Topeka Travel Guide

Tourist 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 centre 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 neighbourhoods. 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 metre) 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 Centre.

Topeka is located 64.5 miles (104 kilometres) west of Kansas City on the Interstate 70. Get around the relatively small centre 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

When in Southwest Topeka, you can plan a visit to Gage Park and Topeka Zoological Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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

Though College Hill may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Stormont Vail Events Center and Kansas State Capitol.

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

Greater Auburndale might not have many top sights, but Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden and Topeka Zoological Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Greater Auburndale
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Westboro

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Westboro and surrounding area, you can visit 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 ₹6,150 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹6,150
₹7,257 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,116 reviews)
"Bev the happy hour queen is always a pleasure to see. House keeping has stepped up their game. And the check out lady was really helpful."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 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 ₹8,466 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,466
₹9,952 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Great room! Lots of space, great for family with teen who wants their own space without needing to get two rooms. Fantastic kitchenette with sink along with microwave and mini frig. Frig had clear door so you won’t forget anything…brilliant! Great stay. Hyatt place is our new fave."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Topeka
Ramada Hotel & Convention Center by Wyndham Topeka Downtown

Ramada Hotel & Convention Center by Wyndham Topeka Downtown

3 out of 5
420 E 6th St, Topeka, KS
The price is ₹7,996 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹7,996
₹9,565 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"My stay it was great. This will be the only place we will stay at."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Ramada Hotel & Convention Center by Wyndham Topeka Downtown
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mulvane Art Museum and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (137 reviews)
"We really liked everything about this place. The apartment was clean and spacious with every amenity the apartment was especially comfortable and inviting would stay here again in a heartbeat if passing through Topeka, people were friendly and worn."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, 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 21 Jun 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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