Topeka Travel Guide

Topeka is the capital of Kansas. It is located in the middle of the eastern half of the state.

The World Famous Topeka Zoological Park is nationally noted for its Tropical Rain Forest and innovative ideas for the displaying of wildlife, this facility has something for all ages. A stop at the Gorilla Encounter is a must to view the gorillas in a glass-enclosed area where you are on the inside and the gorillas are outside. Take time to stroll the grounds and relax as you enjoy the splendors of nature and animals in a most beautiful setting.

In the Historic Ward-Mead Park and Botanical Gardens, you can enjoy a Victorian lunch served from the dining room of the Ward-Meade mansion complete with costumed hostesses and linens of the period. You'll also tour the pioneer cabin, train depot, mansion and one-room schoolhouse. The gardens offer a relaxing atmosphere and unique charm to this five and one-half acre complex.

In the Kansas Museum of History you can see the history of the state from Indian times to the Civil War, right up to the present day.

Other attractions include a guided tour of the Capitol where you'll view the murals by John Steuart Curry which depict John Brown and the turbulent era of Kansas known as "Bleeding Kansas.

Topeka is also home of the Brown V Board of Education National Historic Site which commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools. On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court unanimously declared that separate educational facilities are inherently unequal" and, as such, violate the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees all citizens "equal protection of the laws."

The Tallgrass Prairie is located just south of Topeka and can be visited from here. Tallgrass is close to Topeka, but a short drive down K-4 highway in western Shawnee County gives you a small glimpse of the majestic Flint Hills. This is truely one of the most scenic roads in Topeka and Shawnee County. Wabaunsee County is close and you really have a great vista of the northern Flint Hills.

Topeka is also a BBQ, Steak and soul food paradise, though not as famous as Kansas City, with many locations located throughout the city. I recommend BBQ from Lane's BBQ on Kansas Avenue near downtown and Boss Hawgs at 29th and Oakley, in Brookwood Shopping Center. There are many soul food places in central and east Topeka, and they can be found online, too. There are some hole the wall places on Kansas Avenue between 17th and 25th, one on Huntoon street and some can be found in the Highland Park area of Topeka. Topeka steakhouses abound. These are homegrown steakhouses, not chains found on Wanamaker Road in Topeka. The Plantation Steakhouse is located at North 66th street and Topeka Avenue and Topeka Steakhouse is located at 5500 SE 6th Street in Tecumseh. These particular steakhouses offer good fare, and always order your steaks rare to medium rare to truly enjoy your steak eating experience. It's possible your steaks came from Kansas too. Kansas is a top producer of beef.