Outdoors
Entertainment isn't always man-made. In Topeka you'll find a large variety of parks, trails and green spaces celebrating the beauty of nature. Venture down the Landon Nature Trail, part of the rails-to-trails movement which converts unused railroad lines to nature trails. Hike through the woods of Kaw River State Park, Kansas' only urban park in the state. You can also kayak the Kansas River, Lake Shawnee, and other areas including Clinton State Park, a gorgeous park sitting between Lawrence and Topeka.
PARKS
Enjoy a picnic at one of Topeka’s many parks and playgrounds. Some notable mentions include Gage Park, Crestview Park, Redbud Park, and Central Park. For a full list of parks, visit parks.snco.us/317/Parks-Trails.
ADVENTURE COVE AT LAKE SHAWNEE
Adventure Cove is a floating playground on which swimmers can slide, rock climb, balance and more. Keep the fun going with a ride on one of the paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards – all available to rent throughout the day.
KAY’S GARDEN
Located in the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, this Japanese garden is one of maybe four of its kind in the U.S. The garden’s Garden Master hand crafted pieces of the garden that will allow it to age over time. Japanese gardens are known to mature within 200 years and some of the oldest existing gardens are upwards of 700-800 years old. It is a serene location, perfect for daily strolls to events such as weddings.
TRAILS
If you brought your walking shoes, Topeka is the place to be! There are various wooded and paved trails to traverse in Topeka. For a more rugged and wild hike, we suggest you check out the hilly and winding Kaw River State Park trails located behind the Governor’s Mansion; the beautiful prairie and wooded areas at Iliff Commons, located off of Highway-24; and the peaceful and enchanting trails surrounding the Kansas Museum of History. For a paved and well-manicured path, visit picturesque Cedar Crest, located in front of the Governor’s Mansion, and the Shunga Trail, a concrete bicycle/pedestrian path beginning at Crestview Park (near SW 27th and SW Fairlawn) and continues to the east near SE 10th & SE Branner.
CYCLING
From weekly group bike rides to large, organized rides throughout the city, Kaw Valley Bicycle Club can be found hitting the trail on two wheels! Topeka offers pavement, bike lanes, dirt trails, and even mountain biking. The opportunities are endless and there is a trail for every skill level, so make sure to bring the whole family.
KANSAS RIVER KAYAKING WITH DIRTY GIRL ADVENTURES AT COMPASS POINT
Get out in nature with the help of a seasoned guide! Dirty Girl Adventures provides guided outdoor adventures including hiking, kayaking, camping, backpacking and other outdoor activities. The home of Dirty Girl Adventures is Compass Point, located at 800 North Kansas Avenue in NOTO Arts and Entertainment District in Topeka. This is the place to socialize with other outdoor enthusiasts and shop DGA gear.
GOLF
Looking to work on your back swing? Practice your putting stroke? Get your birdy on? Look no further than the Capital City. Topeka is home to several premier golf courses and resorts; these include Cypress Ridge Golf Course, Lake Shawnee Golf Course, Topeka Country Club, Firekeeper, and numerous GreatLIFE Golf and Fitness locations. So, bring your clubs and enjoy a day on the fairway
Whatever your interest, grab your camera and a friend for a fun day of outdoor recreation!
