Attractions Nearby Topeka, Day Trips and Excursions

(Topeka, Kansas - KS, USA)

If you are staying in the Kansas capital of Topeka for more than a few days, you may well like to consider planning day trips and visit some of the surrounding attractions.

Being located on the northeastern side of Kansas, Topeka is within reasonably close proximity to the border with Missouri. Some of the biggest attractions in Missouri lie within the metropolis of Kansas City, which is highly suitable for an excursion since it can be reached in roughly an hour and a half, by taking Interstate I-70 eastwards.

Slightly closer to home and still in this direction is the small city of Lawrence, Kansas, where there are many tourist magnets and historical sights, as well as an exciting arts and music scene. Top sights include the John Roberts House, the Robert Miller House, the Watkins Community Museum and the University of Kansas, along with the hugely popular Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival each June, at the Clinton State Park.

Perry Lake lies to the northeast of Topeka (via Highway US-24) and is a good option for those keen on outdoor activities, such as camping and hiking.

General Information

Interstate I-70 also runs in a westerly direction, roughly following the route of the Kansas River. If you head along the I-70 for a little more than an hour you will reach the attractions of Manhattan, which is a medium-sized town with plenty in the way of places of interest.

Families staying in Topeka and planning a day trip to Manhattan may like to check out the Sunset Zoo, the Flint Hills Discovery Center, the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art or the nearby Kansas State University Gardens. Also in this part of Kansas are the notable attractions of the Turtle Creek State Park and the Konza Prairie Natural Area.

A little further to the west and just over 60 miles / 97 km from downtown Topeka is Junction City. Although there may be little in the way of interest for tourists in Junction City, there are some stately buildings and a decent shopping scene, while close by, Freedom Park (exit 301 on the I-70) is where you will find an especially scenic hiking trail leading to Fort Riley and the Atomic Cannon (a historic nuclear weapon).

Further afield and more of a long excursion than a simple day trip is Wichita, located some 140 miles / 225 km to the southwest of Topeka and reached by following Interstate I-35 all the way. There are numerous attractions awaiting visitors to Wichita, such as the thriving entertainment district best known as simply the Old Town, Sedgwick County Zoo and the Exploration Place, which is regarded as being the premier science center in the whole of Kansas.