Topeka
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Topeka

Crossroads to Freedom

Travel back in time and explore the rich history of Topeka. Explore the stories and the people who have made the city what it is today and how Topeka has repeatedly found itself at the crossroads to many types of freedoms...Topeka Blazing Trails since 1854.

Crossroads to Freedom landing tile     African American History tile

military tile     Topeka history and bleeding Kansas tile

Historic Sites

THE KANSAS HISTORY MUSEUM

The Kansas Museum of History is reopening its doors after its first major renovation since opening in 1984, unveiling a stunning reimagining of how visitors experience Kansas history. Rather than a traditional timeline, the refreshed museum now invites visitors to explore Kansas through four interconnected themes: Bleeding Kansas, Making Kansas, Connecting Kansas, and Changing Kansas. These galleries explore the state’s role in national events, cultural development, and ongoing transformation through curated artifacts and stories. Iconic pieces like the 1880 Cyrus K. Holliday steam locomotive remain at the heart of the exhibits, while new features like the “window into storage” offer a rare peek at treasures from the museum’s vast 122,000-piece collection. Whether you need to escape into nature or would like to burn off some calories, be sure to check out the Kansas History Museum’s trails. Located around the perimeter of the museum, the trails wind through 2.5 miles of creek banks, native grassland and woodlands. Signs are displayed throughout to denote the cultural and natural history of the area.

Things to Do

CHARLES CURTIS HOUSE

Charles Curtis, born in 1860 in North Topeka and great-grandson of a Kansa Indian Chief, was the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Congress. He held roles as U.S. Representative, Senator, and Vice President under Herbert Hoover, influencing Native American policy through the Curtis Act of 1898. The Charles Curtis House Museum at 1101 SW Topeka Blvd., built in 1879, was his Kansas residence and now operates as a museum honoring his legacy in Topeka’s history. 

Charles Curtis House Museum - Interior | Topeka, KS

GREAT OVERLAND STATION

A landmark of Topeka’s railroad heritage, the Great Overland Station showcases striking 1920s Free Classical Revival architecture. Designed by renowned American architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood and completed in 1927, the former Union Pacific Station has been carefully preserved to honor its past. Though it's no longer a working depot, visitors can still watch passing trains, explore exhibits, and enjoy a variety of events held throughout the year.

Great Overland Station Drone