West Ridge Animal Health Center

Fans of the outdoors love making the short drive to Pomona Lake. Located 31 miles southeast of Topeka, this 4,000-square-foot lake is not only the perfect setting for a family outing or picnic but also you can take a swim or go boating and fishing. The lake is known for being an excellent place to catch such fish as crappie and channel catfish. So grab the family, get some sunscreen and get ready to catch a great time out at Pomona Lake.

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.

When the leaves begin to turn color at the beginning of autumn, Topeka residents know that the Cider Days Fall Festival will be happening soon. This popular event has been held for the past 18 years and is the primary fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Kansas. This event draws guests from northern Kansas as well as the surrounding areas. Cider Days pays tribute to the pioneers who established and settled Kansas. Attractions at this popular gathering include live music, food, games, and arts and crafts.

While it may be true that you can always read about history, it is a very rare occasion when you can actually step back into it. That unique opportunity is offered to visitors of the Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site. Over the course of this history-laden one-half acre area, you can see, hear, and touch various examples of living history. Some of the many highlights and attractions include a fully restored 1870 Victorian mansion, a wood cabin, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, a stone barn, a church and a general store. Don't forget to check out the gift shop and the nearby botanical garden.