Every city has something special to offer. There is a wealth of history, unique features, and fun activities to be found around every corner. The same is true right here in Topeka, Kansas. From the big attractions to the hidden gems, you’ll find a wonderful tapestry of sights and fun activities all over the city.
Whether you are visiting, exploring as a new resident, or delving into your home city, we’d love to give you a tour of the top activities and attractions that Topeka has to offer.
Ride the Carousel at Gage Park
Gage Park is one of our favorite locations in the city, and you’ll soon find out why. Start your visit with a go around the historic carousel, built in 1908 and still glorious to behold.
See a tour of the park on the adorable mini-train and visit all the cool animals at the Topeka Zoo. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through 400 varieties of roses at the Reinisch Rose Garden, grab lunch, and cool off at the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center.
You can also bring your sneakers, sports gear, or bicycle and enjoy the 80 acres of green space and beautiful paths for some outdoor activity.
In other words, you can find weekend after weekend of fun and relaxation all at Gage Park, no matter what you feel like getting up to each day.
Visit the Past at Old Prairie Town
Step into the Topeka of 200 years ago at the Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site. This beautiful replica village represents 6 acres of adorable homes, shops, and workshops where local Topekans show you how their ancestors lived around for a century before marvels like electricity were introduced. From old-timey snacks to traditional blacksmithing, it is a fun way to spend the afternoon.
Grab lunch at the Potwin Drug Store and enjoy a soda fountain float and vintage candy over the marble counter. Find old-timey gifts at the Mulvane General Store and bring a piece of the past home.
Complete your visit with a beautiful walk through the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden, home to over 25,000 tulips in the spring and the Apple Festival every fall.
Devour a Steak at the North Star Steakhouse
Everyone knows that traditional barbecue is a must in Topeka, but the North Star is our favorite hidden gem. And we mean literally hidden. North Star Steakhouse was a speakeasy during the prohibition days, and it hasn’t changed much since. For the best barbecue and totally immersive ambiance, you simply must dine in the North Star at least once.
The steaks are enormous. Really, truly huge. The hushpuppies and later-dipped onion rings haven’t changed in a hundred years. And neither have the cocktails. There’s an ancient jukebox that still plays, and every meal should end with the traditional North Star Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream, hot caramel, and Amerena Toshi Cherries.
Attend a First Friday Art Walk
If you’re around on the first Friday of any month, swing by the NOTO Arts District for the First Friday Art Walk. Most of the buildings in the district participate and are bursting with their own displays of art displays and temporary galleries from local artists. It’s a celebration of visual art, music, and community that occurs every month. It’s one of our favorite things here in Topeka, and you’re sure to love it, too.
Let your feet guide you through wonderful visual experiences, including local restaurants, schools, and museums that participate in our monthly celebration of art and artists.
Of course, you don’t have to be around on a First Friday to enjoy the NOTO.
Tour the NOTO Arts District
NOTO stands for North Topeka, and the NOTO Arts District is one of the best places in town for entertainment. Whether you love visual art, performance art, music, or historic libraries, we’ve got it all.
- Mulvane Art Museum
- NOTO Art District
- Topeka Civic Theater & Academy
- Topeka Performing Arts Center
- Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
- Great Mural Wall
- Tiffany Windows at First Presbyterian Church
Take a tour of our local museums, from the Mulvane Art Museum to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Catch a show at the Topeka Civic Theater or Performing Arts Center, or check out the Great Mural Wall, which has quickly grown to become the largest mural in Kansas.
Explore the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, designed by world-famous architect Michael Graves, which includes the Alice C. Sabatini Art Gallery and the Millennium Cafe. Or tour the First Presbyterian Church with its breathtaking Tiffany windows. Afterward, grab lunch and walk into a ceramic painting class for a complete day of fun.
Hike, Fish, and Ride at Lake Shawnee Recreational Area
Those who love outdoor recreation will find endless opportunities in Topeka. Discover the Lake Shawnee Recreational Area if you’re craving some lakeside beauty with your outdoor fun. This 1100-acre park surrounds Lake Shawnee with footpaths, a golf course, tennis and volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, and 140 campground sites.
There’s horseback riding, an 11-acre arboretum, and fish hatcheries. You can go fishing, boating, or sailing with your own equipment, or just bring a towel and jump into the lake for a swim. There are also a number of shelters you can book for special occasions like parties and picnics.
The Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove features a beach, paddle boards and boats, sand volleyball, and shower facilities. It also has a snack bar to fuel your afternoon fun.
Splash Away the Summer at Shawnee North Aquatic Center
During the hot summer, head to the Shawnee North Aquatic Center. This complete water park is a favorite destination for Topeka locals when the weather is hot. It has a lazy river, spray park, giant slides, a lap pool, a diving board, and green space for sunbathing. You can get a seasonal punch card for multiple low-cost visits, and they host a number of fun programs and swim lessons – including dog swim times.
Adventures Start at Your Topeka Apartment
There are tons of fun things to do in Topeka, from historical tours to beautiful gardens to endless outdoor activities. The best place to start your adventures is your apartment. Find Topeka Apartments that suit your ideal location, floor plan, and amenities. Contact us for a personalized guide to our seven apartment properties to find the perfect place to call home.
