Topeka, Kansas
Gateway to the prairie
Where history, culture, and prairie beauty meet.
Located in the heart of the Great Plains, Topeka is a vibrant prairie city that played a pivotal role in military and civil rights history.
Today the state capital of Kansas is brimming with historic sites, museums, cultural events, and a thriving arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic trails, while food lovers can feast on diverse cuisines. The Kaw (Kanza) people, from whom Kansas gets its name, have long called this land home, and their heritage continues to shape Topeka’s identity today.
What makes Topeka special?
Gateway to outdoor escapes
Topeka is the perfect starting point for adventures to stunning landscapes such as the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, Kaw River State Park, and nearby Lake Shawnee, offering hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives.
Rich civil rights history
Topeka played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement as the site of the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case, which declared racial segregation in US schools to be illegal.
Vibrant arts & culture
The city boasts a thriving arts scene, from street murals to museums like the Mulvane Art Museum and NOTO (North Topeka) Arts District.
Thriving local food & drink scene
Enjoy Kansas barbecue, craft breweries, and unique eateries like The Wheel Barrel, known for gourmet grilled cheese and craft beer.
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Parks near Topeka
Legend
- Partner Park
- Gateway City
More to know
12 hours along the Lewis & Clark trail
Trace the historic footsteps of this famous expedition along the Continental Divide, which marked the point of departure from both United States-controlled territory and the Missouri River watershed.
4 days on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Explore the Santa Fe Trail's historic route in Kansas and learn about local Indigenous communities on this four-day trip.
12 hours at Nicodemus National Historic Site
Discover the legacy of the only remaining African American settlement west of the Mississippi, founded by those seeking freedom and opportunity.
1 day at Fort Scott National Historic Site
Spend a full day at Fort Scott National Historic Site and learn about the role this place played in Westward Expansion and the Civil War.
1 day at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
Spend a day at Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, a site that tells the story of the Supreme Court decision that declared racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional.
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