How to Tour Topeka, Kansas

The northwestern section of Kansas is the home to its capital city, Topeka. Founded in 1854, the city was a stopping place for westward bound pioneers on the banks of the Kansas River, and was active in the pre-Civil War abolitionist movement. Rich with history, Kansas's capital city is a delight to explore. Read on for tips on making your trip to Topeka a memorable one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Spend some time at Shawnee County Park. Relax in the park's campgrounds, fish in the lake, play golf or enjoy the beach. There is also a pool and areas for soccer, softball and volleyball. Call [phone] for more information and reservations.
2. Put the Kansas Museum of History on your list of places to see. The museum has a center focused on the archaeological history of Kansas and uses researchers from Kansas universities and the Kansas State Historical Society to document the state's rich past.
3. Visit Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site. Prairie Town takes you back in time to the mid- and late-1800s with Town Square, a 6-acre site complete with a schoolhouse, stable, drug store, general store, a log cabin and many other fascinating reminders of life in 19th century Topeka.
4. Attend the First Presbyterian Church, started in 1859. The current building was constructed in the late 1800s. The church is known for its Tiffany windows, created by Louis C. Tiffany in 1911.
5. Wander through the Kansas State Capitol. The area is called Capitol Square because it rests on 20 acres of donated land. Construction of the capitol took 37 years to complete. The building houses murals by John Steuart Curry and a capital dome that is 304-feet high, which can be climbed from the fifth floor to the summit.

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