Be in the Capital City for America 250
The year 2026 is the 250th Anniversary of Independence Day for the United States of America! While Kansas may not have been one of the original 13 colonies, our capital city tells the history of the land of the free. In Kansas, the state level celebrations for America 250 will be based around the theme Per Aspera as part of our state’s official latin motto “Ad Astra Per Aspera” meaning “To the Stars Through Difficulties.”
Get involved, share your story and embrace American history in Topeka. To participate in America 250 this month, click this link for a downloadable itinerary of activities.
- America 250 In Topeka
- Attractions
- Arts & Culture
- Family Fun Getaways
- Outdoors
- Shopping
- Entertainment & Nightlife
- Casinos & Gaming
- Free Admission
- The Crossroads to Freedom
- History & Heritage
- Topeka PRIDE
- Sports & Recreation
How can I learn more?
Every month, we’ll remind you on social media to check this page for America 250 events happening in Topeka. Get involved by heading to Kansas 250 for ideas, deals, and details regarding America 250 activations taking place across the state of Kansas! There are prizes, games, and special challenges in store for the Kansas 250 Per Aspera celebrations! Join in the fun and stay updated all year long!
Where to start, in Topeka?
Start with the Kansas Museum of History for a unique view of the prairie, civil war history and in-depth knowledge on medical and technological advancement. Then, migrate to the Ritchie House to explore its role in the Underground Railroad and learn the deep history of civil rights in Kansas." Walk to Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site to tour Monroe Elementary, which served as one of the key settings in the landmark Supreme Court case that overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson. When you’re done, take a stroll down Kansas Ave or Ad Astra Plaza in Downtown Topeka for a tour of pocket parks, great restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. It’s always a great time to schedule your Kansas State Capitol dome tour! End your trip down Kansas Ave at Constitution Hall to learn part of freedom’s story in the United States. From Constitution Hall, you’ll find the venture point to several different trails in Kansas, each with their own museum and historical site stops, each taking you down the road of history.
Where to go from here?
In Topeka, the fun doesn’t stop! From parks, museums, art galleries, speakeasies, sporting events, and so much more! Each month, we’re providing a downloadable overview of the major America 250 events taking place in Topeka and you don’t want to miss it! Use this website to choose lodging, plan to eat, and build your trip.
This year, learn American History and Culture in Topeka.
