Topeka Kansas Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Restaurants & Hotels

Planning a trip to Topeka, Kansas? This vibrant capital city might just surprise you! With a blend of rich history, local food gems, and revitalized downtown energy, Topeka is full of cool things to do—whether you’re here for a quick weekend getaway or making it a stop on your Kansas road trip.

Planning a trip to Topeka, Kansas? This capital city might not be the largest in the state, but it’s one of the most culturally and historically significant—and it offers a surprising mix of history, food, and art.

Located in northeast Kansas along the Kansas River, Topeka has roots that trace back to the Oregon Trail, when westward travelers crossed the river here by ferry. It later grew into a bustling commercial hub, and today it’s known for major moments in American history—like the landmark Brown v. Board of Education court case—as well as one of the most stunning state capitol buildings in the country.

But Topeka isn’t just about history. The city has a growing art scene, family-friendly attractions, and retro-style spots, where you can sip wild milkshakes and play arcade games.

In this travel guide, you’ll discover the top attractions in Topeka, where to find the best local eats (including those over-the-top milkshakes), and the best places to stay—from boutique hotels to budget-friendly options. So if you’re wondering what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Topeka, you’re in the right place.

Best Things to Do in Topeka, Kansas

Visit Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Did you know there’s a National Park site in Topeka? And not just any site—this one commemorates a defining moment in American history. Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park honors the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, a monumental step forward in the Civil Rights Movement.

The site is housed in Monroe Elementary School, one of four formerly segregated schools in Topeka. It was here that the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case began in 1951, when Topeka resident Oliver Brown tried to enroll his daughter in the all-white school closest to their home and was denied based on race.

On May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court issued its unanimous decision stating “We conclude that in the field of public education, the doctrine of ‘separate but equal’ has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.”

Today, the school building is operated by the National Park Service as a Civil Rights interpretive center. Start your visit in the auditorium with a compelling 30-minute film that traces the history of racism and segregation in America.

Then explore the museum’s two main exhibit galleries; the first gallery details the systemic barriers African Americans faced in accessing education from the early 1800s through the Brown decision, and the second gallery focuses on the legacy of the ruling and the broader Civil Rights Movement that followed. You can also step inside a preserved kindergarten classroom to see what Monroe Elementary looked like in 1954.

Park hours are Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays and Mondays). Admission is free, but food and drinks are not allowed inside.

Tour the Kansas State Capitol

By far one of the best things to do in Topeka is visit the Kansas State Capitol, an architectural marvel that towers over the city skyline. Constructed entirely from Kansas limestone and crowned with the Ad Astra statue—a Kaw warrior aiming his bow toward the North Star—the Capitol is both the heart of state government and one of the state’s most treasured landmarks.

Construction began in 1866 and took 37 years to complete, finally wrapping up in 1903. The building stands 306 feet tall, making it 17 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and it’s been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.

The exterior is stunning, but it’s the interior that truly impresses, with murals, sculptures, and artwork by local Kansas artists on display throughout its grand halls. Visitors can take free guided or self-guided tours Monday through Saturday.

There are two tour options: a traditional history tour of the main floors, and the thrilling Dome Tour, which takes you up 296 narrow steps into the inner dome and out to a viewing platform with panoramic city views.

The Dome Tour isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re brave enough, the climb is well worth it. Even if you don’t make it all the way to the top, the inner architecture is just incredible to see.

Tours begin hourly starting at 9:15 a.m. from the Visitor Center on 8th Avenue. No reservations are needed—just check in when you arrive.

👉 Want a closer look at what it’s like to climb the dome? Read this full guide on touring the Kansas State Capitol here.

Marvel at the architecture of Topeka High School

You don’t have to be a student to appreciate the jaw-dropping beauty of Topeka High School. This three-story Gothic Revival masterpiece looks more like a grand European university than a public high school—and it’s easily one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in Kansas!

Built in 1931 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, the building features a 165-foot bell tower, six stained-glass installations, and a show-stopping library modeled after the Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace—once home to King Henry VIII. The library is truly regal, with hand-painted ceilings and hand-carved wooden bookshelves that reflect the school’s incredible attention to detail.

Topeka High is also home to the world’s only 18-note working Deagan chime system installed in a public high school, adding to its uniqueness and historic charm.

The design was the work of alumnus Thomas W. Williamson, who spared no expense. At $1.8 million, it was one of the first million-dollar high schools built west of the Mississippi.

You’ll find Topeka High School at 800 SW 10th Street, just a few blocks from the State Capitol.

📸 Pro tip: Walk the grounds freely to admire the tower and stonework from the outside, but if you’re an architecture buff or history lover, don’t miss the free interior tour offered by the Topeka High Historical Society.

✨ See the Tiffany stained glass at First Presbyterian Church

If you appreciate art or architecture, don’t miss the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Topeka. Built in 1884, this elegant stone church is one of the very few in the United States to feature Tiffany stained glass windows—making it a hidden gem for design lovers and history buffs.

Installed in 1911, these ten glowing masterpieces are made of Favrile glass, a technique patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1880. Unlike traditional stained glass, Favrile glass is crafted without any paints or stains—its colors are embedded into the glass itself using precious additives like cobalt, gold, and copper. The result? An iridescent, shimmering effect that changes with the light and gives each window a unique, almost ethereal glow.

This rare artistic feature makes the First Presbyterian church not just a house of worship, but a living work of art. Be sure to stop by during daylight hours so you can fully appreciate how the sunlight plays across the glass. It’s located at 817 SW Harrison Street, just a short walk from the Kansas State Capitol.

Explore the vibrant arts scene in NOTO 🎨

To find the colorful and creative side of Topeka, head to NOTO—short for North Topeka Arts District. This up-and-coming neighborhood is home to a growing community of artists working to revitalize the area through public art, galleries, and grassroots events.

Wander along Kansas Avenue in NOTO and you’ll discover several art galleries, vintage shops, and striking street murals—each adding vibrancy and character to the district. If you only have time for one stop, make it the NOTO Arts Center.

Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibits, a gift shop filled with locally made art, and friendly staff eager to share stories about the area’s rich (and sometimes turbulent) history—including the devastating flood that changed the district forever.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of chatting with Michaela, an Australian transplant and staff member at the Arts Center, who candidly explained how North Topeka earned its “Compton of Kansas” nickname—and how the community is working to reshape that image through art and inclusivity.

Of course, no visit to NOTO is complete without checking out the murals! Don’t miss the iconic “Greetings from Topeka” postcard mural and make sure to stroll by the surreal elephant mural on the corner of Kansas and Laurent Streets.

🎭 If you’re lucky, you might catch a live band or performance in the small park just across from the Arts Center.

Grab a pint (and a Scandinavian dish) at Norsemen Brewing 🍻

While you’re exploring North Topeka, make time for a stop at Norsemen Brewing Company—a local favorite where the beer is bold and the Viking vibes are strong.

Don’t worry, there’s no pillaging or plundering here—just handcrafted brews with Norse-inspired names like Odin’s One-Eye IPA and Shield Maiden Wheat. It’s one of the best spots in NOTO to unwind with a pint and some good food.

The menu offers Midwest-meets-Scandinavia comfort food like Swedish meatballs, Swedish sausage stroganoff, and the cheekily named Savory and Swede (crispy fried goat cheese balls drizzled with sweet lingonberry jam).

Enjoy it all in a sophisticated, lodge-style space that feels a bit like modern day Valhalla (minus the longboats). Whether you come for the beer, the food, or just the atmosphere, Norsemen Brewing is a can’t-miss stop in NOTO!

🍨 Save room for dessert—the lingonberry sundae and goat cream cheesecake give classic sweets a Nordic twist you won’t find anywhere else in Kansas.

Spend a day at the Topeka Zoo 🐾

If you’re looking for family-friendly fun in Topeka, head to the Topeka Zoo—a longtime local favorite that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. With a mix of classic zoo animals and rare species, it’s an easy and affordable way to spend a few hours.

Of course you’ll find familiar favorites like elephants, lions, and hyenas, but the real draw is the zoo’s more unusual residents. Keep an eye out for the Chevrotain (a.k.a. the mouse deer) which holds the title of the smallest hoofed animal in the world, and the striking Nicobar pigeon, considered the closest living relative to the extinct dodo bird.

Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend activity or a road tripper with kids in tow, the Topeka Zoo is a great place to spend a few wild hours.

🎟️ Admission is budget-friendly with tickets under $10 per person making it one of the best-value attractions in Topeka. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. so you’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Where to Eat in Topeka, Kansas

The Pennant for awesome burgers, shakes, and arcade fun! 🍔

If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary, The Pennant is a must-visit in downtown Topeka. This lively two-story restaurant combines great food with retro fun, featuring a four-lane bowling alley downstairs and a vintage arcade upstairs packed with classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Street Fighter, and Skeeball.

The menu is just as playful as the atmosphere, offering a wide selection of juicy burgers, wings, wraps, pulled pork sandwiches, and loaded fries. Fan-favorite starters include the mac and cheese balls, fried cheese curds, and rosemary parmesan fries. If you’re adventurous, don’t miss the “Get Elote Of This” burger or the infamous PBJ donut burger.

But what really steals the show here are the Instagram-worthy milkshakes. These over-the-top creations include the “You’re Killing Me Smalls” shake (burnt marshmallow dip, fudge, Hershey’s chocolate, and graham crackers) and the PBJ shake made with strawberry ice cream and you guessed it—peanut butter and jelly.

With friendly staff, affordable prices ($5 bowling with shoe rental and arcade games under $1), and a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails, The Pennant is part restaurant, part entertainment hub. Come hungry—and ready to play!

👉 See instagram-worthy shakes at The Pennant here.

Saltwell Farm & Kitchen for a magical farm-to-table experience

For a truly memorable dining experience near Topeka, make a reservation at Saltwell Farm & Kitchen in nearby Overbrook. Just 20 minutes east of the city, this intimate farm-to-table destination offers a dreamy eight-course tasting menu that celebrates local ingredients and Kansas’ agricultural roots.

Dinner here is more than a meal—it’s an evening-long culinary journey. The seasonal tasting menu changes weekly based on what’s fresh and available from nearby farms (with just a few exceptions like olive oil and spices).

You won’t know what’s on the menu until you sit down, but expect a delicious progression that includes a charcuterie, two appetizers, salad, soup, pasta, a hearty main, and dessert—each course served at an unhurried pace.

The experience encourages lingering. Guests are welcome (and encouraged!) to wander the farm between courses, mingle with the goats, or find a cat to cuddle. Or simply sip a cocktail or wine under string lights, soaking in the rural charm and peaceful garden setting.

From May through October, dinners are served outdoors beneath the stars. In cooler months, the cozy indoor dining room—with a wood-burning stove—sets the scene.

If you’re celebrating something special or looking for an extraordinary experience, Saltwell Farm & Kitchen is one of the most unique and unforgettable dining experiences in Kansas.

👉 Dinner is offered Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 6:30 p.m. and the full experience lasts about 3–4 hours.

Where to Stay in Topeka, Kansas

Topeka offers a variety of affordable and comfortable accommodations for every kind of traveler. If you’re looking to stay downtown, the upscale Cyrus Hotel is a standout choice. This boutique property blends modern design with historic elegance, and is just steps from downtown dining.

For those who prefer to be closer to Interstate-70, consider staying in southwest Topeka. Both Hilton Garden Inn and the Hampton Inn offer spacious, well-appointed rooms at reasonable rates, with easy access to popular national restaurants like Texas Roadhouse, Cracker Barrel, and Panera Bread—ideal for travelers looking for convenience and comfort on the road.

The Cyrus Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown, The Cyrus Hotel is Topeka’s first boutique hotel—a sleek blend of historic architecture and contemporary Midwestern charm. Named after Topeka’s founder, Cyrus K. Holliday, the hotel is just steps from the Kansas State Capitol and the lively Kansas Avenue dining and nightlife district.

Rooms are stylish and well-appointed, featuring plush beds, work desks, and city views. Amenities include pet-friendly rooms, a fitness center, valet parking, and a cozy courtyard with a fire pit. The hotel is also home to The Weather Room, recognized by People Magazine as one of the Top 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America, serving upscale American fare—steaks, brunch, cocktails, and more.

The Cyrus Hotel offers a refined, locally inspired stay in Topeka’s revitalized downtown. Whether you’re here for sightseeing, business, or a weekend getaway, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the city’s top attractions and dining hotspots. Check rates here.

Prairie Band Casino & Resort (Mayetta, Kansas) 🌾

Located just 30 minutes north of Topeka on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation, this sprawling resort offers more than gaming. It’s a great multi‑night stay if you want to unwind with amenities galore.

You’ll enjoy a full circuit of hydrotherapy at the Cedar & Sage Spa—complete with steam room, sauna, salt wall, cold plunge, and hot tub. The resort also features an indoor pool, courtyard with hot tubs, and a fun arcade for kids.

Food and entertainment options include onsite dining, live shows, and the immersive Topgolf Swing Suites, where you can play virtual golf and other exciting virtual games. With 297 rooms, plus an RV park, Prairie Band Resort is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking to relax for a few days. Check rates here.

Topeka / Capital City KOA Campground ⛺️

Located just 16 minutes south of downtown Topeka, this family-friendly KOA Campground is a great stopover for road trippers, RV travelers, and campers wanting to explore the city while enjoying nature and creature comforts.

The campground offers full-service RV sites with free cable TV and Wi-Fi, plus spacious tent sites—perfect whether you’re traveling with kids, pets, or just looking for a peaceful retreat. No RV? No problem! Several cabins and bunkhouses that range from cozy one-room units to deluxe cabins with a full bath, mini kitchen, outdoor grill, and campfire ring, are available for those who prefer a “non-roughing-it” experience.

Onsite amenities include a new saltwater pool, fishing ponds, hiking trail, playground, horseshoe pits, and even a KampK9 dog park for your furry travel companions. The turn-of-the-century Barn General Store adds a rustic charm and houses additional guest services.

With plenty of wide-open space, this KOA offers a relaxing, convenient base for exploring all that Topeka has to offer—whether you’re in town for the day or staying a bit longer.

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