reputation for putting on some of the funniest shows in the city. They offer a variety of shows throughout the year, including musicals, dramas, and of course, comedies.

One of the best things about the Topeka Civic Theatre is that they often feature local talent. This means that you’ll get to see some of the funniest comedians in the city performing on stage. They also have a great bar where you can grab a drink before the show.

If you’re looking for a good laugh, be sure to check out the Topeka Civic Theatre’s upcoming schedule of shows.

Topeka Performing Arts Center

The Topeka Performing Arts Center is another strong place to catch a comedy show in Topeka. This venue hosts a range of shows through the year, including concerts, plays and, of course, comedies.

One of the strongest things about the Topeka Performing Arts Center is that they often bring in big-name comedians from around the country. That means you get to see some of the funniest people in the business working on stage. They also run a strong bar where you can grab a drink before the show.

If you are looking for a good laugh, check out the Topeka Performing Arts Center’s upcoming schedule of shows.

Overall, Topeka runs some strong theaters with genuinely funny shows. Local talent or big-name comedians, you are going to find something that gets you. So grab some friends, head to one of these venues and get ready to laugh until you cry.

A Walk Through History

As you walk the streets of Topeka, you cannot help feeling like you are walking through history. From the Old Prairie Town to the Kansas State Capitol, there are plenty of historic landmarks and points of interest to work through.

Old Prairie Town

Step back in time and see life on the prairie at the Old Prairie Town. This living history museum holds several historic buildings, including the 1857 Ritchie House, which served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Take a guided tour or work through it at your own pace on a self-guided one. You will learn about the early settlers of Topeka and how they lived.

And if you follow historic mansions, do not miss the Ward-Meade House. Built in 1870, this mansion is now a museum that opens a window onto the lives of Topeka’s early elite.

Kansas State Capitol

No trip to Topeka is complete without a visit to the Kansas State Capitol. Take a tour of this building and look at what went into the architecture. And climb to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of the city. If you are lucky, you might even catch sight of the inner dome, which is covered in murals.

But the Kansas State Capitol is more than a fine building. It also holds the Kansas Museum of History, where you can learn about the state’s long past. And if you are interested in desegregation and civil rights, check out the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, which sits a short walk away.

Tour Guide or Self-Guided Tour

Tour guide or self-guided tour, Topeka runs both. The Monroe Elementary School, now part of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, runs video displays and exhibits that tell the story of the landmark desegregation case. And if you want something a little more lighthearted, check out the Evel Knievel Museum, which covers the life and career of the legendary daredevil.

And stop by the Equality House, a brightly painted house that stands as a symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community. It sits just across the street from the notorious Westboro Baptist Church.

So grab your national parks pass and get ready to work through the long history and culture of Topeka, Kansas.

Artistic Adventures

Topeka is full of artistic adventures that will hold your attention and leave you with a new sense of what art can do. Seasoned connoisseur or complete beginner, Topeka has the room for it.

Mulvane Art Museum

One of the strongest places to start your artistic day in Topeka is at the Mulvane Art Museum. Sitting on the campus of Washburn University, the Mulvane Art Museum holds a serious collection of art from around the world.

Inside the museum, you will find everything from contemporary art to ancient artifacts, and the exhibits are constantly changing, so there is always something new to see. And the part that seals it? Getting in costs nothing.

So, if you want to widen what you know about art, head over to the Mulvane Art Museum and prepare to be caught out.

Public Art

Topeka also holds some serious public art installations that will stay with you. One of the strongest is the Great Mural Wall of Topeka, a massive mural that spans over 4,000 square feet and carries the work of over 20 local artists.

But the Great Mural Wall is only the start. Around the city, you will find a range of public art installations, from sculptures to murals to interactive pieces. So take a stroll around town and see what you can turn up.

Galleries

Topeka holds a working arts and culture scene, and there are plenty of galleries in town where you can see the work of local artists. One of the strongest is the NOTO Arts District, a neighborhood filled with galleries, studios and shops.

At the NOTO Arts District, you will find everything from paintings to sculptures to jewelry, all made by local artists. So, if you want to support the local arts scene and pick up a piece to take home, check out the galleries in NOTO.

In conclusion, Topeka is a strong destination for anyone looking to work through the arts and culture scene. With serious art museums, public art installations and a working gallery scene, this city covers the range. So grab your walking shoes and get ready for an artistic day you will keep.

Outdoor Escapades

When you are in Topeka, do not miss the outdoors. From parks to bodies of water, the city runs a lot. Here are the outdoor activities in Topeka worth your morning.

Kansas River

The Kansas River is a strong place to spend a day in the sun. Kayaking or canoeing, you will have a blast on the river. You can also go fishing or take a stroll along the riverbank. The river is where you go to cool off on a hot day, so bring your swimsuit.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can even go tubing down the river. It is a fun and slow way to spend an afternoon, and the country along the banks is worth the float.

Gage Park

Gage Park is one of the parks people head for first in Topeka, and for good reason. With over 160 acres of green space, there is plenty of room to run. You can take a stroll through the Reinisch Rose Garden, which runs over 400 varieties of roses. Or you can ride the historic carousel, which has been turning since 1908.

If you want something more active, head over to the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center. You will find plenty of water slides, a lazy river and a wave pool to keep you busy for hours.

Trails

If you hike or bike, Topeka runs plenty of trails. The Lake Shawnee Trail is a common choice, with over 7 miles of paved trail winding around the lake. You get long views of the water and the trees as you work your way around.

If you want something harder, check out the trails at the Topeka Mountain Bike Club. You will find plenty of twists, turns and jumps to keep you honest.

Pride

Topeka is a city that takes pride in its parks and outdoor spaces. You will find plenty of facilities and activities to keep you busy, whatever your interests. A quiet place to sit with the scenery or an action-packed day, Topeka runs both.

So grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic and head out to one of Topeka’s many parks, ponds or bodies of water. You will not be disappointed.

A Day at the Museum

If you want a fun and educational way to spend a day in Topeka, head to one of the city’s many museums. From history to art to science, the range runs wide.

Evel Knievel Museum

One museum that will get your heart racing is the Evel Knievel Museum. This non-profit museum is dedicated to the life and career of the legendary motorcycle daredevil, and it is packed with memorabilia, artifacts and interactive exhibits.

As you move through the museum, you will see everything from Evel’s motorcycles to his leather jumpsuits. You can even take a virtual reality ride on one of his bikes or try your hand at jumping a virtual ramp.

But the real draw of the museum is the staff. They all care about Evel and his legacy, and they are more than happy to share what they know with visitors. So if you follow the daredevil or just want a museum you will not see elsewhere, check out the Evel Knievel Museum.

Other Museums

Of course, the Evel Knievel Museum is one of many museums in Topeka. If you are interested in history, visit the Kansas Museum of History or the Combat Air Museum. And if you are more of an art lover, check out the Mulvane Art Museum or the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery.

No matter which museum you choose, you are going to have a fun and educational day in Topeka. So gather your friends and family and get ready to work through everything the city runs.

Shopping Spree in Topeka

Ready to shop in Topeka? You are in luck, because this city has everything you need to settle your shopping cravings. From antique shops to malls and boutiques, Topeka runs it all.

Antique Shops

If you like vintage, you will enjoy the antique shops in Topeka. These shops carry rare finds you will not see anywhere else. Some of the strongest antique shops in Topeka include:

Shop Name	Location	Specialty
The Eclective	900 N Kansas Ave	Furniture, home decor
The Pink Porch	1005 SW Tyler St	Vintage clothing, jewelry
The Iron Lion	2025 SW Urish Rd	Industrial, rustic decor

Antique shopping in Topeka is about more than finding good stock, because it is also about the experience. You will enjoy working through the different shops and talking with the friendly staff. Plus, you never know what you might turn up.

So put on your comfortable shoes and get ready to work through the antique shops of Topeka. You are going to find something that catches your eye.

That is it for the Shopping Spree in Topeka section. Happy shopping.

The Great Mural Wall will not look like much from a car. Stay for the panels: there are 38 of them, each painted by a different artist, running over 200 feet and telling the city’s history from settlement to now. The Equality House stands opposite Westboro Baptist Church in full color, which is a statement you can photograph. Monroe Elementary is preserved as it was. Topeka has kept the evidence rather than tidying it away.

Exploring Topeka’s Zoological Wonders

If you love animals, then Topeka is where you want to be. The city holds one of the zoos people name first in the United States, the Topeka Zoological Park. Here, you can get close to over 400 animals from around the world. From lions to tigers and bears.

Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

If you are traveling with kids, then the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is worth going out of your way for. This interactive museum is built to help children learn about the world around them through hands-on activities and exhibits. Your little ones will love the chance to work through the science of sound, the mysteries of light and the rest of it. Plus, the center runs a range of outdoor activities, including a treehouse and a nature trail.

At the Topeka Zoological Park, you can see all kinds of animals, including some that are endangered or rare. The zoo runs a range of exhibits, including the Hill’s Black Bear Woods, the Tropical Rain Forest and the Children’s Petting Zoo. The zoo’s best-known resident is probably the gorilla, which has been a favorite of visitors for decades.

One of the highlights of the Topeka Zoological Park is the zoo’s conservation work. The zoo is dedicated to preserving endangered species and teaching visitors why conservation matters. So not only will you have a fun day out, you will also be doing your part to help protect the planet.

In conclusion, if you want a fun and educational day out in Topeka, check out the Topeka Zoological Park and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. With this much to see and do, you are going to have a wild time.

Murals and Public Art

Topeka holds a working art scene, and you can see it all around town in the form of murals and public art. From the colorful murals in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District to the Great Mural Wall of Topeka, there is plenty of eye-catching work to find.

Great Mural Wall of Topeka

If you want a serious display of public art, try the Great Mural Wall of Topeka. This massive mural spans over 200 feet and runs 38 individual panels, each one painted by a different artist. The mural tells the story of Topeka’s history, from the early days of settlement to the present day.

The Great Mural Wall of Topeka sits in the heart of downtown Topeka, on the north side of the Kansas Avenue bridge. It is worth the walk for anyone interested in public art or local history.

So take a stroll through Topeka’s streets and see what you can find. Who knows, you might turn up your new favorite piece of work.

Parks and Gardens

Topeka holds many parks and gardens that suit a day out with friends and family. A stroll, a picnic, or just sitting down in the green, there is a park or garden for it. Here are the strongest of them:

Ward-Meade Park

If you want a park with some history in it, Ward-Meade Park is where to go. This park holds a museum covering the history of Topeka and Kansas. You can also take a tour of the historic Ward-Meade Mansion, which was built in 1870. But that is not all, because the park also runs gardens, a playground and a rose garden.

The Reinisch Rose Garden is worth the walk if you follow roses. This garden holds over 4000 roses across 400 different varieties. You can take a slow stroll through and look at what they have done with them. The garden runs May through October, and getting in costs nothing.

If you are in Topeka in the spring, do not miss the Tulip Bloom at Ted Ensley Gardens. This garden runs over 100,000 tulips across 70 different varieties. The tulips bloom in April and May, and it is a sight worth seeing. The garden also holds a lake, a waterfall and a walking trail.

So pack a picnic, grab your friends and family, and head to one of Topeka’s parks or gardens. You will not be disappointed.

Sports and Recreation

You are in Topeka, Kansas, and you want to get your heart going? No problem. There are plenty of options for sports and recreation in Topeka. A game of basketball or a first go at rock climbing, Topeka has you covered.

Topeka’s Sports Bars

If you follow sport, then you know there is nothing better than watching the big game at a sports bar. Topeka runs some strong sports bars where you can take the game with good food and drink. Here are the sports bars in Topeka worth your evening:

Sports Bar	Address	Phone Number
Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant	417 SW 37th St	(785) 267-2739
The Lazy Toad	5331 SW 22nd Pl	(785) 272-8623
Henry T’s Bar & Grill	1521 SW 21st St	(785) 233-9333

Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant is a strong place to watch the game with some craft beer. The Lazy Toad carries a strong selection of beers on draft and some of the strongest wings in town. Henry T’s Bar & Grill is a classic sports bar with plenty of TVs and a menu that covers everyone.

No matter which sports bar you choose, you are going to have a good evening cheering on your team. So grab some friends, order some food and drink, and get ready to watch the game properly.

Educational Attractions

If you want to learn something new during your visit to Topeka, you are in luck. The city holds several educational attractions that are informative and entertaining at once.

First up is the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. This hands-on museum works for kids, and for grown-ups who still learn through play. With exhibits on science, art and nature, everyone gets something here. You can even milk a cow or climb a giant treehouse.

If you are interested in history, check out the educational material at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. This landmark marks the ending of racial segregation in public schools and gives real insight into the Civil Rights Movement. It is an important reminder of our country’s past and a strong place for learning.

Overall, Topeka runs plenty of educational attractions. So why not widen what you know while having a good day?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in Topeka, KS that most tourists miss?

Well, you are in luck, because Topeka is full of quiet finds. One of our favorites is the Great Overland Station. It is a historic train station that has been turned into a museum, and it is worth the visit. Another is the NOTO Arts District. It is a working neighborhood full of art galleries, shops and restaurants.

What’s the most unique thing to do in Topeka, KS?

If you want something in Topeka you will not get elsewhere, check out the Evel Knievel Museum. It is a museum dedicated to the legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, and it is full of his motorcycles, costumes and other memorabilia. It is a one-of-a-kind afternoon.

Absolutely. Topeka has plenty of fun activities to do at night. One of our favourites is to catch a movie at the historic Jayhawk Theatre. It’s a beautiful theater that’s been restored to its former glory. Another fun activity is to go bowling at West Ridge Lanes. They have glow-in-the-dark bowling and a full bar, so it’s a great place to spend a night out with friends.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Topeka, KS?

Topeka is a strong place for families. One of the strongest family attractions is the Topeka Zoo. They run a deep bench of animals, including tigers, giraffes and elephants. Another strong option is the Combat Air Museum. It is a museum dedicated to military aviation, and it is full of planes and other artifacts that kids will like.

Are there any indoor attractions in Topeka, KS worth checking out?

Yes, there are plenty of indoor attractions in Topeka worth checking out. One of our favorites is the Kansas Museum of History. It is a museum that tells the story of Kansas, and it is full of interesting exhibits and artifacts. Another strong indoor attraction is the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. It is a hands-on museum built for kids.

What’s the best place to go shopping in Topeka, KS?

If you want to do some shopping in Topeka, check out West Ridge Mall. It is the largest mall in the area, and it is full of the stores you know. Another strong option is the NOTO Arts District. They run a range of one-off shops and boutiques that suit finding a gift nobody else will have.

Frequently asked questions about Topeka, Kansas

Which museum in Topeka is the one that holds the city’s own written record?

The Kansas Museum of History. It tells the whole state story, running from prehistoric times right through to the present day, and it sits alongside the Capitol building. Brown v. Board covers the desegregation case inside Monroe Elementary itself, which is where the whole thing was argued from. The Evel Knievel Museum is the odd one out of the three, full of motorcycles and leather jumpsuits. Three museums, and three quite different centuries between them.

Which park in Topeka is the one that is worth a whole afternoon of your time?

Gage Park. Over 160 acres of green space, with a rose garden running over 400 separate varieties of rose inside it. The historic carousel in there has been turning continuously since 1908. An aquatic center sits alongside all of that, with the water slides and a wave pool in it. Ward-Meade Park is the historic alternative to it, with the 1870 mansion still standing in the grounds.

Which trail in Topeka is the one that suits an easy morning on foot?

The Lake Shawnee Trail. Over 7 miles of paved path running the whole way around the water, with views for most of that distance. The Topeka Mountain Bike Club runs the harder ground instead, with all of the twists and the jumps. Ted Ensley Gardens has a walking trail running beside both a lake and a waterfall. Shawnee for the distance, and Ensley for the tulips.

Keep exploring Topeka, Kansas