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

5/5(1 area review)

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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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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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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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
Hyatt Place Topeka

Hyatt Place Topeka

3 out of 5
6021 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$150 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$150
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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! (1,025 reviews)
"Comfortable bed and spacious modern rooms"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 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 AU$119 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$119
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,135 reviews)
"Great hotel probably the best I have been at for the price"

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Endeavor Inn & Suites, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Topeka West, KS

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Topeka West, KS

3 out of 5
6020 Sw 10th Ave, Topeka, KS
Fully refundable
The price is AU$152 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$152
12 Oct - 13 Oct
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"Everything was Great. The beds was uncomfortable and they need bigger and better pillows, but other that that Everything else was great. Very clean. Newly renovated. Sundays breakfast wasn't all that great. I was expecting a better selection."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Topeka West, KS
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! (141 reviews)
"Unit was very clean. Did not use kitchen as we were there only overnight. Bed comfortable. The property itself was great but there is a lot of street noise for sleeping."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Washburn Hotel Suites
Bring One Bring All! ~ Amazing Lake Views ~ Family Fun ~ Foosball, Arcades

Bring One Bring All! ~ Amazing Lake Views ~ Family Fun ~ Foosball, Arcades

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 Sports Center ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
"Inside the home was lovely and all the guests just loved it. The bed mattresses on some of the beds were very uncomfortable. The mattresses had dips in them. The outside of the home was unexceptionable, the cushions of the patio furniture was horrible and it was a beautiful weekend to be outside. ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Bring One Bring All! ~ Amazing Lake Views ~ Family Fun ~ Foosball, Arcades
 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! (36 reviews)
"Two night stay. There were five adults of which 3 were seniors. We only used the beds, Kurig machine and WiFi. All of these were as advertised and we had no issues.Neighborhood is convienient for anything in or near Topeka. It is also a quiet established neighborhood."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 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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