20 Unique Things To Do In Topeka, Kansas

1. Watch A Race At Heartland Motorsports Park

For a motorsport enthusiast, it’s an amazing feeling to watch the race, which can be achieved at Heartland Motorsports Park, located south of the city's airport. Reputed as Topeka's premier motorsports venue since 1989, it has four configurations: a clay race oval, an off-road course, and a half-mile drag strip.

Top-class amenities and great track conditions ensure that Heartland Motorsports Park's annual calendar is filled with events from NASCAR, ARCA, IMSA, and the CCA National Runoffs. This adventurous experience can be so thrilling and fun at the same time that visitors will never forget in their lifetime.

2. Gaze At The Kansas State Capitol' Dome

To witness architecture in its purest form, the Kansas State Capitol Dome is the ideal place to visit in Topeka. Such stunning achievements don't happen overnight; the impressive 304-foot dome of Topeka's Capitol took around 37 years to complete and has since become a major tourist destination.

An interesting fact is that visitors are allowed to tour the dome from the ground to the top, making it one of the few state capitols to offer such tours. Information about French architecture and the dome's structure can be easily obtained through the tour.

3. Sip and Savor at Iron Rail Brewing

Among the limited breweries that serve crafted beer as well as lunch and brunch under the same roof, Iron Rail Brewing stands out by offering house-brewed beers and delicious pub plates in an industrial setting adorned with railroad-themed artworks.

Delicious breakfast in the morning and a lovely lunch, accompanied by their signature craft beer, are served on weekends from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Enjoying Southern comfort food paired with their renowned CKH Wheat beer is the perfect way to end the day.

4. Enjoy Great Food And Sports At The Pennant

Foods such as burgers, grilled cheese, and fish and chips can be comfort food for many. Thus, we would suggest visiting The Pennant restaurant in Topeka to enjoy the delicious American cuisine. After enjoying the food, both kids and adults can play arcade games and bowling for entertainment.

Visitors have the option of more than 50 vintage arcade games to choose from while having cocktails with friends. This sounds like a fun activity to include during a trip to Topeka.

5. See The Tulips In Ted Ensley Gardens

Lying on the western shore of Lake Shawnee, Ted Ensley Gardens has a unique reputation for being one of the most beautiful gardens in Topeka. Each April, 100,000 tulips bloom, making it the best time to visit Ted Ensley Gardens, which is perfect for taking aesthetic photographs.

Roses, annuals, shrubs, and trees also grow here on 20 acres, adding to its overall beauty. Visitors love to have a picnic with family and are encouraged to responsibly dispose of cans and plastics in the designated bins, as per the garden rules.

6. Indulge In Great Eats At The Wheel Barrel

To fuel the body after a long day of exploring and shopping, The Wheel Barrel is the top choice for a delicious meal. This eatery, located in the North Topeka (NOTO) Arts and Entertainment District, is a cozy and charming space with a beautiful ambiance and welcoming staff.

Both the rustic yet modern dining experience can be had here by visitors while enjoying gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and craft brews.

If there is an urge to try a different taste, innovative options like the Monte Cristo and the How Now Bleu Cow can be the perfect choice. Visitors can enjoy their meals in a laid-back atmosphere, as the restaurant also boasts a seasonal patio.

7. Step Back In History At Old Prairie Town

Famous for the 1970 mansion that was the home of Anthony Ward, Old Prairie Town is not just a fun destination but also a treasure trove of historical significance. It offers visitors a rich glimpse into the past with its preserved buildings, artifacts, and immersive experiences that vividly illustrate life from bygone eras.

The town also features 19th-century landmarks such as Everest Church, Victor Schoolhouse, a railroad depot, a caboose, and a general store. Additionally, it boasts a 2.5-acre botanical garden full of beautiful flowers and plants, making the place even more scenic.

8. Enjoy The Outdoors At Lake Shawnee

To nurture family relationships and connect with the natural environment, spending quality time in nature is essential. Lake Shawnee can be the perfect spot for a family weekend getaway. Visitors love the surrounding area and the greenery around the lake, which is ideal for camping.

After camping, the next morning, renting a boat to view the lake up close and playing volleyball on the court are highly recommended. Bring a picnic to enjoy this beautiful, nature-filled spot while listening to the soothing sounds of the lake.

9. See A Show At Topeka Performing Arts Center

The Topeka Performing Arts Center deserves a visit while on a family trip to Topeka, offering performances such as live theatre, music, and dance for a refreshing break from the everyday hustle. Housed inside the art deco 1930s Municipal Auditorium, this venue has recently been renovated to include state-of-the-art facilities.

Different theaters and halls are used for various performances and audience sizes. For a smaller audience of up to 120 people, the Hussey Playhouse is utilized.

For larger groups, the banquet hall known as Hill’s Festival Hall, located on the building’s lower level, is used. Additionally, the Main Auditorium is the primary spot where all the major events and performances take place.

10. Explore The Attractions At Gage Park

With the intention of providing a fun and relaxing experience, Gage Park was established in 1899 on 160 acres and is now one of Topeka’s most significant parks.

Suitable for visitors of all ages, this park has several attractions, among which the Reinisch Rose Garden is the most loved, also known as a wedding venue. During spring, beautiful roses are displayed to enhance the decor of this wedding or gathering venue.

To explore more, visitors can go to the outdoor theatre to watch a show or just visit the Kansas Children's Discovery Center to let their kids explore hands-on exhibits and learn through play.

11. Shop In The Noto District

Many people like to shop during their travels to a new city. Likewise, while visiting Topeka, the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is a shopping paradise for all shopaholics.

Locally produced art, vintage jewelry pieces, fashion items, decorations, and antiques can be purchased at reasonable prices, making it a highlight of the trip to Topeka.

Apart from shopping, exploring the arts and dining is also quite popular, as well as taking art classes for those who want to learn and have the time for it. A non-profit organization manages this district to contribute to the economic and cultural growth of Kansas and the Midwest.

12. Take The Kids To The Kansas Children's Discovery Center

For families traveling with children, the Kansas Children's Discovery Center can be an exceptionally entertaining and educational spot. Kids can explore and learn about various topics, such as biology, science, and art, in a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2011.

Children, especially girls, enjoy pretend play. Keeping this in mind, the Kansas Children's Discovery Center has a separate section dedicated to pretend play, including a grocery store and restaurant. Meanwhile, bike paths and obstacle courses are available for boys, providing them with plenty of enjoyment.

13. Watch A Performance At Topeka Civic Theatre

These days, a majority of people are interested in arts, theatre shows, and musical plays. For them, the Topeka Civic Theatre is a great option while visiting Topeka. This historic and culturally significant landmark has been entertaining visitors since 1936 and holds the record for being the oldest continuously operating dinner theatre in the United States.

This three-stage venue hosts top-quality productions such as Shakespeare, A Christmas Carol, and Bonnie and Clyde. Live shows are performed throughout the year in the Oldfather Theater, one of its stages.

14. Relax And Dine At Bradley's Corner Cafe

Some might miss home-cooked food while traveling to a new city; in this case, Bradley's Corner Cafe can be the ultimate solution. Home-style cooking at affordable prices makes this restaurant the most preferred by visitors.

Many restaurants charge high prices for small portions of food, which feels unfair, but at Bradley's Corner Cafe, generous portions are provided to ensure that customers get their money's worth.

Friendly and accommodating staff make this eatery even more special, as they are willing to make modifications to satisfy even the most particular customers. This place feels homely with its food as well as its ambiance, making guests come back again and again.

15. Experience The Thrill At The Sports Center

Families traveling to Topeka with kids have a hard time finding a unique and fun place to visit, as the kids get bored quickly. However, entertaining yet adventurous gaming activities at The Sports Center can be the solution.

The whole family can chill and have fun at the Sports Center, which has a wide range of activities for everyone. The batting cages and game room are popular among kids, while go-karts and mini-golf are loved by adults.

They also enjoy exploring the 18-hole Goony Golf course, which features impressive structures like a 10-ft high kangaroo, a 20-ft tall T. rex dinosaur, an igloo, and even a volcano. 

16. Visit Topeka Zoo

While visiting Topeka, one place you shouldn’t miss is the Topeka Zoo, where you can witness natural wildlife up close. Situated within the beautiful Gage Park since 1933, this zoo is an excellent spot for watching apes play and socialize, as well as black bears climbing on tree branches in the Black Bear Woods.

Additionally, the zoo features the first indoor tropical rainforest in the United States, which can also be explored. For anyone interested in learning about and seeing a diverse collection of species, this is the perfect destination.

17. Play Games At Bonkers

Perfect place to come with kids of all ages, Bonkers in Topeka offers a variety of options in indoor games and workshops. Known to have the largest indoor playground in town, Bonkers is a hub that entertains kids by engaging them in a jungle gym and mountain-sized arcade. When they win, prizes can be claimed at a redemption center.

Bear-building workshops are also available for kids, which can enhance their creativity. This place has an amazing staff to ensure safety and a pleasant experience.

18. See Historic Aircraft At Combat Air Museum

The Combat Air Museum, which was originally located at Forbes Air Force Base and is now situated at Topeka Regional Airport, is the ideal spot to explore an extensive collection of historic aircraft and military artifacts.

The museum has been making constant efforts to collect and preserve items related to the U.S. Air Force and American aviation history since its establishment in 1976.

Visitors can explore 36 different aircraft, most of which are military, as well as helicopters, vehicles, and various artifacts related to aviation in the United States. This experience can broaden their knowledge about aircraft and its contributions to the development of the country.

19. Catch The Latest Movies At Regal West Ridge

It would be an amazing experience to watch a movie in a theater complex in a completely new city. While visiting Topeka, visitors can head to Regal West Ridge, which offers multiple screens showing new release films.

Modern facilities such as plush seating and a concession stand are available in this movie hall to ensure guests are comfortable and enjoy their movie-watching experience.

Picture quality is very clear, and the sound system is equally good, with powerful digital projectors placed in eight impressive auditoriums. For budget travelers, it’s a great deal to watch a movie at this theater as it provides discounts on ticket prices.

20. Discover Activities At Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

The library not only provides access to an extensive collection of books, digital media, and multimedia resources to visitors but also sells them, which is quite rare. However, the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library does this to raise funds for library programs, support community engagement, and recycle resources.

Using resources like audiobooks, e-books, and DVDs is the main activity that happens there, but another interesting aspect is that these books can be bought at the Friends of the Library book sale at discounted prices.

Intending to engage with the community through educational and cultural initiatives, the library provides modern facilities such as meeting rooms, a dedicated teen area, and a children’s section.