Welcome to the state capital of Topeka, Kansas! Like many capitals, Topeka is blends a business-focused downtown with plenty of local flair and unique charm.
Conveniently located along Kansas I-70, Topeka is an easy stop on any road trip or a wonderful weekend destination. From a stunning state capitol building and important historical sites to a vibrant arts district and unique places to eat, there are a lot of reasons why Topeka is worth a trip.
Keep reading to discover seven offbeat things to do in Topeka, Kansas, plus some great places to eat, drink and stay on your next visit.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Kansas I-70 Association. However, all opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
Offbeat Things to Do in Topeka, Kansas
Climb to the Top of the Kansas State Capitol
While you’re in Topeka, it’s worth taking the time to tour the Kansas State Capitol. Not only is this building full of great public art pieces and beautiful architecture, but it’s also home to some unique pieces of Kansas history.
Completed in March of 1903, the construction of the Kansas State Capitol took 37 years. The impressive building features a breathtaking rotunda filled with public art and sculpture. In 2002, a statue titled Ad Astra featuring a Kaw warrior with a drawn bow and arrow was placed atop the capitol dome. Today, it remains an eye-catching symbol against the Topeka skyline.
Fun Fact: The Kansas State Capitol is approximately 17 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The Capitol is open to visitors Monday through Saturday, and offers a variety of guided and self-guided tour options.
If you can brave the heights, I recommend a Guided Dome Tour. This free tour takes you up 296 steps to get a close-up view of the capitol’s inner and outer domes. It’s a really memorable experience and a cool view of downtown Topeka! That said, if you’re afraid of heights, are concerned about climbing stairs or are traveling with small children, this might not be the best fit for you.
Kansas State Capitol, SW 8th & SW Van Buren Streets in Topeka, Kansas
Visit the Brown v. Board of Education Historical Park
Experience racial justice history up close at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. Like me, you likely learned about the Supreme Court’s decision in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case in 1954, which determined that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” At this historic site, you can step inside the halls of Monroe Elementary School, one of the segregated schools for black children in Topeka.
The historic site not only gives a great overview of what school desegregation looked like in Kansas, but also how the case’s impact played out across the nation during the 1950s and beyond.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, 1515 SE Monroe Street in Topeka, Kansas
Wander Ted Ensley Gardens
Enjoy the outdoors with a walk through Topeka’s Ted Ensley Gardens. Located on the west side of Lake Shawnee, this 37.5-acre botanic garden features more than 1,500 varieties of perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs. The gardens are beautiful, no matter the season, and the paved walking trails make for an easy stroll around the park.
Ted Ensley Gardens, 3650 SE West Edge Road in Topeka, Kansas
Snap a Photo with the World’s Largest Wren
While the Meadowlark may be the Kansas state bird, the World’s Largest Wren has remained an enduring symbol of Topeka for almost 100 years.
In 1926, the radio station W.R.E.N. began its first broadcast in Lawrence, Kansas. According to local accounts, the station’s first broadcast took place in the back room of the Bowersock Mills & Power Company, with the microphone balanced on a stack of empty flour sacks.
Like any good brand, W.R.E.N. needed a lovable mascot. So, sometime in the 1930s (accounts of exactly when tend to vary), the station commissioned an unknown artist to create a giant wren statue out of wire mesh and concrete to stand in front of the station’s studios. In 1947, the station moved to Topeka and the World’s Largest Wren came along with it. For decades, the big bird sat perched atop the station’s roof.
But in 1987, the radio station went off the air for good and some feared the World’s Largest Wren’s legacy would go with it. A few years later when a new station took over its offices, the statue was sold as part of a fundraiser. The group, Historic Topeka, Inc., purchased the big bird for $1,500 and donated it back to the city to become a local landmark. At the time, artist Buck Thomas restored and repainted the now-faded wren to bring it back to its former glory.
Today, the World’s Largest Wren calls Topeka’s tiny Huntoon Park home. Head to the intersection of Huntoon Street and Topeka Boulevard to Huntoon Park where the big bird is encircled by a raised flowerbed, making it an awesome photo op.
World’s Largest Wren, 466-498 SW Huntoon Street in Topeka, Kansas
Experience Truckhenge
If you love roadside attractions, the detour to visit Truckhenge is worth your while! This unusual art park features all sorts of chainsaw carvings, paintings and reclaimed sculptures made from old bottles, vehicles and more. Located less than 15 minutes northeast of downtown Topeka, this spot is an easy detour to make while you’re exploring the city.
Truckhenge Farm, 4124 NE Brier Road in Topeka, Kansas
Explore NOTO Arts & Entertainment District
Located north of downtown Topeka, the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is a vibrant business district that has been transformed by public art. You’ll find roughly 40 pieces of art sprinkled throughout this part of Topeka, from murals and sculptures to colorful crosswalks and pop-up installations.
For even more art, be sure to pop into the NOTO Arts Center, which houses gallery space for exhibitions as well as occasional art classes.
Stop by the Equality House
Since March 2013, the Equality House has served as a symbol of compassion and positive change in Topeka’s Westboro neighborhood. Located across the street from the ultra-conservative Westboro Baptist Church, this local landmark is a reminder of inclusivity and equality.
The home serves as the headquarters of the nonprofit Planting Peace, and sits next door to the Mott House, which was painted the colors of the trans flag in 2016 to honor the late Kansas activist Stephanie Mott.
Equality House, 1200 SW Orleans Street in Topeka, Kansas
Discover Offbeat Gems Along I-70
Driving along the Kansas I-70 corridor? There are plenty of places worth pulling over along the way! Discover unexpected museums, roadside attractions, epic eateries, unique places to stay and so much more.
Unique Places to Eat & Drink in Topeka, Kansas
Circle Coffee Co.
Coffee is an essential part of any road trip, and if I’m passing through Topeka, I make a point to stop at Circle Coffee Co. This charming local shop has plenty of space to sit and work, or meet up with a friend over a coffee or two. Plus, they make a truly excellent oat milk cortado, which is always an essential for me.
Circle Coffee Co., 1710 SW Medford Avenue in Topeka, Kansas
G’s Frozen Custard
There are few things I love more than a sweet treat, and G’s Frozen Custard quickly became one of my favorite local gems. Seriously. I visited G’s twice during my most recent trip to Topeka.
This local spot opened in 1991 and has been serving up quality custard ever since. Even if you’re skeptical, my recommendation is to order their signature Brown Bread flavor. This unique flavor is malty and creamy without being too overpowering. Trust me! You won’t regret it.
G’s Frozen Custard, 1301 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka, Kansas
Hanover Pancake House
Every city needs a classic breakfast spot and in Topeka, it’s the Hanover Pancake House. This popular diner is a local institution, serving all sorts of hearty breakfast and lunch options.
Hanover Pancake House is also where I discovered one of the most incredible breakfast foods I had never imagined before. This Topeka eatery calls these options “pancake wraps,” though essentially, these delicious menu items are breakfast burritos using a giant pancake in place of a tortilla. I ordered the Banana Joe Wrap, which is made is a giant banana pancake and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
Hanover Pancake House, 1034 S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka, Kansas
The Pennant
Old school fun meets delicious dining at The Pennant in downtown Topeka! Work up an appetite with a round of bowling in The Pennant’s four-lane bowling alley or head upstairs to feel like a kid again with some vintage arcade games.
Then, grab a burger, wrap or other menu item alongside a seriously comprehensive selection of fries and sides. Don’t forget to save room for dessert! The Pennant is known for its Instagram-famous, hand-blended milkshakes in all sorts of mouthwatering flavor combinations.
The Pennant, 915 S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka, Kansas
The Wheel Barrel
As a lover of cheese, I was delighted to learn about The Wheel Barrel, a restaurant in Topeka’s NOTO Arts District that specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches. Established in 2015, this popular local spot often has a line out the door during lunchtime and it’s easy to see why.
With a menu of more than a dozen grilled cheese options (plus some great accompanying soups and salads), there’s all sorts of cheesy goodness to enjoy here. Whether you’re looking for a traditional sandwich or a unique innovation (like the Monte Cristo served with grape jelly), your taste buds will thank you for a visit to The Wheel Barrel.
The Wheel Barrel, 925 N. Kansas Avenue in Topeka, Kansas
Where to Stay in Topeka, Kansas
Cyrus Hotel
If you’re looking for an incredible place to stay in the heart of downtown Topeka, look no further than the Cyrus Hotel. Not only does this beautiful Tribute Portfolio Hotel offer all sorts of luxurious amenities, but it’s also blocks away from the Kansas State Capitol, great restaurants and so much more.
The hotel is named for Cyrus K. Holliday, the Kansas pioneer and businessman credited with founding the city of Topeka. You’ll notice historic, personal around the hotel, including his portrait on the walls of rooms and common spaces. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable with beautiful views of downtown Topeka and the Kansas State Capitol building.
Cyrus Hotel, 920 S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka, Kansas
Other Places to Stay in Topeka, KS
There’s no shortage of places to stay in Kansas’ capital. From traditional hotels to short-term rentals and offbeat inns, you’re sure to find something that fits your travel preferences and your budget in Topeka.
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I would love to hear from you! What are your favorite offbeat things to do in Topeka, Kansas?
