LCMS Kansas Distric

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.

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.

It's funny how cyclical everything is. About 30 years ago, music fans lamented the passing of the vinyl record album as it was pushed aside by the smaller, silvery compact disc. Now that mp3s and digital music downloads are the norm, the CD has gone the way of the record. But its magic is still very much alive at Topeka's CD Tradepost. There are three locations in town that all feature a constantly changing inventory and will offer you an opportunity to trade your discs in to receive store credit to trade in or purchase something they have in stock. They also offer a great selection of games and movies, too.

The art of dance is both preserved and passed down thanks to the tireless efforts of the people both onstage and behind the scenes at the Kansas Ballet. Aside from staging several entertainment events throughout the year, not the least of which is the Christmas classic The Nutcracker, the Kansas Ballet also works to foster the talents of young performers with a steady offering of dance instruction and various other art programs that enhance both the skill and spirit of aspiring performers.