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Here are some recommended things to do and places to visit while in Topeka, as well as places to stay. This section is under development. This is neither a comprehensive listing nor is it intended to be. These are Sanguinarius's recommendations, and Sanguinarius reserves the right to make changes, additions, and exclusions at her discretion. If you would like more information on these, please contact that individual merchant. These are not advertisements, only listings to give you an idea what is available in Topeka. There is more to do (not listed here) in nearby Lawrence, KS, and if you want to drive a little further, in Kansas City, (KS and MO).
Topeka, KS General
For more maps, click here.
City of Topeka, KS Home Page
This website and its contents are maintained by the City of Topeka, KS., IT Department.
Website: http://www.topeka.org/
Current Weather Conditions
National Weather Service Zone Forecast for Shawnee County including Topeka, KS. Details the current conditions and 7-day forecast.
Website: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/data/forecasts/KSZ039.php?warnzone=ksz039&warncounty=ksc177
Topeka Convention & Visitors Bureau
Accomodations, events, attracts, maps, and more.
Website: http://tcvb.accesstopeka.com/
Topeka Transit
Local bus line with regular service to different parts of Topeka. The regular fare is $.80; no charge for a transfer (like in Chicago, ewww). Students, elderly, and disabled may be eligible for reduced fare; call for details. Hours: Mon thru Fri - 6:30am to 6:00 pm, Sat - 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Customer Service Center is located at 735 S. Kansas Ave (on the corner of 8th & Kansas). Route & schedule information: # (785) 354-9571. Also has evening and Sunday reservation service; call for details.
Website: http://www.TopekaTransit.com/
Activities & Cultural
Well, well, well... It appears that Topeka, KS isn't quite the podunk town it seems, after all. I suppose this is as it should be because Topeka is the capitol city of Kansas (believe it or not). There are also other events and activities which I've not listed here. Contact the Visitors Bureau for more info.
Historic Ward-Meade Park / Old Prairie Town
Located on the Oregon Trail, Ward-Meade Park is a 6-acre site with botanical gardens. Preserving the family history of one of the earliest settlers in the area, the park welcomes visitors with a candle in the window of the 1854 cabin. An 1870's Mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places. This also has an old time drugstore where you can sit down in and enjoy refreshments.
Tours of the buildings are available. Special group tours and services may be arranged. For information about special events throughout the year, call or visit them on the web.
Address: Historic Ward-Meade Park, 124 NW Fillmore, Topeka, KS 66606 (Located between downtown Topeka and the historic Potwin neighborhood). Phone # (785) 368-3888.
Website: http://www.topeka.org/parksrec/ward_meade.shtml, http://tcvb.accesstopeka.com/attractions/ward.shtml
Kansas Museum of History
Visit award-winning exhibits on colorful characters and everyday folks from Kansas' past. There is lots to do and see here; very impressive. Hours: Mon thru Sat - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Sun - 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm; closed New Years, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas days. Group tours by appointment. Admission (suggested contribution): $2 adults, $1 children.
Free parking & picnic areas, special exhibits, and a nature trail. For online exhibits, click here.
Address: Kansas Museum of History, 6425 SW Sixth Ave., Topeka, KS 66615-1099 (Exit 356 on I-70 in west Topeka; follow the signs; also on the West 6th bus route). Phone: (785) 272-8681.
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
This is a lot more than just a library; it's quite the local cultural center. Some of the features include Special Collections and the Topeka Room which houses books and materials by local Topeka & Shawnee County authors and illustrators, as well a variety of antiques on display in a very nice parlor setting that you can actually go in and enjoy, rather than just look at from across some red velvet rope; the Millennium Cafe & Coffee Shop, a bookstore/book-tique, special children's section (very fun looking), numerous computers and internet access terminals (no charge); as well as conference rooms and special exhibits on display, and much more. Library hours are Mon thru Fri - 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sat - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sun - 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Address: Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604-1374 (on the corner of SW 10th St and SW Washburn Ave). Phone: (785) 580-4400.
Website: http://www.tscpl.org/
Topeka Symphony
The mission of the Topeka Symphony Society is to encourage and cultivate appreciation and support for fine music in northeast Kansas by presenting performances of high quality and by providing educational and performance opportunities for youth. The Symphony is in it's 57th season. For the 2005-2006 Season, click here. For ticket information or other info, please contact the Topeka Symphony Society.
Address: Topeka Symphony Society, P.O. Box 2206, Topeka, KS 66601-2206. Performance venue: White Concert Hall, Washburn University, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621 (W.U. is on the corner of 17th & Washburn Ave; main entrance - 17th & Jewell; concert hall is on the left). Phone: (785) 232-2032.
Website: http://www.TopekaSymphony.org/
Topeka Zoological Park
World famous zoo with various exhibits and natural habitats. Features the Tropical Rainforest. Also has a children's zoo. Hours: November 1 to April 1 -- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (gate closes at 4:00 pm); April 1 to November 1 -- 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (gate closes at 5:00 pm). Admission: Adults $4.50; 65 and older $3.50; children 3-12 $3.00; children 2 and under get in free; FOTZ (Friends of the Zoo) members get in free with picture ID. Stroller rental $1.00 (adult strollers are free); wagon rental $3.00.
Address: Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS. 66606. Phone: Front desk (785) 272-5821; automated information line (785) 272-7042.
Website: http://www.topeka.org/zoo/, http://tcvb.accesstopeka.com/attractions/zoo.shtml
Coffee Houses
Coffee, coffee, coffee! Some of the better coffee houses in Topeka. If you are really wanting a variety of coffee houses, you might check along and around Massachussetts St (Mass St.) in nearby Lawrence, KS. But, if you're in Topeka and don't want to drive or leave town, these will do nicely.
Lazio's Coffee Bar & Roasterie
Serves a variety of coffees, food, drinks, soups & salads, meats, vegetables, fruits. Hours: Sun 7 am - 9pm, Mon 6:30 am - 9pm, Tue 6:30 am - 9pm, Wed 6:30 am - 9pm, Thu 6:30 am - 9pm, Fri 6:30 am - 11pm, Sat 7 am - 11pm
Address: Lazio's, 2111 Southwest Belle Avenue, Topeka, KS 66614 (just south of 21st & Bell). Phone: (785) 273-3550.
Millennium Cafe
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including soups, salads, sandwiches and deserts and a variety of coffee & beverages. Features PT's coffee (the best coffee in town). Hours: Mon thru Fri - 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Sat - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Address: Millennium Cafe, 1515 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604 (in the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 10th & Washburn Ave.). Phone: (785) 580-4440.
Website: http://www.tscpl.org/publicnews/templates/?a=1004&z=10
PT's Cafe Espresso & Lola's
PT's Cafe Espresso has the best coffee in town; Voted "Best Coffee in Topeka" 7 years in a row. PT's has 2 locations in Topeka and one in Kansas City.
Website: http://www.ptscoffee.com/
In Topeka, PT's Barrington Village:
Hours: Mon thru Fri - 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, Sat - 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sun - 8:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Address: PT's Barrington Village, 5660 SW 29th, Topeka, KS 66614 (In Barrington Village Shopping Center). Phone: (785) 273-4920.
In Topeka, Lola's Cafe Espresso (Formerly PT's Fleming Place):
Hours: Mon thru Fri - 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday - 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sunday - 8:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Address: PT's Fleming Place, 4025 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66604 (In Fleming Place Shopping Center). Phone: (785) 271-8188.
In Kansas City, PT's College Square Shopping Center:
Hours: Mon thru Fri - 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, Sat - 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Sun - 8:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Address: PT's College Square, 11030 Quivira, Overland Park, KS 66210. Phone: (913) 663-3695.
Dining
There are restaurants all over Topeka (duh!), ranging from fine dining on down to fast food (even bigger duh!). Here are just a few of my favorites. I'm not going to bother to list the fast food ones because you can find those everywhere. These are some of the dining establishments that I recommend.
Denny's
Who could forget Denny's? They are even open in the middle of the night which is great for nocturnals. Hours: Perpetually open 24/7/365. There are 2 locations in Topeka.
Address #1: 1500 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka (out by Westridge Mall). Phone: (785) 271-5599.
Address #2: 3210 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka. Phone: (785) 266-3633.
Great Wall
Chinese restaurant, good food and a pleasant environment. Dine in or carry out. Delivery (min. $10.00; call to find out free delivery times). Hours: Open 7 days a week, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: 1336 SW 17th, Topeka (next to the quick shop on 17th Washburn). Phone: (785) 234-1060.
Outback Steakhouse
Mmm, very nice steakhouse. Maybe a bit pricey, but well worth it. They have this really neat sliced onion thing for an appetiser, that is best split among several people. Hours: ?.
Address: 5826 SW 21st, Topeka. Phone: (785) 273-3222.
Quizno's Classic Subs
Subs and sandwiches. Quizno's has 3 locations in Topeka.
Address #1: 809 S Kansas Ave, Topeka. Phone: (785) 233-5200. Hours: ?.
Address #2: 5967 SW 29th St, Topeka. Phone: (785) 228-1500. Hours: ?.
Address #3: 1001 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. Phone: (785) 228-0021. Hours: ?.
Schlotsky's Deli
Has some very tasty, hearty sandwiches. Schlotsky's has 3 locations.
Address #1: 607 S Kansas Ave, Topeka. Phone: (785) 234-3256. Hours: ?.
Address #2: 2019 SW Gage, Topeka. Phone: (785) 273-4313. Hours: ?.
Address #3: 400 SW 29th, Topeka. Phone: (785) 267-2468. Hours: ?.
Timberline Steakhouse & Grill
Mmm, another good steakhouse. Hours: ?.
Address: 1425 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. Phone: (785) 228-1155.
Bars / Taverns
Uh, I don't go to bars much, so I don't really know of any to recommend. I will do some checking around. There are several bars in the vicinity of 15th and Washburn, near the University, but I don't know what they are called, or their hours of operation, or what they are like, etc.
Shopping
Westridge Mall - Third Planet, Hot Topic, etc.
Gatekeeper Comics (?)
The Alchemy shop on 6th @ Topeka.
Accommodations
Holiday Inn Holidome
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Ramada Inn downtown
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Cemeteries
Oooo, I can't forget to include some of the local Topeka cemeteries worth visiting. Please be patient, as I am working on getting the information on these cemeteries. Don't try sneaking in after dark, and don't even think of vandalizing them -- if I catch somebody vandalizing a cemetery in any way, I will eat that person's/people's young, and not leave THEM in too good a condition, either. Their graves are the only thing that the Dead have left -- respect them.
Topeka Cemetery (very nice, has some crypts & mausoleums)
Rochester Cemetery (atmospheric, Albino Lady, don't try sneaking in, they watch)
Mount Hope Cemetery (very nice, large, old and new sections, has a tower)
The one on Gage, with the duck pond / park
what's the cute, little one Carl & I used to go to?