About Topeka
Topeka is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, within northeastern Kansas and the Central United States. The population of the city was 126,587 as of the 2020 census. The five-county Topeka metropolitan area has approximately 233,000 residents.
Places to visit in Topeka
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Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
HistoricLocated in the former Monroe Elementary School, this site tells the story of the landmark Supreme Court case that ended legal school segregation and the civil rights movement around it.
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Kansas State Capitol
LandmarkFree tours explore the capitol's murals, including John Steuart Curry's dramatic John Brown painting, and adventurous visitors can climb to the top of the dome.
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Kansas Museum of History
Museum · 5 mi from centreA museum covering the state's history from Native American life and the Santa Fe Trail to the Bleeding Kansas era and beyond, including a full-size steam locomotive displayed indoors.
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Topeka Zoo
Zoo · 3 mi from centreLocated in Gage Park, this zoo has animals from around the world, and the surrounding park also offers the Reinisch Rose Garden, a restored carousel and a miniature train ride.
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Combat Air Museum
Museum · 7 mi from centreHoused in historic hangars at Forbes Field south of the city, this volunteer-run museum displays a collection of military aircraft and related exhibits spanning many decades of aviation history.
Where to stay in Topeka
Popular hotels in Topeka, out of 33 properties you can book.
Hyatt Place Topeka
From $104 per night
Holiday Inn Express Topeka North
From $148 per night
Comfort Suites Topeka Northwest
From $97 per night
Homewood Suites by Hilton Topeka
From $156 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Topeka
From $120 per night
Hampton Inn Topeka
From $120 per night
Days Inn by Wyndham Topeka
From $56 per night
Garner Hotel Topeka West
From $94 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Topeka/Wanamaker RD/I-70
From $65 per night
Ramada Convention Centr by Wyndham Topeka Downtown
From $65 per night
Baymont by Wyndham Topeka
From $72 per night
Capitol Plaza
From $94 per night
Best time to visit Topeka
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Topeka is October, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Topeka weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 74° 51° 6%
- Thu 22 Oct 76° 57° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 77° 58° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 78° 60° 5%
- Sun 25 Oct 77° 61° 10%
- Mon 26 Oct 64° 48° 15%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/ChicagoUTC−5
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Topeka
These are the airports closest to central Topeka. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- TOP Philip Billard Municipal Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
- FOE Topeka Regional Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
Getting around Topeka
Most of the streets in Topeka are laid out in a grid pattern. North/south streets are named and most east/west streets are numbered. South of the river the street numbers increase as you travel southwardly, and the opposite on the north side of the river. Popular streets running through the city are Wanamaker Rd., Topeka Blvd., Gage Blvd., 6th St., 21st St., and 29th St. Be aware that the grid pattern slants around downtown due to the layout of the original city being different than the rest of the suburbs.
By bus
Topeka Metro is the public bus system that runs through most of the main streets. ☏ +1 785 783-7000. The bus fare costs $2 per trip. A card that is good for 10 rides costs $18. A pass that is good for 31 days costs $50. Buy cards and passes at the Quincy Street Station at 820 SE Quincy Street or at any Dillons store. You can catch or transfer to most buses at this station too.
Topeka travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Topeka?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Topeka is October, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Topeka?
July is usually the warmest month in Topeka, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 17°F (-8°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 147 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Topeka?
Philip Billard Municipal Airport (TOP) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Topeka. Other nearby airports include Topeka Regional Airport (FOE, 7 mi).
What time zone is Topeka in?
Topeka uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Topeka?
Most of the streets in Topeka are laid out in a grid pattern. North/south streets are named and most east/west streets are numbered. South of the river the street numbers increase as you travel southwardly, and the opposite on the north side of the river.
What are the best places to visit in Topeka?
Top sights in Topeka include Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, Kansas State Capitol, Kansas Museum of History and Topeka Zoo. Located in the former Monroe Elementary School, this site tells the story of the landmark Supreme Court case that ended legal school segregation and the civil rights movement around it.
Where should I stay in Topeka?
Popular areas for hotels in Topeka include Downtown. Well-reviewed options include Hyatt Place Topeka and Holiday Inn Express Topeka North.
How many hotels can I book in Topeka?
Destina Holidays currently lists 33 properties in and around Topeka, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
