Guide to the Best Things to Do in Topeka, Kansas
If you plan a trip to Topeka, Kansas, there are many things to do. First, you can visit the State Capitol and the Museum of History. There are also several parks, such as Lake Shawnee and Gage Park. Then there are the Zoo and the Evel Knievel Museum.
Topeka, Kansas, is known for its diverse attractions. The city is home to several museums and a plethora of natural beauty. One thing to do in Topeka, Kansas, is to visit the Kansas State Capitol. This historic building is home to the executive and legislative branches of the state. Visitors can take a tour of the dome of the Capitol.
Topeka is the capital of Kansas and has a lot to offer visitors. The city is filled with parks and attractions. There are plenty of things to do in Topeka, from exploring the zoo to enjoying a day at the lake.
You can also visit the Great Overland Station, a historic site that was once a ferry port. Today, it’s an exciting and educational attraction for families. In addition, it’s an excellent place to learn about the region’s rich history.
The Kansas Museum of History, located on SW Sixth Avenue, is a fantastic place to learn about the state’s past. Here, you can see an 1880s locomotive, a replica of the Oregon Trail, and other exciting exhibits. In addition, you can visit the museum’s store, which features a large selection of books and other gifts related to the area.
Gage Park
Gage Park is a 160-acre park in Topeka, Kansas. It is one of the city’s largest parks and has various attractions.
One of the most impressive features of Gage Park is the Topeka mini-train, a miniature train that has been running for over 55 years. The train is ADA accessible and has a mile-long scenic course through the park’s heart. Aside from the train, there are also several other fun activities.
Gage Park is home to several amenities, including a museum, playground, and the Topeka zoo. Also, the park is located in the heart of the downtown area, which makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
In addition to the Topeka Zoo, Gage Park has a children’s discovery center, an outdoor pool, and a rainforest dome. There are also five different types of tarantulas at the zoo.
Topeka Zoo
Topeka Zoo is a family-friendly zoo located in Gage Park in Topeka, Kansas. It is one of the city’s most popular attractions. In addition to animals, the zoo offers a variety of exhibits.
The zoo’s Tropical Rain Forest exhibit is home to many mammals and birds. The park also has an outdoor theater and Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
Among the zoo’s newer attractions are the Jungle Cats and Camp Cowabunga. These two areas feature animals that live in sub-Saharan Africa. Patas, monkeys, lions, and painted dogs are just some exotic animals you can see at these exhibits.
The zoo also has a small-gauge railway. A miniature train runs through the park, and children can rearrange colorful cars. The zoo also features a playground with climbing structures and a mining sluice. This area is free to use.
Lake Shawnee
Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas, is one of the top travel destinations in the state. This 451-acre lake is excellent for vacations, festivals, and boating. In addition, it has a variety of attractions, including the Bettis Family Sports Complex, a campground, and tennis courts.
The Bettis Family Sports Complex is one of the most extensive multi-use facilities in the Midwest. Several leagues use the facilities, including baseball and softball, volleyball, and more.
Other activities at the complex include a miniature train and a rose garden. It also has a meditation garden and an outdoor theater.
Other amenities at the park include a golf course and a marina. If you are interested in camping, you can stay at the Lake Shawnee Campground. There are 140 campsites and 30 amp hookups. You will need proof of age to book a site.
Kansas State Capitol
The Kansas State Capitol in Topeka is a government office that houses the Executive and Legislative branches of the state. It is open to the public by appointment. Tours are free.
In addition to the Statehouse, the Capitol Complex in Topeka features the House of Representatives, Senate Hall, and Rotunda. There are many beautiful statues and murals on this historic site. Abner Crossman of Chicago and Lumen Martin of Larned, Kansas, created some of these.
The first phase of the Capitol Building was constructed in 1866. Its height surpassed that of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., costing more than $3 million to build. The dome of the Statehouse is 304 feet tall. A bronze statue of a Kansa warrior was placed on the top of the dome in 2002.
The roof of the Kansas State Capitol is covered with sheet copper and hollow clay tiles. A copper and brass railing system is also visible. The interior is decorated with seventeen types of marble and gold leaf paint.
To get to the top of the dome, you will need to climb 296 steps. However, you will be rewarded with an unparalleled view of Topeka. The historic building also includes chambers, committee rooms, and offices. The first floor has a glass floor for more light. Also, you can purchase a variety of items made in Kansas.
Evel Knievel Museum
Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka, Kansas, is one of the largest collections of memorabilia dedicated to the world-famous stuntman. The museum is housed within the Historic Harley-Davidson of Topeka and opened in June 2017.
The Evel Knievel Museum is free to visit inside the Harley Davidson dealership. Visitors can learn about the life and career of the daredevil through interactive exhibits.
Aside from its extensive memorabilia collection, the Evel Knievel Museum also features a virtual reality motorcycle simulator. Visitors can experience what it is like to jump off an Evel-model bike through the machine.
The Evel Knievel Museum is home to various authentic and replica motorcycles and accessories. It also displays several of the helmets that Knievel wore during his career.