Local area

Located in beautiful Gage Park, the Topeka Zoo offers unforgettable animal encounters with over 300 creatures from around the world. Visit lions, giraffes, tigers, and tropical birds in themed exhibits like the rainforest and African savanna. Enjoy hands-on learning, a children's petting zoo, playgrounds, and seasonal events. The zoo is a must-see for families, animal lovers, and anyone seeking outdoor adventure in Topeka.

Tour the historic Kansas State Capitol, a beautifully restored 19th-century architectural gem downtown Topeka. Climb 296 steps to the top of the dome for incredible panoramic views, and explore murals, statues, and exhibits throughout the building. Guided and self-guided tours are available. The Capitol is a unique must-see destination with its stunning rotunda and educational value.

The Kansas Children's Discovery Center’s educational exhibit areas create an immersive environment filled with opportunities for a variety of unique learning experiences. We like to call it…Serious Fun! Interactive exhibit areas emphasize math, science and the arts. Conduct science experiments, construct amazing towers, take an x-ray, change a tire, create messy, artistic masterpieces, perform, dance, compose musical melodies and explore the great outdoors.

The Combat Air Museum is a museum at Topeka Regional Airport / Forbes Field, in Williamsport Township, Shawnee County, near Topeka, Kansas. Topeka Regional Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located six miles south of the central business district of Topeka.

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site was established in Topeka, Kansas, on October 26, 1992, by the United States Congress to commemorate the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision aimed at ending racial segregation in public schools. On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that separate educational facilities are inherently unequaland, as such, violated the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees all citizens equal protection of the laws.

Great Overland Station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Union Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot, is a museum and former railroad station in Topeka, Kansas. The station was built from 1925 to 27 and designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood, whose firm designed over 20 Union Pacific Railroad stations from 1924 to 1931. The station's Free Classical Revival design uses terra cotta extensively and features a center pavilion with two increasingly smaller pavilions on either side.

The 9-hole "North Topeka" course at the North Topeka Golf Center facility in Topeka, Kansas features 2,309 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 32 . The course rating is 35.0 and it has a slope rating of 113 on Combo grass. Designed by Marty Johnson, the North Topeka golf course opened in 2002.

The Topeka Performing Arts Center recently celebrated 20 years of providing quality entertainment for Topeka and Northeast Kansas. This state-of-the-art theater hosts national touring Broadway shows and comedians such as Lewis Black and Rodney Carrington, as well as award-winning musicians such as Kenny Rogers and Loretta Lynn.

Lake Shawnee offers the most surprising recreational opportunities around. Lake facilities include The Garden House, Reynolds Lodge, marina, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, open spaces, campground, golf course, shelter houses, swimming beach with water slide, playgrounds and water activities of every kind. Special events and recreation programs make it a favorite stop in Northeast Kansas. Lake Shawnee Campground is open year round for RV and tent camping.

Washburn University is a co-educational, public institution of higher learning in Topeka, Kansas, United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional programs in law and business.

Landon Arena, better known as the Kansas Expocentre and formerly known as the Sunflower State Expocentre, is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena built in 1987 in Topeka, Kansas. It is currently home to the Topeka Roadrunners ice hockey team.

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"The Heart of American Motorsports" Heartland Park Topeka stands out as one of the world's finest, multi-purpose racing and entertainment destinations. Located on the south side of Topeka, KS, the facility covers approximately 750 acres and provides ample room for its many racing and motorsports venues.

For daredevils and dreamers of all ages, come rediscover the spectacle of the death-defying Evel Knievel show, now open and flying sky-high in Topeka, Kansas. Witness the incredible collection of the physics-defying bikes that launched the legend. See his iconic 1974 Mack Truck & Trailer "Big Red." Examine the star-spangled helmets (battered, and beaten and beautiful) that undoubtedly saved Evel’s uninsurable life more than once.

Discover Kansas’s rich heritage at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. Explore immersive exhibits on Native American culture, pioneer life, the Civil War, and 20th-century developments. See a full-size locomotive, a covered wagon, and hands-on displays perfect for families. The museum also features a museum store and scenic nature trails, making it a fascinating stop for history lovers and curious minds of all ages.

A cornerstone of the community, the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library offers more than books—it’s a place that offers inspiration. Discover cozy reading spaces, a vibrant art gallery, free Wi-Fi, a café, maker space, and interactive events for all ages. Attend author readings, workshops, and story times. The award-winning library is a welcoming, modern space for relaxation, connection, and creative exploration in Topeka.

The NOTO Arts and Entertainment District is a dynamic, creative community filled with art, culture, and entertainment. Stroll along North Kansas Avenue to find vibrant murals, galleries, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. Visit during the First Friday Art Walk for live music, pop-up exhibits, and local flair. This walkable district offers a colorful cultural experience highlighting Topeka’s creative spirit and local talent year-round.