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Why go there

Topeka is the seat of government in Kansas and holds historical significance in the pre-Civil War period, in settling the West and in expansion of the railroads. It also is the home of one of the landmark civil rights cases in U.S. history, Brown v. Board of Education. But aside from that, the city is fun. It features a blend of history and culture with its massive and ornate Capitol, numerous museums, parks, growing arts movement and funky neighborhoods.

What to do there

Visit a turn-of-the-century general store and vintage soda fountain at Old Prairie Town at the Ward-Meade Historic Site, or head over to Heartland Park for some serious car racing. There are a ton of art galleries, the Kansas Museum of History and Combat Air Museum. Or visit the Great Overland Station, a classically restored depot.

Must see

Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site and Museum; the historic Monroe Elementary provides the platform to appreciate the significance of the 1954 decision that outlawed segregation. Admission is free. Check out Bobo’s Drive In, a classic diner at 2300 SW 10th Ave.

For the kids

Gage Park is the perfect place to let the kids run off some steam. The park is home to the Topeka Zoo, Reinisch Rose Garden, Helen Hocker Theater and Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center. It also has a mini-train ride.

Pocketbook friendly

One of the best things to do in Topeka is tour the historic limestone Capitol, and it’s free. Guided tours are available during the week, but even if you don’t get a tour, you can wander around on your own, ride the cage elevator, check out the awesome House and Senate chambers and view the famous John Steuart Curry murals.

Online/Twitter/Facebook

Visitor information is available at www.VisitTopeka.com, join www.facebook.com/VisitTopeka, or follow at www.twitter.com/VisitTopeka

Save the dates

A Walk Through Jerusalem, May 30-June 20 at Grace Cathedral. The exhibit includes replicas of the Gates to the Old City of Jerusalem showing the city through art, literature, history, geography, archaeology and religious customs and culture. Admission is free. Mulvane Mountain/Plains Art Fair, June 5-June 6 at the Mulvane Art Museum on the Washburn University campus; features 90 artists from across the country, displaying paintings, drawings, prints, photography, jewelry, and work in fiber, glass, wood, bronze, steel, ceramics and textiles. Projects for children and musical entertainment. Sunflower State Games, July 9-25, various locations. Amateur multisport festival conducted over three weekends. Fiesta Mexicana, July 13-17 at 201 NE Chandler. Third annual Topeka Railroad Festival, Aug. 21 at the Great Overland Station. 20th annual Native American Indian Traditional Pow Wow, Sept. 3-5 at Lake Shawnee. Huff’n Puff balloon flights and races, Sept. 10-12 at Lake Shawnee.

Also near

Historic Lecompton, which was the territorial capital of Kansas during the period known as Bleeding Kansas.