9 Absolute Best Things To Do In Topeka — ROAD TRIP USA (2024)

Welcome to Topeka, the capital city of Kansas and a place that is brimming with history and culture! Discover all of the best things to do in Topeka in this comprehensive guide.

Topeka is a great city to visit for history buffs, art lovers and anyone that appreciates historic architecture.

At the Kansas Museum of History you can learn about Topeka’s beginnings as a city on the Oregon Trail during the westward expansion.

In the downtown area you’ll find impressive historic architecture. The most notable being the magnificent Kansas State Capitol building which is a prominent feature of the city skyline.

One of the things that stand out most about Topeka is how affordable this city is to visit. Many of the top attractions are free to visit or offer very reasonable admission rates.

Eating out in Topeka also won’t cost you much and you’ll find a range of menu items under $15 including juicy burgers and of course Kansas barbeque.

Accommodation is very affordable too and you can stay at the city’s top-rated hotel for under $200 a night.

So if you’re looking for destinations to visit on a budget, Topeka is a place that should be on your radar. Without further ado, here are the top things to do in Topeka.

Best Things To Do In Topeka

The best thing to do in Topeka is to visit the Kansas State Capitol in downtown Topeka.

This breathtaking monument is one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the USA.

It is constructed of Kansas limestone and features a statue of a Kaw warrior that stands at the top of the capitol’s dome.

Not only is it the state’s most important architectural treasure, but also the center of Kansas government and where the governer’s office is located.

Visitors can tour the Kansas State Capitol on free guided or self-guided tours Monday through Saturday. No reservations are required. Just turn up at the Visitor Center.

2. Climb To The Top Of The Capitol’s Dome

There are two very unique features of the Kansas State Capitol building worth mentioning.

Firstly, this Capitol building stands at an impressive 306-feet making it the tallest capitol building in the USA! It is actually 17-feet taller that the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C..

Secondly, it is one of the few capitol buildings in the United States that allows visitors to climb to the top of its dome.

If you’re not afraid of heights, you should definitely consider joining a group tour that will take you up to the building’s summit. It is certainly a thrilling and very unique experience. Best of all it won’t cost you a cent!

3. See The Murals In NOTO

NOTO is a neighborhood of Topeka that is beginning to earn a reputation for its growing art scene.

This district is home to several art galleries and antique stores but it is most notable for its plentiful murals.

Take a walk along Kansas Avenue to find the bright and colorful murals. The iconic “Greetings From Topeka” is the most popular mural and a great place for photo opportunites.

Also don’t miss seeing the surreal elephant mural on the corner of Kansas and Laurent Streets.

4. Go Bowling At The Pennant

The Pennant is a favorite restaurant among both local residents and visitors to the city.

This popular restaurant offers a very unique dining experience. You can dine, drink, and go bowling all at the same time!

Located in the heart of downtown, this two-story restaurant features a four lane bowling alley downstairs where families can play a round for only $5 per person including shoe rental.

Not only can you bowl downstairs but you can also play a range of vintage arcade games upstairs! Find classics like Pacman, Streetfighter, and several pinball machines.

So if you’re looking for fun things to do in Topeka, be sure to make time to visit The Pennant!

5. Explore Brown V Board of Education National Historical Park

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park commemorates the U.S. Supreme Court decision that ended racial segregation in public schools.

This landmark in American history is memorialized at the former Monroe Elementary School, one of Topeka’s four segregated schools.

The historical park is owned and managed by the National Parks Service and is a good place to become familiar with the 1951 Brown v Board of Education court case.

There are two galleries here that explore the Civil Rights Movement before and after the landmark case, an auditorium where you can watch a short film about the history of racism and segregation in the United States, and a kindergarten that looks just as it did in 1954.

Park hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9am to 5pm. The park is closed on Sunday and Monday. Admission is free.

6. Pour Yourself A Beer At Brew Bank

Brew Bank in downtown Topeka is one of the only self-serve bars in the USA. Yes, at this brewery you can pour yourself a beer! No need to tip the bar tender here.

As their motto states; they don’t break the law, they change it. The original owners of the Brew Bank were responsible for changing the liquor law to allow self-serve taps in the state of Kansas.

Beers on tap here are wide ranging and include something for everyone! Enjoy IPAs, wheat beers, sour ales, lagers, stouts and more.

7. Enjoy Mouthwatering Shakes At The Pennant

Indulge yourself in the best ever milkshakes at The Pennant. These shakes are a must-have experience in Topeka!

The shakes at this retro restaurant are truly mouthwatering and unlike most others. They are next level and come in a variety of creative concoctions.

Try the “You’re Killing Me Smalls”; a vanilla ice cream milkshake hand-blended with burnt marshmallow dip and fudge, then topped with graham crackers, Hershey’s chocolate and marshmallows!

Or if you’re the adventurous-inclined, order the PBJ shake which combines strawberry ice cream mixed with peanut butter and jelly then topped with whipped cream and more jelly.

And “Over The Rainbow” is another high-caloric masterpiece. It has your choice of ice cream hand-blended and piled into a waffle cone with coconut cotton candy and sprinkles, topped with whipped cream!

There’s no doubt the milkshakes at The Pennant are showstoppers. Be sure to treat yourself to the creamy, dreamy delights this funky establishment has to offer. One thing is for certain – you won't be disappointed.

Read: Indulge In Mouthwatering Milkshakes At The Pennant Restaurant In Topeka, Kansas!

8. Spend A Day At Lake Shawnee

Lake Shawnee is a terrific place to spend the entire day if you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Topeka.

This lake is actually a man-made lake that was constructed in 1935. Although it is man-made, it doesn’t make it any less beautiful.

The lake is surrounded by an 1,100 acre park which includes manicured gardens full of pretty flowers and walking paths.

If you want to get out on the lake, head to Adventure Cove where you’ll find a beach area, sandy volleyball courts, and paddleboats you can rent.

There is also a campground on the east side of the lake which offers 123 sites for tents and RVs.

Located on the outskirts of Topeka, Lake Shawnee is a great place to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air!

9. See Cute Animals At Topeka Zoo

Topeka Zoo is one of Topeka’s most popular attractions and a fun place for the whole family!

This family-friendly attraction in Topeka has a wide range of cute critters that will surely put a smile on your face.

See elephants, Asian bears, giraffes, orangutans, and so much more. During certain times of the year visitors can enjoy special events like “Boo At The Zoo” and “Zoo Lights”. Check out their calendar here.

Where To Stay In Topeka

Choose to stay in downtown Topeka if you want to be within walking distance of top historical attractions like Kansas State Capitol or to be close to The Pennant and Brew Bank.

See below for our top picks on accommodation in Topeka. You can also search for the best rates on hotel rooms in Topeka here.

If you are looking for affordable hotel rooms, take a look at Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton who both offer spacious rooms near Interstate-70.

If you need a rental car for your trip, we recommend Enterprise who are our preferred car rental company. But if you would prefer to shop around, use rentalcars.com to look for the best rates on car rentals in Kansas.

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