Easy fun at a heartland pace in Topeka
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Topeka?Lake trails for running or biking, a surprisingly active arts scene in NOTO, and yes, even an indoor climbing gym. From morning coffee shop work sessions to evening brewery patios, here's what fills weekends when you're not working for the state or mowing your lawn.
Jackie, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Jackie has spent her entire life in Kansas, from KC suburbs to college apartments to the rural southeast where she planted her forever flag and refuses to move again. She followed the classic move-every-year rhythm through young adulthood, then abruptly settled into acres of land, a cottage home, a husband, two sons, a cat, and an unreasonable amount of love for the state. Kansas taught her to slow down, notice sunsets, and never underestimate BBQ sides, especially cheesy corn. By day she is an elementary art teacher. By night she is a writer juggling kids content, client work, and creative projects that spill everywhere. At Snappy Scout, Jackie edits Kansas guides with prairie level patience, local intuition, and the confidence of someone who knows the interstate does not tell the whole story.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Topeka?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Lake Shawnee kayaking or paddleboarding before the afternoon heat kicks in
When the gals come to town for the weekend
NOTO Arts District brunch with mimosas, vintage shopping, and gallery hopping
Dude hangout
Brew crawl hitting Blind Tiger, Happy Basset, and Iron Rail Brewing
Rainy dreary day
Kansas Museum of History for Combat Conklin's dinosaurs and Evel Knievel's motorcycle
Intellectually stimulating
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site where the landmark case actually began
Artsy
First Friday in NOTO when galleries open late and the district comes alive
Something inside and free
Kansas State Capitol tours showcasing impressive dome murals and legislative history
Outdoorsy
Shunga Trail's 11 paved miles or Shawnee North Trail for actual elevation changes
With your dog
Gage Park's off-leash area where dogs outnumber humans on weekends
Family fun
Topeka Zoo's orangutans and interactive exhibits keeping kids engaged
You have to see this
State Capitol rotunda with John Steuart Curry's dramatic Kansas history murals
On a budget
Free summer concerts at Lake Shawnee's amphitheater with sunset views
My Favorite Local Spot in Topeka
The Pennant is super fun for happy hour! It offers bowling and vintage arcade games.
— Jackie Hostetler
Kansas Local Expert
Ready to See If Topeka Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Topeka guide for the bigger picture.