Chelsea Gentry We all need a little beauty in our lives now a days, am I right? Even in the darkest and most confusing of times we can find beauty. To be honest I was never a big fan of living in our state capital, but did find 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.
1. Ward-Meade Historical Site Botanical Garden
If you love history or flowers, then you will love this park. It’s not typically 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 flowers 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 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.
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.One of the goals of the Zoo is expansion and the first step of that expansion is creating a Japanese Garden, which was recently completed and it is breathtaking.
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:
The Very Best Places to Visit In San Diego
The Best Things to Pack for the Zoo
Why You Need to Visit Lindsborg Kansas
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Safe Travels,
