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Attractions in Topeka, Kansas

Essen Travel is your guide to the many attractions in Topeka, Kansas. Come tour Topeka with us, as we take you on a brief visit of “the place to grow potatoes”, a site centered on “Bleeding Kansas” and where the landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education began. Full of historical sites, 20 first class attractions, beautiful parks, recreational facilities that include three casinos and plenty of fine dining, Topeka is one of the places to be – no matter what time of year it is.

Dining in Topeka

Dining in Topeka, Kansas has never been tastier and the options are endless. Tuptim Thai, specializing in Thai cuisine, is rated one of the most popular restaurants of its kind in Topeka, Kansas. Japanese cuisine can be found at Kiku Japanese Steak House, serving everything from sushi to hibachi grilling as knives dance in front of you. For French cuisine, you couldn’t do better than Chez Yasu French Restaurant in Topeka, Kansas. Built in a renovated home, looks can be deceiving, but your palate will be overwhelmed with tasty delicacies.

If you miss old-fashioned burgers and drive-ins, try Bobo’s Drive-In, classified by many as a “step back in time”. Hand dipped onion rings, fresh burgers and slabs of melting cheese make it a top-notch restaurant for visitors to Topeka and inhabitants alike. From fine dining to a quick stop for fast food, Topeka has anything and everything to tantalize your taste buds.

Festivals and Fairs in Topeka

If festivals and fairs are what you’re looking for, there’s fun to be had for everybody in Topeka. Annually, from February to October, Topeka is bustling with local excitement. The Kansas Film Festival runs in February, celebrating silent films to the music of a live orchestra and organ. May brings the Coleman Hawkins Festival to Topeka.

In June, the Sunflower Music Festival delivers nine days of orchestra and chamber music performed by symphony musicians from as far away as Europe. July, there’s the Spirit of Kansas, the always entertaining Shawnee County Fair, and Fiesta Mexicana – a five day festival that is one of the largest fiestas in the Midwest. Lastly, the Cider Days Fall Festival, in October, which includes living history demonstrations, children’s activities, arts and crafts and much more. In addition, there are a number of festivals, fairs and get-togethers that spring up for a specific year only in Topeka, Kansas.

Arts and Entertainment in Topeka

Topeka, Kansas hosts a vibrant arts community. Broadway musicals, dance companies and other performances have all stopped at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. For music, visitors can listen to the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, Community Concert Association or the Opera Society any day. Annually, the city holds the Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz Festival – a major regional jazz event.

The Washburn University campus holds the Mulvane Art Museum. Topeka also hosts the First Friday Art Walks, which allow people to explore numerous art galleries throughout the city. Adding a bright and shining star, the Civic Theatre holds the oldest continuously running community dinner theater in the country.

Nothing But Fun in Topeka, Kansas

If the arts and fine dining aren’t your cup of tea, Topeka offers up its many recreational activities. If you like golf, you can visit the 18-hole Cypress Ridge Golf Course – 6,313 yards of rolling green with a slope of 117 and a rating of 70.4. There’s also the Dawn to Dusk Disc Golf Club, two cricket clubs, a horseshoe association, dart association and soccer club. Also included in the list of sports that can be found is the Heartland Park, where demolition derbies, drag races, motorcycle tracks and BMX races keep the crowds on their feet.

Old Prairie Town offers a glimpse into the “olden days” of log cabins, Victorian homes and Topeka history. Live demonstrations, music and good food are on the program, as well as a trip through 2.5 acres of botanical gardens. The Kansas Expocentre, host of several popular bands, football games, rodeos and more, always has something going on.

Topeka boasts three active casinos, several skate parks, the beautiful Rose Garden with its many species, seven nature parks, eleven trails and even two lakes. Topeka, Kansas offers a zoo and more fun than you can shake a stick at, you’ll never be bored!

If you like to plan what you’re going to do before you get there, call Essen Travel at 1-800-568-1972 today and let us help you plan your itinerary in Topeka, Kansas!