Topeka Parks and Gardens

(Topeka, Kansas - KS, USA)

There are many large parks, country clubs, community centers and green spaces dotted around the city of Topeka, although most lie on the outskirts of the city center.

Willow Park is particularly central and stands right next to the St. Francis Health Center, where it offers a small but pleasant place to relax, sit back and enjoy a picnic at one of the tables provided.

Lying next to the Kansas River and close to Cedar Crest is the expansive MacLennan Park, which covers an area of just under 100 hectares / 250 acres and boasts many attractions of a recreational basis. MacLennan Park is overlooked by the Kansas Governor's Mansion and is extremely popular with those living here in Topeka, being found on the northwestern side of the city.

General Information

All through the year, visitors to Topeka choose to come to MacLennan Park to walk along the woodland trails, cycle or jog along the pathways, admire the wildflowers and prairie-style planting, enjoy a picnic by one of the fishing ponds, or watch the resident wildlife. There are also three trails designed for mountain bikes, should you have the energy.

Right next-door is Topeka's relatively small riverside Kaw River State Park, which is actually the only urban-type state park in the state. Covering roughly 30 hectares / 75 acres, this space was actually donated to Kansas in 2005 by the Menninger Foundation and after much landscaping, finally opened to the general public five years later. Forested trails, canoeing and kayaking are just some of the draws, while if you are interested in wildlife, then look out for the resident deer, eagles and wild turkeys living here.

Also in this part of Topeka and relatively close by is Gage Park, which is bounded by Southwest 6th Avenue, Southwest 10th Avenue, the Southwest Gage Boulevard and Southwest Westchester Road, and sits next to the Mount Calvary Cemetery. There is much to see and do within Gage Park, with highlights including the Helen Hocker Theater, the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center and a tropical rainforest attraction, as well as an area for the use of dogs and a baseball diamond, complete with stadium-style seating.

Also at Gage Park is an open-air amphitheater, where a number of local events in Topeka take place, such as live music and July 4th celebrations. Children will no doubt enjoy the miniature train rides (1 mile / 1.6 km), along with the vintage Victorian-style carousel, which dates from 1908 and has been lovingly restored by a team of volunteers. For the parents, the landscaped Doran Rock Garden and fragrant Reinisch Rose Garden will both delight in the summer months.

Other parks of note in Topeka include those of Big Shunga, Central Highland, Chesney, Crestview, Hillcrest and Oakland-Billard, amongst others. For those with a real interest in all things horticultural, the Ward Meade Park Botanical Gardens is a real must-see and although only being a relatively modern 1 hectare / 2.5 acres in size, it comes with more than 500 plant varieties, water gardens, a stylish gazebo and plenty of seating. Close by there is also a historic Victorian mansion and a collection of 19th-century buildings within the Old Prairie Town.