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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.

Fans of nature will absolutely love getting outdoors and hitting the trail at the Kansas Nature Trail. The trail was established in 1988 as a means of reestablishing 18 species of prairie grasses and native flowers that were once plentiful on this 80-acre section of land in west Topeka. The trail is designed for visitors to enjoy a self-guided yet easy to follow tour. The walkway is approximately 2.5 miles long and is six to eight feet wide so that it may comfortably accommodate several visitors. The trek begins at the trail head which is immediately east of the Kansas Historical Society parking lot.

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.