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
Combat 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 MuseumsGage 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 RecreationTopeka 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 ArchitectureSage 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 BuildingsHeartland 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 MuseumsBrown 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 ParksCarousel 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 CentersPotwin 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 ToursCedar 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 HomesWashburn 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 CollegesW. 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 CentersFirst 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 Churches