Topeka

When the railway began to extend its tracks westward 1854-69, Topeka defeated Tecumseh for county seat, became the state capital in 1861, survived the mayhem of the “Bleeding Kansas” era, suffered drought and withstood the fringes of the Civil War. In fact, Topeka flourished.

Almost 100 years after Topeka saw clashes between abolitionists and pro-slavery factions, it was the setting for the landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling Brown vs. The Topeka Board of Education, the case that opened the door for school desegregation across the country.

Topeka hosts several annual events featuring entertainment and fun for visitors including Fiesta Mexicana Week, the Inter-tribal Pow Wow and the Huff-n-Puff Hot Air Balloon Rally. For the racing enthusiast, Heartland Park Topeka, 4 miles south on US 75, offers drag racing, road course racing, and dirt track and cycling events from March through October, and also is host to national motor sports events May through October; phone (785) 862-4781 or (800) 437-2237.

Lake Shawnee, 3137 E. 29th St., and Perry State Park, 16 miles northeast at 5441 Westlake Rd. in Qzawkie, offer water sports and other outdoor recreation.

Visitor Centers

Shopping

Things to Do

Combat Air Museum

Gage Park

Kansas Children's Discovery Center

Reinisch Rose and Doran Rock Garden

Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center

The Great Overland Station and All Veterans Memorial

Kansas Historical Society

Kansas Museum of History

State Archives

Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site

State Capitol

Topeka First Presbyterian Church

Washburn University

Mulvane Art Museum