Rule's Blacksmith & Welding

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.

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.

The White Concert Hall in Topeka is found on the Washburn University campus and is fittingly the home of the school's music department. The impressive entertainment venue also is the home of the Sunflower Music Festival. Additionally, the Topeka Symphony Orchestra is based here as well, and their several performances throughout the year always attract large and enthusiastic crowds. The venue is also where local groups like the Festivals Singers perform and various other community concert events take place.