Named "the place to grow potatoes" by its founders, Topeka, Kansas is a city full of the past and moving into the future. Throughout its history, it's been the spot of strife and mayhem, reconciliation and hope. Its message of surviving against the odds is written on every brick and paving stone, from the oldest monument to the newest attraction. The Kansas State Capitol Building is the number one historic site recommended by visitors. Everyone will find something to fall in love with. Some of the greatest public art pieces can be found on the walls, great murals painted by the famous Kansas artist, John Steuart Curry in 1937.
The dome is another attraction, with 296 steps leading up to the last level. Looking down, you can see the first level in a dizzying array of gracefully sweeping stairs and balconies. Four bright, intricate murals, "Knowledge", "Power", "Peace" and "Plenty", grace the compass points on the fourth floor, before starting the ascent. Atop the dome stands a 22-foot statue of a Kansu warrior, Ad Astra.
The Supreme Court, recently remodeled, shows beauty in every detail, from the four murals painted on the ceiling entitled "Law", "History", "First Dawn of Liberty" and "Justice", to the gold inlay decorating the walls. In addition, tours lead through the House of Representatives and the Senate Chambers, past gleaming wood and shining marble.
Statues also surround the grounds, including a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. The Pioneer Mother and Child is dedicated to the pioneer women of Kansas, and a replica of the Statue of Liberty stands in the northwest quadrant of the Capitol Building's grounds.
If your history needs haven't been satisfied once you've made your way through the capitol building, you can stop at any number of museums and other historical sites. The Kansas Museum of History provides western trails, history on the Civil War, a full-sized train and more, while the Combat Air Museum has a collection of military aircraft, engines and aviation memorabilia for flight enthusiasts.
Ward Meade Park offers six acres of Old Prairie Town, with a Victorian home, log cabin and turn-of-the-century town. Not just a look, Old Prairie Town lets you step into the past, with volunteers providing live history acts. In addition, the park offers a 2.5-acre botanical garden for flower enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to enjoy.
A little bit of everything can be found at Gage Park. The 160-acre park is home to the outside Helen Hocker Theatre, the famous Rose Garden that won a Better Homes and Garden Magazine competition and a mini-train. The Topeka Zoological Park is also housed here, as well as a historic carousel, an Aquatic Center and small water park, and recreational facilities for tennis, volleyball, horseshoes and more.
If all this seems a little tame, try Heartland Park Raceway, one the premier multi-purpose motor sports race tracks in the country. From drag racing to dirt and road racing, it's been used for the AMA Superbike Series, ARCA, ASA, IMSA and NASCAR Truck series, to name a few. The Kansas Expo Center is another place to find high excitement. Music tours such as the Pedal to the Metal tour have stopped here to play. In addition, the Gun Show, County Fair Horse Show and the Capital City Cluster Dog Show can be found on display, depending on the season.
If you need more outdoor entertainment, visit Lake Shawnee Park. Over 410 acres of water provide plenty of room for boating, swimming and fishing experience. Rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboats at the marina or play volleyball, tennis, basketball, baseball or other sports in one of the lakes many recreational areas. From nature trails to lodges, gardens to playgrounds and more, Lake Shawnee Park has something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Last but not least, keep in mind that Topeka doesn't slow down just because the night comes. The city's nightlife is full of all kinds of entertainment, many featuring local, regional and national live music acts. Comedy Night is a given in many sports bars, and blue grass, big band or jazz can be found on any night of the week. Karaoke bars and casinos, clubs and lounges all come together for a fantastic night on the town!At EssenTravel.com you will find everything you need to plan your trip, whether you need a place to sleep, a reliable rental car, an affordable flight or hotel reservations. We provides great discounted prices for comfortable places to stay during your vacation or business trip. You can search for Topeka hotels along with many other cities around the world and select many amenities or preferences in our search engine. Visit online today.
