Topeka is the capital city of Kansas, situated on the Kansas River. The city dates from 1842 and was a ferry crossing site on the Oregon Trail. Its pioneer town spirit remains and the city played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Kansas Museum of History is an acclaimed museum telling the story of the region.
The Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site features a turn-of-the-century town and offers dinners served by hosts in period costume.
The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site at Monroe Elementary School commemorates the US Supreme Court's 1954 decision to end segregation in schools, and allows visitors to gain an insight into the Civil Rights Movement.
Enjoy watersports, camping, and hiking at the beautiful spot of Lake Shawnee.
The Combat Air Museum has a fascinating collection of warplanes through the years.
Topeka has an extremely varied climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Spring can be wet but fall is warm and dry.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the nearest functional commercial airport, with good domestic and some international connections. A shuttle service will take you to Topeka for $41.
Topeka is served by the Amtrak Southwest Chief service from Chicago to Los Angeles. The fare from Chicago starts at around $80.
The I-70 connects the city from the west and east, while Highway 75 runs north to south.
Greyhound buses run services to Topeka. Fares from Chicago start at $38.
Ramada Topeka Downtown has affordable rooms less than a mile from the city center. Hampton Inn Topeka has spacious rooms close to the Kansas Museum of History and Gage Park.
College Hill - this is a historic area close to Washburn University. It has attractive Georgian and Victorian architecture and some of the best restaurants in town.
Westboro - this is home to the quaint Westboro Mart shopping area and features extensive Italian Renaissance architecture.
Potwin Place - this historical district has some of the grandest residences in the city and features frequent parades and holiday activities and celebrations.
Buses serve most of the main routes through the city, with single fares at $2 and a 24-hour pass costing $4.
Taxis in Topeka charge an initial fare of $2.50 and then $4 per mile.
Roads in Topeka are good and traffic is mostly light in this modestly sized city. Car rental starts at $30.
Intermediate SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$72/day
Standard SUV
5 Adults, 3 Bags
$81/day
West Ridge Mall has lots of big-name chain stores, while Fairlawn Plaza has more independent stores and restaurants.
A quart of milk in Topeka will cost around $0.87 and a dozen eggs is $2.17.