Jeannie Freed

Take the whole family on a safari without having to leave the country when you make plans to visit the Topeka Zoological Park. The kids will love seeing and learning about various species of animals from all around the world that include lions, giraffes, primates and more. This 30-acre facility is impressive for so many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it serves as a home to over 300 animals housed in exhibits and attractions that replicate their natural habitats.

The MacLennan Park Trails are located in northwest Topeka and offer some of the area's most stunning scenery as the recreation trail runs along the hills overlooking the Kansas River. There are two types of trails here–a limestone loop and a series of dirt single track hiking and biking trails. Access to the trails is available on the south side of the park on 6th Street, west of Fairlawn Road, as well as on the north side of the park on the west side of the Governor's Mansion.

Rewind the years and travel back to a time when Topeka was a place where iron horses, pioneers, Kaw Indians and Buffalo Bill were all part of life in what was then a rapidly developing area. One of the prime factors in the growth of Topeka is the famed Underground Railroad, and when you visit the Great Overland Station, you can learn about its history and influence, as well as all of the other aspects of life during that economically and historically progressive period of time. Topeka's rich heritage awaits you at Great Overland Station.