Kevin Schierling, MD

Topeka is the proud capitol city of Kansas. Learn about the unbreakable bond between history and politics when you take a tour of the Kansas State Capitol Building. Seven days a week you can take a self-guided tour of this amazing building. Familiarize yourself with the people and events that led to the development and progress of the state. Plus, you can also take a tour of the dome of the building.

If you and your friends are out and want to grab a few drinks in a truly comfortable, no-frills environment, then make your way over to Topeka's Matinee Club. Don't let the name fool you, this charmingly low-key nightlife venue is one of those places that makes little effort to draw attention to itself. Instead, the bartenders, waitresses and fellow guests all enjoy the relaxed if somewhat detached mood of the place. Come in, enjoy a few rounds, and feel like you've been at a friend's house who doesn't like to make a big deal about things, but you still manage to have a great time in his company anyway.

Dig into the state's past in a truly memorable way when you visit the Kansas History Center. Perhaps the most compelling attribute of this impressive venue is that it encapsulates the widest scope of history as it begins in the prehistoric period and presents the most noteworthy events through time all the way up to the recent past. Various multimedia exhibits and attractions, artifacts, photographs and interactive presentations are used to illustrate the importance of the people and the events that have all been a part of the state's uncompromising history.

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.