7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Topeka Kansas

We all need a little beauty in our lives now a days, am I right? These last few months have been an anxiety riddled nightmare. However, even in the darkest and most confusing of times we can find beauty. To be honest I’ve never been a big fan of living in our state capital, but I have found 7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Topeka Kansas that bring me solace. If you are looking for a budget friendly day trip to relax and spend time outdoors, I highly recommend these seven locations.

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1. Ward-Meade Historical Site Botanical Garden

My husband didn’t inform me this garden existed until a few short months ago. Not sure why he kept it a hidden gem, but I’m so glad he finally decided to take me to the Ward-Meade Historical Site. If you love history or flowers, then you will love this park. It’s typically not crowded except during the apple festival season, and is such a soothing place to be. There are plenty of benches, so bring a good book and have a read under some of the beautiful trees in the Botanical Garden. You won’t regret it.

2. Lake Shawnee

Lake Shawnee is surrounded by trails for biking and walking. It’s especially beautiful in the early morning or late evening when all the wildlife is most active. There are places to fish and camp around the lake as well, so if you would like to spend a few days soaking in the outdoors you certainly can. There’s a golf course nearby and plenty of play areas for the kiddos. Basically, Lake Shawnee has it all.

3. Kansas Museum of History

The Kansas Museum of History is so underappreciated. The Museum is beautiful inside and out. If you are looking for something unique and educational to do in Topeka, then this is the place for you. Hiking trails around the museum are wide, calming, and never overcrowded. The museum itself grants an excellent opportunity to meditate on the history of Kansas or just detach for awhile and clear your mind. It’s one of my favorite places in the city.

4. Gage Park

Gage Park is in the center of Topeka and is perfect for a morning walk. The goslings and baby wood ducks alone are worth a trip to Gage Park in the spring. The rose garden is also beautiful when the roses are in bloom. You can’t walk more than a few yards in Gage Park without seeing flowers. The park does get busier in the afternoon and on the weekends, but there’s always a table or grassy area for retreat.

5. Ted Ensley Gardens

The best time to visit Ted Ensley Gardens is in Spring during tulip season. It’s stunning during when all the tulips are in bloom. The park isn’t very big, but it’s right by the lake and well tended. It’s directly next to Lake Shawnee, so it is an ideal stop for people who love the water. Basically if you are looking for a place for family photos or for peaceful prayer, this is the park for you.

6. Topeka Zoo

Out of the 7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Topeka Kansas, the Topeka Zoo is the only place you will need to pay to see. I chose to include it on the list, because my husband and I had the honor of meeting the horticulturist that works in the zoo. He is gifted, truly. One of the goals of the Zoo is expansion and the first step of that expansion is creating a Japanese Garden, which should be completed in the next year. I can’t wait to see this already beautiful location become even more stunning when renovations are complete.

7. Governor’s Mansion Trails

Our final location in the list of 7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Topeka Kansas is Governor’s Mansion. The area has serene trails, a duck pond, and wide open grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic. If you want a country experience without driving outside the city then this is the perfect place for you.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about these 7 Beautiful Places to Visit in Topeka Kansas. For extra more travel tips, check out these additional blog posts:

Best Small Towns in America: Highlights of Lindsborg, KS
The Ultimate Kansas State University Bucket List
10 of the Best Hikes in Kansas
What to Do With an 8 Hour Layover in Philadelphia

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Love Always,