Topeka

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism
Photo provided by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

The capital of Kansas played a key role in American history. Today it’s known for outdoor adventures including hiking, biking and camping across its vast landscape.

Topeka is at the center of Kansas, America’s heartland of prairies and wheat fields, but there’s more to the laidback city than rolling countryside. The capital of Kansas fascinates with its museums, activities, retail settings and decisive part in the battle for civil rights.

Go to the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site. This interactive museum inside Monroe Elementary School commemorates the 1954 ruling that ended segregation in public schools in the USA. See Civil War battle flags and an 1868 locomotive at the Kansas Museum of History. Tour Great Overland Station for insights into Topeka’s railroad heritage.

Visit some of the city’s historic neighborhoods. Appreciate the Victorian-style homes at Potwin Place. Admire the 1920s and 1930s Italian Renaissance-style properties in Westboro. For a look at some of the city’s oldest residences, take a look throught Holiday Park, which dates back to the turn of the 20th century.

Topeka’s flat plains and farmlands provide the setting for numerous outdoor pursuits. Go walking, hiking and biking along the forested trails of the Kaw River State Park. Sail across Lake Shawnee and camp out in the park that surrounds it.

Experience the life of a prairie pioneer at Old Prairie Town, a collection of 19th-century buildings at Ward-Meade Park. This 5.5 acre (2.2 hectare) pioneer village has a restored 1870 Victorian Mansion, an 1854 replica log cabin, town square and an 1891 school house. Visit the town’s two-story reproduction of a drug store and enjoy a cold drink from its working soda fountain. Jump back into the modern world with some 21st-century shopping at the 1.1 million-square-foot (102,000-square meter) West Ridge Mall.

Take the family on a day of activities at Gage Park. The 160-acre (64-hectare) park is home to numerous attractions. Travel on the mini-train, ride the vintage 1908 carousel, see apes, jungle cats and alligators at its zoo, and enjoy the sights and smells of about 400 rose varieties at Reinisch Rose Garden. Let the children press buttons, pull levers and play games at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.

Topeka is located 64.5 miles (104 kilometers) west of Kansas City on the Interstate 70. Get around the relatively small center by bus or taxi. Rent a car to see the countryside that Kansas is known for.

Where to stay in Topeka

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Southwest Topeka

While Southwest Topeka might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gage Park and Topeka Zoological Park.

Southwest Topeka
Kansas as well as a large group of people

Downtown Topeka

If you're spending some time in Downtown Topeka, Topeka Performing Arts Center and Kansas State Capitol are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Topeka
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College Hill

When in College Hill, you can plan a visit to Stormont Vail Events Center and Kansas State Capitol, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

College Hill
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Historic Holiday Park North

While there might not be top attractions in Historic Holiday Park North, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kansas State Capitol and Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Historic Holiday Park North
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Greater Auburndale

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Greater Auburndale and surrounding area, you can visit Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden and Topeka Zoological Park.

Greater Auburndale
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Westboro

Though Westboro might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Equality House and Topeka Zoological Park.

Westboro
Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
924 Southwest Henderson Road, Topeka, KS
The price is P4,281 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P4,281
P5,049 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,117 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed and bedding. Good breakfast-eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, potatoes, waffles, etc. Also plenty of seating in breakfast area."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hyatt Place Topeka

Hyatt Place Topeka

3 out of 5
6021 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS
The price is P4,595 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P4,595
P5,415 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Jaylin at the front desk is just wonderful welcoming was very warming"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hyatt Place Topeka
Super 8 by Wyndham Topeka at Forbes Landing

Super 8 by Wyndham Topeka at Forbes Landing

2 out of 5
5922 Sw Topeka Blvd, Forbes Field/heartland Park, Topeka, KS
The price is P3,807 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P3,807
P4,372 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (923 reviews)
"Quiet."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Super 8 by Wyndham Topeka at Forbes Landing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Washburn Hotel Suites

Washburn Hotel Suites

4 out of 5
1635 SW Washburn Ave, Topeka, KS
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Topeka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mulvane Art Museum and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (138 reviews)
"The only thing I was disappointed with was the master bedroom furniture placement. The Queen bed was placed against a wall, not just the head of the bed but also a side. There was no way to get in bed on that side, you have to crawl up from the foot of the bed. I will be more observant in furniture ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Washburn Hotel Suites
Condotels

Condotels

3 out of 5
801 W. Eisenhower Rd, Lansing, KS
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly condo in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions DePaul Library and Ray Miller ...
9/10 Wonderful! (185 reviews)
"My stay was amazing. My whole family enjoyed the stay, pets included. I would highly recommend staying here to any and everyone. Amazing home away from home."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Condotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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