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Bird's eye view of Topeka on a tour of the Capitol dome.
As we learned in our first feature about Topeka, the city was founded in 1854, and during the course of its history, the city has been at the forefront of several movements and historical periods. Among those are fiery abolitionist and pro-slavery conflicts throughout the state, progress as a major Midwest railroad hub and as the seat of government for the state of Kansas.
For a city of its size—approximately 125,000—there are a surprisingly high number of great attractions for residents and visitors alike.
Kansas History Museum
For a great overview of the city and its history, visit the Kansas History Museum.The museum’s main gallery aptly sets the stage for the adventure inside, as several award-winning exhibits occupy the space covering themes such as Native American History, early settlement, trains and towns, the Civil War and more.
The history of African Americans is detailed as well, encompassing exhibits and artifacts relative to Nicodemus in northwestern Kansas, the only all-Black town west of the Mississippi River, the Civil War, the First and Second Kansas Colored Infantries and other periods of history. A series of interesting travelling exhibits are featured here throughout the year as well.
Kansas State Capitol
No trip to Topeka would be complete with out a visit to the Kansas State Capitol.Situated downtown, the 20-acre parcel of land where the Capitol rests was originally donated by one of the city’s early founders in 1862. Although it took 37 years to complete construction, the central building and east and west buildings were occupied during various stages, allowing different factions of government to conduct business there.
Today, the Capitol encompasses numerous distinctive features, rooms, exhibits, monuments, statues, murals and other entities. Those interested in the inner-workings of government can explore the floor and upper gallery of the House of Representative and Senate chambers (however, not the floor when they are in session), taking in an up-close-and-personal view of how they operate from procedure manuals to communication, security and more.
The ceremonial desk and outer office of the governor’s office is another educational aspect of the Capital.
The focal point—literally and somewhat figuratively--of the Capital is the copper dome, soaring some 304 feet above the ground level. The inner dome (hidden from view from the outside), can be viewed from the second, third and fourth dome floors. Yet it is the 296-step, narrow, one-way ascension to the top where one can really appreciate the intricate architectural details of both domes.
From there, steady your nerves and ascend another steep, winding staircase leading to the outer balcony, where you’ll experience a stunning, 360 degree panoramic view extending for miles in every direction.
Not for the “height-sensitive” or physically challenged (the building lacks an elevator or ADA access for the domes), the Dome Tour is definitely one of the most fascinating and popular aspects of a visit here, and not to be missed. It was worth every bit of the effort to overcome my acrophobia – if even only for a few minutes!
Charles Curtis House Museum
Just southwest of the Capitol you will find the Charles Curtis House Museum. A real historical gem listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places and the Topeka Landmarks Register, the museum was the home of Topeka Native Charles Curtis.
The great-grandson of a Kanza Indian Chief, Curtis--who served in both the Kansas House and Senate—was both the first Vice-President from west of the Mississippi and the state of Kansas, as well as the only Native American Vice-President (he served under President Herbert Hoover).
The house--built in 1879--encompasses a great deal of historical artifacts, memorabilia and original (some restored) ornamental plaster, parquet floors, furniture, chandeliers, jeweled and stained glass windows and other features.
Combat Air Museum
The Combat Air Museum is a pleasant surprise for both staunch Military buffs and only mildly interested tourists alike. One of only a handful of major aviation museums in the country located on an active airfield (Forbes Field), the museum is a Topeka favorite, serving as an educational institution and tourism destination for more than 30 years.
There is something for people of all ages here including numerous aircraft engines; over 30 aircraft ranging from the WWI period to the present day (visitors can climb aboard several) such as a Grumman F11F-1 Tiger, Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, Blue Angels’ plane and Bell UH-1H Iroquois Huey helicopter; detailed exhibits including US Coast Guard aviation memorabilia, a World War II German POW Period Room and US flight suits, an extensive collection of military aviation art, artifacts and dioramas and a gift shop.
The Lockheed EC121-T AWACS radar plane situated on the tarmac, complete with “spy” equipment, was another interesting hands-on feature.
We’ve got one more journey through Topeka to explore its African American history and the far-reaching, lasting legacy that emerged from it, for people of all colors.
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