Topeka
Around Topeka
Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · Kansas · 232k people
Topeka
“The Capital City”
Heart of the prairie, home of the capitol.
Sunflower goldWashburn BlueCopper
Welcome to Topeka, the heart of the Sunflower State! Whether you're here for the capitol or the chili, you'll find friendly folks and wide-open skies. Get ready to explore our parks and trails.
Clubs for Topeka
No clubs for Topeka yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Topeka. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
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Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Topeka. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Kansas State Capitol Historic building with a famous John Steuart Curry mural.
- Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Commemorates the landmark Supreme Court case at Monroe Elementary.
- Topeka Zoo Small but well-regarded zoo with a rainforest dome.
- Kansas Museum of History Exhibits on Kansas from Native American history to modern times.
- Gage Park City park with a zoo, carousel, and rose garden.
- Lake Shawnee Large reservoir with trails, fishing, and a golf course.
- Outdoors Hike at Shawnee State Lake
- Outdoors Bike the Landon Nature Trail
- With kids Visit the Topeka Zoo
- With kids Explore the Kansas Children's Discovery Center
- Evenings Downtown bars
- Evenings Brewery taprooms
- Locals love Lakes and reservoirs
- Locals love Prairie trails
Through the year
- Sunflower State Games June Multi-sport event for all ages each summer.
- Shawnee County Fair July Livestock, carnival rides, and local food.
- Topeka Jazz Festival June Weekend of live jazz performances downtown.
- Topeka Marathon April Road race through the city, with a half-marathon option.
- Kansas Day Celebration January Statehood anniversary with history programs and community events.
Topeka has a classic Midwestern climate: hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The best times to be out are spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable. Best: Spring and fall are ideal—mild temps and fewer storms.
Talk like a local
- “Top City”
- Nickname for Topeka, from 'Topeka' and 'city'.
- “Kaw”
- Short for the Kansas River, from the Kanza name.
- “The Capitol”
- Refers to the state capitol building or the area around it.
Getaways
- Lawrence College town with music, art, and the University of Kansas.
- Manhattan Home of Kansas State University and the Flint Hills.
- Kansas City Big-city attractions, BBQ, and pro sports.
- Atchison Historic river town with Victorian architecture.
Local flavour
Rooting for Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting Kansas City (MLS), Kansas Jayhawks (NCAA DI), Kansas State Wildcats (NCAA DI)
Eat and drink
- Topeka-style chili and cinnamon rolls A beloved local pairing, often served in schools and diners
- Kansas City-style barbecue Regional favorite, with burnt ends and smoky sauces
- Bison burgers Prairie-inspired, available at many local restaurants
Where people go
- Kansas State Capitol Historic seat of government with a copper dome
- Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site Civil rights landmark in the heart of the city
- Prairie trails and nature preserves Endless grasslands and walking paths
- Classic diners Family-owned spots serving comfort food
Heritage and traditions
Topeka is proud of its role as the state capital and a landmark in civil rights history, home to the Brown v. Board of Education site, and a strong sense of community with a mix of prairie heritage and modern progress.
Say it like a local: “Pop” — A carbonated soft drink.
Festivals
- Fiesta Mexicana Summer A vibrant celebration of Mexican heritage with food, music, and a carnival, held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
- Topeka Art Walk First Friday of each month A monthly event showcasing local artists, galleries, and live music in downtown Topeka.
- Topeka Pride June An annual LGBTQ+ celebration with a parade, vendors, and community events.
- St. Patrick's Day Parade March A festive parade in the historic district, featuring Irish music and green-themed floats.
Landmarks with a story
- Great Overland Station A restored 1927 railroad station that now serves as a museum and event venue.
- Ritchie House A mid-1800s home that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, now a museum.
- Topeka High School A stunning Gothic Revival building from 1931, listed on the National Register.
- First United Methodist Church A historic church with beautiful stained glass, established in the 1800s.
- Temple Beth Sholom A historic synagogue serving the Jewish community since the early 20th century.
- St. Joseph's Catholic Church A historic church that hosts the Fiesta Mexicana and reflects the Hispanic heritage.
Food traditions
- Sunflower seed snacks Locals snack on roasted sunflower seeds, a nod to the state's sunflower fields.
- Sorghum molasses cookies A prairie heritage treat, using locally produced sorghum for a sweet, earthy flavor.
- Mexican tamales at Christmas Many families make or buy tamales for the holidays, a tradition from the Hispanic community.
- Chicken and noodles A comforting Midwest dish, often served over mashed potatoes at family gatherings.
Music and arts
- The band Kansas Progressive rock band that formed in Topeka, leaving a lasting musical legacy.
- Kansas State Capitol murals Artist John Steuart Curry's murals depict Kansas history and are a major art attraction.
- Topeka Civic Theatre One of the oldest community theaters in the country, producing local plays and musicals.
- Topeka Symphony Orchestra Performs classical and pops concerts, enriching the local arts scene.
A little history
- 1854 Topeka founded by anti-slavery settlers
- 1861 Becomes the capital of Kansas when the state is admitted to the Union
- 1887 Susanna Madora Salter elected first woman mayor in the US
- 1951 Great Flood devastates the city, leading to flood control measures
- 1966 A destructive tornado strikes Topeka, causing widespread damage
Rivalries
- Kansas Jayhawks vs Kansas State Wildcats Sunflower Showdown in college basketball and football.
- Topeka vs Lawrence Friendly competition over culture and nightlife.
- Topeka High vs Topeka West Local high school football rivalry.
- Game day Washburn University Ichabods football
- Game day Topeka RoadRunners hockey
- Outdoors Disc golf at the Topeka Disc Golf Course
- Outdoors Sledding at Gage Park in winter
- With kids Ride the miniature train at Gage Park
- With kids Tour the Kansas State Capitol
Topekans speak with a general Midwestern accent, often softening vowels and using terms like 'pop' for soda. You'll hear friendly 'you bet' and references to the 'Sunflower State'. The pace is relaxed, and locals are known for their politeness.
Only here
- The first woman mayor in the US was elected in Topeka in 1887.
- The name 'Topeka' comes from the Kaw people, meaning 'a good place to dig potatoes'.
- The Kansas State Capitol features murals by John Steuart Curry, including the controversial 'Tragic Prelude'.
- The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is the only one of its kind dedicated to school desegregation.
New here? A few tips
- Pronounce it 'toe-PEE-kuh' – locals will appreciate the effort.
- Prepare for weather extremes: hot summers, cold winters, and spring tornado season. Always have a weather radio.
- Try the local specialty: chili and cinnamon rolls – it's a Topeka thing.
- Traffic is generally easy, but watch for state government events that can cause downtown congestion.
- Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site early – it's a moving and important piece of history.
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Nearby
Every areaLawrenceKansasA lively college town with a creative soulOttawaKansasSunflower country, warm hearts.AtchisonKansasWhere the river bends and history takes flight.ManhattanKansasWhere the Flint Hills meet the purple pride.EmporiaKansasWhere the prairie meets the sky.Kansas CityMissouriSmoky barbecue, fountains, and a roar that shakes the stadium.St. JosephMissouriWhere the river meets the wild west.MaryvilleMissouriFriendly faces and wide-open skies
Topeka, KS. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.