Jayson Inscho

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.

Take the plunge and keep cool when you take the family to Topeka's Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center. No matter what level of experience your kids have when it comes to swimming, they will love being in the water and enjoying the many amenities offered by this state-of-the-art aquatic attraction. Among its many fine attributes, the center features challenging diving boards, a kiddie section for toddlers to safely make a splash, and of course, the expansive 50-meter pool itself!

Many hikers and bikers in Topeka enjoy the experience of moving along the Dornwood Park Trail. The trail is located in southeast Topeka and accessible from a trailhead on SE 25th Street, east of California Avenue. The recreational trail winds through the heavily forested Deer Creek and features some challenging, rolling terrain, prairie grasses and breathtaking views.