Go on a truly high-flying adventure when you take the family to Topeka's Combat Air Museum. This is where history truly takes flight as you will marvel at the impressive collection of vintage aircraft. The museum boasts a collection of military and aviation oriented memorabilia that dates all the way back to World War I and spans history to include items of interest from the present day space shuttle missions. In addition to these impressive exhibits and attractions, you can also check out several missiles and a cannon that are on display.
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.
Harley aficionados are a different breed, and that is most definitely a good thing. If you or someone close to you embraces the Harley lifestyle, then a visit to the Topeka Harley-Davidson Museum is a definite must whenever you are in town. When you step into this highly unique museum, you will see approximately 30 different and rare Harley-Davidson motorcycles all consummately displayed so as to highlight every detail. There is also an equally impressive collection of pictures, tools, and collectibles that are all associated with this iconic motorcycle.
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.
Forget the everyday stresses as you and your date escape to a romantic world where colors, artistic expression and inspiration are the main focus. Such a destination is the Mulvane Art Museum. You will both love strolling leisurely from one gallery to the next taking in some of the world's most breathtaking artwork on your date. The collections at the Mulvane are both national and international in scope, and the facility which first opened its doors in 1924, is the oldest accredited art museum west of the Mississippi River.
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.