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
Gage Park
Gage Park is one of the biggest attractions in Topeka. Within the park itself, the biggest attraction is the Topeka Zoo, which allows visitors to come face to face with gorillas in a special Gorilla Encounter exhibit. Other features at the zoo include a bush camp with a lion'
Topeka, KS RecreationKansas 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 MuseumsCedar Crest
The French-Norman style house which was built by Frank P. MacLennan in 1928, is home to the governor of Kansas. It is the focal point of a 200-acre estate overlooking the Kansas river. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the estate features several ponds and hiking trails.
Topeka, KS Famous Homes1878 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 BuildingsTopeka High School
Designed by Topeka architect Thomas W. Williamson, Topeka High School was completed in 1931 at a cost of over one million dollars. Today, it is one of the city's most distinguished landmarks. The mast spar from "Old Ironsides" can be seen on the east lawn of the school.
Topeka, KS ArchitectureHeartland 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 MuseumsLake Shawnee Recreational Area
Lake Shawnee is a man-made, 411-acre lake offering fishing, boating, sailing and swimming. Within the 1,600-acre park surrounding the lake are foot trails, fish hatcheries (for stocking the lake), a golf course, a marina, tennis courts, shelter houses, horseback trails, ball diamonds, and gardens.
Topeka, KS RecreationW. 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 Museum of History
"You're living history" when you visit the Kansas History Center. An 1880 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway locomotive, full-sized Cheyenne tipi, Wichita grass lodge, covered wagon, and log house are just a few of the many features in the Main Gallery at the Museum of History.
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 RacesEcho 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 ArchaeologyBrown 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 Parks