Topeka, KS

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

Kansas as well as a large group of people

Downtown Topeka

4/5(111 area reviews)

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

Downtown Topeka
Who knew Topeka rated such a fancy theme McDonald's? If life throws you a situation where you have to eat McD's at least you can do it in style with Elvis and a sweet hot rod! Also many other vintage items, neon, and murals of muscle cars at the drive in on every wall.

Southwest Topeka

3.5/5(114 area reviews)

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
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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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Oakland

While Oakland isn't home to many top sights, Topeka Performing Arts Center and Kansas State Capitol are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oakland
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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
Hyatt Place Topeka

Hyatt Place Topeka

3 out of 5
6021 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS
The price is ¥11,628 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥11,628
¥13,703 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Nice rooms and breakfast, good for 1 night"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Hyatt Place Topeka
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 ¥10,480 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
¥10,480
¥12,368 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
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)
"Will stay here again"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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 ¥11,135 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥11,135
¥13,352 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Topeka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"It was fine. Room are dated but clean. One person at desk didn't even make eye contact. Being kind is easy."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 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 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
Pet Friendly Home by Lake Shawnee!

Pet Friendly Home by Lake Shawnee!

Topeka
Stay at this vacation home in Topeka. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Shawnee and Brown v. Board of Education National ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Nice location, nice inside
"The inside of this rental is just as it's shown. Bright and clean, not too big but big enough for two. The outside needs some work such as the lawn needs cut and trimmed and porches needed cleaned. Otherwise a nice place to rent."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Pet Friendly Home by Lake Shawnee!
 Shady Lane ~ Quiet NBHD ~Near Lake ~ King Beds

Shady Lane ~ Quiet NBHD ~Near Lake ~ King Beds

Topeka
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Topeka. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Regal West Ridge and Kossover Tennis ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"Expecting a 5 bedroom setup. King bed and bunk bed in basement together. Not possible to separate the sleepers. Would like to know the rules before I arrived. Street is busy with fast drivers. We made it work. It was nice to be back in the area."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Shady Lane ~ Quiet NBHD ~Near Lake ~ King Beds
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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