Outdoors
in Topeka, KS

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There’s nothing better than breathing fresh air and getting in touch with nature. State parks, botanical gardens, trails, lakes, and farms are exactly the place to do it – and this area is full of them.

Take a look at all the options within driving distance – you’ll be surprised at how close your next adventure is. We provide the driving directions, but the sunscreen’s on you!
Dornwood Park Trail
Dornwood Park Trail

(785) 338-0161

Topeka, KS
Website

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.

Kansas Nature Trail
Kansas Nature Trail

(785) 272-8683

6425 SW 6th Ave
Topeka, KS 66615   Directions Website

Fans of nature will absolutely love getting outdoors and hitting the trail at the Kansas Nature Trail. The trail was established in 1988 as a means of reestablishing 18 species of prairie grasses and native flowers that were once plentiful on this 80-acre section of land in west Topeka. The trail is designed for visitors to enjoy a self-guided yet easy to follow tour. The walkway is approximately 2.5 miles long and is six to eight feet wide so that it may comfortably accommodate several visitors. The trek begins at the trail head which is immediately east of the Kansas Historical Society parking lot.

Kansas River
Kansas River

(785) 312-7200

Topeka, KS
Website

The Kansas (or Kaw) River stretches an impressive 171 miles from its origin in Junction City all the way to its confluence with the Missouri River. Aside from being the source of water for many communities in northern Kansas, this popular body of water attracts many anglers, boaters and swimmers and has gone on to become one of the most valued recreational resources for thousands of visitors each year.

Lake Shawnee
Lake Shawnee

(785) 251-2600

3137 SE 29th
Topeka, KS 66605   Directions Website

When you visit Lake Shawnee, you can expect to have some great fun outdoors either sunbathing, fishing or enjoying a picnic on the shore. But you may not have expected such excellent amenities as the nearby Garden House, Reynolds Lodge, a marina, tennis courts, volleyball courts, campgrounds and even a golf course. When you spend some quality time at Lake Shawnee, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised!

MacLennan Park Trails
MacLennan Park Trails

(785) 338-0161

Topeka, KS
Website

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.

Missouri River
Missouri River

(785) 312-7200

Topeka, KS
Website

The Missouri River flows through the northeastern border of Kansas and actually travels through ten states. The section of the river that runs through Topeka is popular as it attracts families who are out to enjoy a day of fun in the sun that includes recreation like fishing, swimming and boating.

Pomona Lake
Pomona Lake

(785) 828-4933

Topeka, KS
Website

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.

Reinisch Rose Garden
Reinisch Rose Garden

(785) 251-2600

685 SW Gage Blvd
Topeka, KS 66604   Directions Website

Sure, there's romantic music, romantic meals and even romantic poetry, but nothing symbolizes romance quite as effectively as a beautiful rose. The two of you can enjoy the multilayer bouquet of sights and smells when you stroll hand in hand on a date at the Reinisch Rose Garden. The walking paths are lined with beautiful roses and even offer several small benches where you and your sweetheart can sit and take it all in. The garden is home to 6,500 bushes of roses that are captivatingly presented over 2 ½ acres.

Shunga Trail
Shunga Trail

(785) 251-2600

4801 SW Shunga Dr
Topeka, KS 66614   Directions Website

Topeka’s Shunga Trail is one of the city's most popular sites for recreational fun. This trail is ideal for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. It runs from the northeast corner of Topeka to the southwest corner. The majority of the trail runs through city parks, which makes it accessible to even more recreational opportunities for the whole family.

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