Shawnee County, KS
Plan on fun, adventure and history while visiting this scenic county. Start off by visiting the State Capitol. The building was constructed between 1866 and 1903, and the Capitol has a variety of architectural features and one of the most elaborate senate chambers in the country. It is also home to the magnificent murals of native son John Steuart Curry.While visiting Topeka, come and learn more about Shawnee County history at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The major urban library has a collection of over 450,000 books and serves more than 85,000 registered borrowers. It also has the distinction of being home to the oldest permanent collection of public art in the city. Currently, the library is expanding to add 100,000 square feet. It is being designed by world famous architect Michael Graves. For more information call (785) 233-2040.
Washburn University, located in Topeka, is the only municipal university in the nation. With an attractive and modern campus, the university is home to many special events, festivals and concerts. (785) 231-1010.
If you're looking for adventure, look no further! Lake Shawnee has everything under the sun-- hiking, camping, fishing, boating. With 410 surface acres of water, it is home to every kind of water sport you could want. In addition, this beautiful area on the southeast edge of Topeka is a game sanctuary for water fowl and other animals. Picnic and observation area are located along eight miles of shoreline. All-in-all, the 1,110 acre park is one of the finest recreational centers in the Midwest. (785) 267-1156.
Shawnee North Community Park Nature Trail is a 2.2 mile trail that crosses Indian Creek, winding through native grasses, trees, and flowers. Open year-round. (785) 286-0676.
Don't miss out on historic Lecompton! The city, just east of Shawnee County on old 24 highway, was founded in 1854 and served as the permanent and only official capital of Kansas territory until Topeka became the state capitol in 1861. Today its the location of the territorial Capital-Lane Museum and Constitution Hall. The museum is operated by the Lecompton Historical Society and is open 11a.m. to 4p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1p.m. to 5p.m. Sunday. (785) 887-6148 or (785) 887-6285. Constitution Hall: (785) 887-6520.
Explore Shawnee County
Sage General Store
See a still functioning General Store that was built in 1898 by Alfred Sage, Innkeeper at the 1878 Sage Inn. Old store offers homecooked meals and groceries. It was known for having the best homemade pie in this part of Kansas, baked fresh daily by the then 80+ year old Norma, who passed away in 1
Dover, KS Historic BuildingsKansas State Capitol
Located in downtown Topeka, the State Capitol architecture exemplifies the strength of the pioneer spirit. Dating back to 1866, the Capitol houses Kansas'
Topeka, KS State CapitolsBrown vs. Topeka B.O.E. National Historic Sites
On October 26, 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-525 establishing Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to commemorate the landmark Supreme Court decision aimed at ending segregation in public schools. Monroe Elementary School (17th & Monroe), and Sumner Elementary School (330
Topeka, KS National ParksCombat Air Museum, Forbes Field
Much more than a collection of aircraft, Combat Air Museum houses a wide variety of military and aviation oriented memorabilia, ranging in time from the first World War to the space shuttle program. There are approximately 30 aircraft on display with multiple additional static displays.
Topeka, KS MuseumsTopeka ScareCrows Hockey
After three years as a professional team in the Central Hockey League, the Topeka ScareCrows are now in the United States Hockey League. The Crows compete against 12
Topeka, KS Professional SportsW. Clement Stone Nature Center
The W. Clement Stone Nature Center is a 372 acre nature preserve located just west of Topeka, Kansas along the Kansas River. Rolling prairie, mature woodland and riparian areas create rich habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife. A 3000
Topeka, KS Nature CentersKansas National Guard Museum
The Kansas National Guard Museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Kansas National Guard and honoring the memories of the soldiers and airmen who, for over 145 years, have served Kansas and the United States whenever the call was made.
Topeka, KS MuseumsPotwin Place
Looking for a scenic drive? View beautiful Victorian homes of the late 1800s situated along brick streets where islands of greenery circle each intersection point in the National Historic District known as Potwin Place. Each Christmas, special decorations can be viewed.
Topeka, KS ToursHistoric Ward-Meade Park Living Museum
History comes to life at Historic Ward-Meade Park as period dressed guides, including a "school marm," reenact prairie life circa 1900
Topeka, KS MuseumsHeartland Park Topeka
Heartland Park Topeka, one of the world's fastest tracks, is nationally known for record-breaking performances on its ultra-quick, quarter-mile dragstrip. The complex offers a 2.5 mile Grand Prix roadcourse, a 1.625 mile Club Course, a 1.75
Topeka, KS Car RacesTopeka Zoological Park
The Topeka Zoological Park occupies a beautiful setting in Gage Park. Intimate views of nearly 400 animals from all over the world add to the reputation of the Topeka Zoo as one of the nation's finest small zoos. Major exhibits include Hill's Black Bear Woods, Animals and Man (
Topeka, KS ZoosJayhawk State Theatre of Kansas
On August 11, 1925, E.H. Crosby of the Crosby Brothers Company made the first announcement of his plans to provide the capital city of Kansas with a modern theatre. The Jayhawk Theatre opened its doors on August, 1926. Placed on the national register of historic places in 1974
Topeka, KS Historic Theatres