Shawnee County, KS
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 CapitolsCarousel in the Park & Gage Park Mini-Train
Two of the most popular attractions in Gage Park are the 1908 restored Carousel and the Mini-Train that circles the park. Built in 1908 by the Herschell-Spillman company of New York, Topeka's carousel offers timeless entertainment housing a 1909 Wurlitzer band organ. Purchased by the city in 1986
Topeka, KS Fun CentersEcho Cliff Park
Country Park, located west of Dover in Wabaunsee County, has a rich Indian history. Archeological digs unearthed pot shards and arrowheads dating to 800-1000 AD when the Woodland Indians lived in the Kansas land (Grasshopper Falls Phase). Scenic cliff overlooks Mission Creek and was named "
Dover, KS ArchaeologyHeartland Orthodox Christian Museum
The Heartland Orthodox Christian Museum presents the art, history and traditions of the diverse Orthodox communities in America. Discover the region'
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 SportsHeartland 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 RacesFirst Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church, built over 112 years ago, is the site of a unique presentation of Tiffany Windows. Adorning the sanctuary is the rare artwork of America's foremost designer of stained glass, Louis Comfort Tiffany, who came to Topeka in 1911 and produced these windows for the church.
Topeka, KS Historic Churches1878 Sage Inn & Stagecoach Station
Old stone country inn was built in 1865 along Mission Creek where wagons could ford the stream (about 15 miles southwest of Topeka, Kansas). In 1878
Dover, KS Historic BuildingsThe Great Overland Station
This historic Union Pacific depot has been restored to its 1927
Topeka, KS Railroad HistoryJayhawk 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 TheatresWashburn University
Established in 1865, Washburn University is one of Topeka's greatest assets and is the only municipal university in the nation. The 160
Topeka, KS Colleges