OUTDOORS

Topeka boasts a variety of parks, trails and green spaces. Whether you’re looking for exercise or fresh air, celebrate the beauty of nature in the capital of Kansas!

KAY’S GARDEN

Located at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, this Japanese water garden is one of only a few of its kind in the U.S. The final design was created by garden master Koji Morimoto, who handcrafted pieces of the serene scene himself. Whether for daily strolls or to attend a wedding, you’ll want to visit Kay’s Garden again and again to see nature come to life.

Parks

Topeka features over 100 parks across the city. Historic Gage Park stretches across 160 acres and features the Topeka Zoo, a 2-mile paved fitness loop, rose garden, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, Adventure Land, and a miniature train offering rides throughout. If you are looking for scenic waterfront, explore Lake Shawnee. Completed in 1939, Lake Shawnee is a top travel destination in Kansas and boasts the popular Adventure Cove, as well as 7-mile of paved trails. Looking for something a bit more lowkey? Enjoy Crestview Park, home to two-disc golf courses and a portion of the expansive Shunga Trail. Finally consider Azura Trails at Skyline Park for breathtaking views atop Burnett’s Mound, at an elevation of 1,140 feet it will give you a unique vantage point to see the city. A complete list of local parks may be found online at parks.snco.us.

Trails

For trail lovers, Topeka offers over 70 miles of connected trails, featuring a variety of wooded and paved paths to explore. For a more rugged experience, we suggest the hilly, winding trails of Kaw River State Park, which is located next to MacLennan Park and the Kansas Governor’s mansion. In North Topeka, just off Highway 24 sits Iliff Commons, consisting of several miles of trails that have been carved through native prairie and woodland and are used for walking, running, cross-country skiing and mountain biking. For a paved path, we recommend Shunga Trail, an 18.8 mile out and back trail which runs all the way across Topeka. Finally, Shiloh Woods in Auburn, Kansas offers wheelchair accessible nature trails, ensuring the beauty of Kansas can be enjoyed by all.

many miles of trails:

Topeka enjoys over 70 miles of connected trails. Along the Shunga Trail, Topeka’s longest urban stretch, you can actually travel from one side of the city to the other and only have to cross 5 intersections.

Kansas River

The Kansas River stretches across the Capital City, also known as the Kaw River, this waterway has delighted and inspired travelers for generations. The river flows west to east for more than 170 miles before feeding into the Missouri River, the longest river in North America, at Kaw Point in Kansas City. Topekaarea visitors enjoy multiple access points, including the Kaw River State Park, which occupies 76 acres of land on the south bank of the Kansas River. A convenient boat ramp near river mile 90 provides river access to canoes, kayaks and other small craft.

In 2021, phase one of construction on the Kansas River Weir, near river mile 87, was completed, creating a safe passage at that point for kayakers, canoers and recreational users of the waterway. Water enthusiasts, or newcomers interested in seeing Topeka from a different perspective, can plan a unique experience on the river by visiting KawRiverAdventures.com, which specializes in family-friendly recreation. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available through KawValleyCanoeRental.com and DirtyGirlAdventures.com which encourages women to enjoy the outdoors.

Outdoors

Mountain Biking

Topeka’s trails afford more than just leisurely strolls; a few offer heart-pounding cycling for bike enthusiasts or the whole family. No matter your skill level, Topeka’s mountainbiking areas provide a thrilling challenge. Locals’ favorite biking trails include the following hot sites:

• Kaw River State Park (Red Trail)

• MacLennan Park (Yellow & Red Trails)

• Azura Trail at Skyline Park

BMX

BMX is a family friendly sport that promotes competition among kids, as well as adults. For Topekans, Heartland BMX is the sport’s local hub. Since the 1980s, Crestview Park has been home to the premier dirt BMX track, which hosts American Bicycle Association-sanctioned BMX races and clinics. Heartland BMX provides a space for bikers to make friends, engage in friendly competition and become part of a dedicated BMX community.

Old Prairie Town & Ward-Meade Botanical Garden

• Ward Cabin – Replica of Anthony & Mary Jane Ward’s 1854 cabin • Ward-Meade Mansion – Original 1870s prairie mansion on National Register of Historic Places • 1880s Everest Church • One-room Schoolhouse • 1900s Santa Fe Railroad Depot

Lake Shawnee

Meet You There!

Gage Park

Camping And Glamping

Topeka offers several different options for camping, including Capital City KOA, which is the largest and top-rated campground in the Topeka area. The local KOA campground features full-service RV sites complete with free cable TV and WiFi access.

Another great option is the Lake Shawnee campground, which sports 123 campsites for RV and tent-dwelling campers. All sites have electrical hookups, with handicap accessible options available. A natural lake cove, or swimming beach, is located by the campground and open to registered campers between sunrise and sunset.

Looking to camp in style? From The Top: Glamping Experience offers unique tent set ups in Topeka and will travel up to 20 miles outside the city to create a luxury camping experience. Tailor your experience by choosing one of several different rental packages, including the “Romance Package,” “Movie Night Package,” “Family Night Package,” and more. Visit their website to book your glamping experience: https://www.fromthetopglamping.com

MORE CAMPING SPOTS:

Other notable camping locations in Topeka and the surrounding area include the following:

• Forbes Landing RV Park

• Topeka Hilltop Campground

• Perry State Park

• Deer Creek Valley RV Park

LOCAL TIP:

Book a custom “Pop Up Picnic” with Dare to Dream Event Management to add a little extra flare to your camping adventure.

Disc Golf

No matter where you are in the city, you’re only a backhand throw away from a great disc golf course. Okay, you may have to take a short drive — but it’ll be worth it, we promise! The capital city offers about seven different disc golf courses that range in difficulty to serve seasoned players and newbies alike. Play a round solo or with friends, or participate in a local league night to put your skills to the test.

18 HOLE COURSES:

• Big Shunga Park

• Crestview Park East

• Crestview Park West

• Lake Shawnee