Centerpiece Photography

The Ward-Meade Park in Topeka allows you to literally step back in time to experience what life was like during a time when settlers were making their way on the Oregon Trail. Luckily, some stayed in this part of the world, and you can take a self-guided tour of some of the fascinating places that used to inhabit the area. Marvel at the detail of a general store, a Southern-style mansion, botanical gardens and log cabins that all help create a true scenario of what Topeka looked like back in the early part of the 20th century.

Topeka’s Shunga Trail is one of the city's most popular sites for recreational fun. This trail is ideal for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. It runs from the northeast corner of Topeka to the southwest corner. The majority of the trail runs through city parks, which makes it accessible to even more recreational opportunities for the whole family.

Curtain calls, the lights dim, and ushers are hurriedly making sure that everyone finds their seat before the lights go up at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. This first-class entertainment venue is where all the big shows happen, and fans of all types of music respect the venue's reputation for always presenting a truly unforgettable show. Rock, blues, country, classical and even Christian musical acts have all graced the stage here. In addition to presenting great events, the venue is also available for receptions and corporate functions.

Topeka's history is full of surprises. One of the most noteworthy is the fact that a native of the city, Charles Curtis, was the first Native American to serve as Vice President during the Herbert Hoover administration. Get a more detailed look at Curtis' life and work when you visit the Charles Curtis House Museum. The finely preserved details of the furnishings and personal items on display all go to help tell the story of Curtis' life as well as his significant contribution to American political history.