topeka community guide 2009-2010

Essential Numbersand

ContaCtInformatIon

for relocating to Topeka

Where togo What tosee

topeka fIrst

stepsplaCes toCall home

totallytopeka

topekaCIty map

topekaCommunity Guide

Neighborhoodand event profIles

The region’s leading guide To Topeka and surrounding areas!

• 2009/2010 •

the

Best Sitesand

plaCes!

CIty mapto help you navigate inyour new hometown

The Topeka Community Guide,the region’s leading guide

for newcomers, is released annually by

(888) 497-8668 » [email protected]

publisher/Art director Darby Oppold

editor Nathan Pettengill

copy editor Susie Fagan

MAnAger Bert Hull

grAphic design Tamra Rolf

RePRODuCTiON iN wHOle OR iN PaRT wiTHOuT wRiTTeN PeRmiSSiON iS PROHiBiTeD.

The Topeka Guide strives to help newcomers ac-climate and enjoy their new hometown. Our rec-ommendations and listings are not, however, by any means comprehensive — there’s even more to see and do in Topeka! where possible, this guide will refer you to outside publications and websites for additional information. The Topeka Guide can-not, however, be responsible for outside informa-tion. inclusion of attractions, facilities and services in this guide does not indicate an endorsement. information may be subject to change, so we sug-gest confirming hours and attraction information.

We hope this guide to the greAter topeKA region Will help youenJoy your relocAtion And Assist you in discoVering All thAt

topeKA hAs to oFFer.

••

noW that you are beComIng part of the CommunIty, we can let you in on a secret: The Topeka region is an incredibly satisfying place to advance your career, raise a family and enjoy life. Consistently ranked among the nation’s most affordable cities for cost of living, Topeka also has a thriving arts community, a strong network of civic and neighborhood groups, safe streets and an expanding growth in locally owned businesses. You’ve made the right choice in coming to Topeka, and we want to help you enjoy and explore your new hometown! To make your exploration even easier, we’ve included a map on pages 16-17 with many of the city’s highlights clearly marked. We’ve also organized the guide in four sections to help you set up your new life and quickly discover your favorite local attractions.

Topeka FirsT sTeps (page 7-9):Helpful numbers and tips for settling in Topeka

plaCes To Call Home (page 11-14):pictures and descriptions of some of Topeka’s neighborhoods and schools to help you find where you will be most comfortable

Topeka map (page 16-17):a quick reference map for your new home

ToTallY Topeka (page 18-29):education, dining, entertainment and cultural information plus a calendar of annual events

New homeW e l c o M e t o y o u r

WelCome to topeka.Welcome home!

topekaCommunity Guide

4 topeka Community guide 2009 | 2010

resource Website telephone

eMergency & MedicAl

emergency Assistance 911 Kansas Poison Control Center (800) 332-6633 St. Francis Health Center emergency Room (785) 295-8090 (including trauma, poison, ambulance, air-flight)

Stormont-Vail HealthCare (trauma and life-threatening situations) (785) 354-6100 Health Connections (Stormont-Vail) (785) 354-5225 (nonlife-threatening situations; nurse consultation for best course of care)

Kansas Crisis Hotline (domestic abuse / sexual assault) (888) 363-2287 Tip Hotline (Kansas Bureau of investigation) (800) 572-7463 Kansas Protection Report Center (800) 922-5330 (Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services)

emergency animal Clinic of Topeka (785) 272-2926

city serVices/utilities

City manager’s Office (Norton Bonaparte, City manager) www.topeka.org (785) 368-3725 Fire Department (administration/Operations) (785) 368-4000 Police Department (Switchboard) (785) 368-9551 water Billing/Customer Service/line Break/Trash Pickup (785) 368-3111 Topeka Transit (785) 354-9571 municipal Court (785) 368-3776 animal Control (785) 368-9203 Bicycle license (785) 368-4000 Parks and Recreation (785) 368-3838 westar energy (800) 383-1183Kansas Gas Service (800) 794-4780Kaw Valley electric Cooperative (785) 478-3444, (800) 794-2011

topeKA inForMAtion

Visit Topeka inc. www.visittopeka.travel (800) 235-1030Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce www.topekachamber.org (785) 234-2644Topeka magazine www.sunflowerpub.com (888) 497-8668Time and Temperature (785) 233-6471

reAl estAte

Topeka multiple listing Service www.topekaareahomes.com (785) 267-3215Topeka apartment Guide www.apartmentdirectory.com (316) 264-0800Topeka listings www.topekahomefinder.com

children/FAMily

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka www.bbbstopeka.org (785) 234-5524Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka www.bgctopeka.org (785) 232-5699eRC/Resource and Referral www.ercrefer.org (785) 357-5171 (a nonprofit information center for child care and parenting)

TaRC www.tarcinc.org (785) 232-0597 (support and advocacy group for people with disabilities and their families)

Topeka Public Schools www.topekapublicschools.net (785) 295-3000Shawnee Heights uSD 450 www.snh450.k12.ks.us (785) 379-5800 auburn-washburn uSD 437 www.usd437.net (785) 339-4000 Seaman uSD 345 www.usd345.com (785) 575-8600

coMMunity VolunteerisM

united way of Greater Topeka www.unitedwaytopeka.org (785) 273-4804 Request to be connected to united way Volunteer Center of Topeka. Topeka has multiple volunteer organizations and opportunities. This is a good first-stop referral clearinghouse.

internet/cAble/telephone

Cox Communications ww2.cox.com (866) 719-9419aT&T www.att.com (800) 288-2020

topeka Community guide 72009 | 2010

Topeka FirsT sTeps

QuickIndeX

topeKA goVernMent

The following offices can be accessed through www.topeka.org

city clerK (785) 368-3940

pArKs And recreAtion (785) 368-3838

police depArtMent, AniMAl control (785) 368-9203

police depArtMent, stAtisticAl unit(785) 368-9551

shAWnee county

The following offices can be accessed through www.snco.us

courthouse MAin nuMber(785) 233-8200

ApprAiser(785) 233-2882

election oFFice(785) 266-0285This office oversees voter registration.

treAsurer, property tAxes (785) 291-5416

recycling (785) 233-6147

recycling hotline(785) 291-4940

pArKs And recreAtion(785) 267-1156This department manages an extensive schedule of classes and activities.

Motor Vehicle depArtMent(785) 291-5415

stAte oF KAnsAs

www.kansas.govwww.accesskansas.org

driVer’s license oFFice(785) 296-3963

educAtion(785) 296-3201, www.ksde.org

insurAnce depArtMent(785) 296-3071, www.ksinsurance.org

reVenue depArtMentwww.ksrevenue.org

tAxAtion inForMAtionwww.ksrevenue.org

tourisMwww.travelks.com

WildliFe And pArKs(620) 672-5911www.kdwp.state.ks.us

united stAtes postAl serViceTopeka main Downtown Post Office(800) 275-8777www.usps.com

Zip code looKup(785) 575-8500www.usps.com/zip4

librAry

topeKA And shAWnee county public librAry(785) 580-4400www.tscpl.org

trAnsportAtion

buses Within the cityTopeka Transit (785) 783-7000www.topekatransit.com

the liFt (disabled)(785) 232-9100

buses outside the cityGreyhound bus lines (785) 233-2301Greyhound fare and schedule information (800) 231-2222Customers with disabilities (800) 752-4841

rAilamtrak station(785) 357-5362

amtrak reservations(800) 872-7245

Airports/AirlinesTopeka airport authority(785) 862-2362www.mtaa-topeka.org

Kansas air Center at Billard airport (785) 234-2602

million air Topeka at Forbes Field (785) 862-0950

mid-america aviation at Forbes Field (785) 862-2790

Kansas City (mCi) airportwww.flykci.comNearest full-service international airport

hospitAlsst. FrAncis heAlth center1700 Sw Seventh St.(785) 295-8000www.stfrancistopeka.org

storMont-VAil heAlthCare1500 Sw 10th ave.(785) 354-6000www.stormontvail.org

colMery-o’neil VeterAns AFFAirs MedicAl center2200 Sw Gage Blvd.(785) 350-3111www.topeka.va.gov KAnsAs rehAbilitAtion hospitAl 1504 Sw eighth ave.(785) 235-6600www.kansasrehabhospital.com

select speciAlty hospitAloF topeKA 1700 Sw Seventh St. #840(785) 295-5551

heAlth cAre proVidersbirth And WoMen’s center1412 Sw Sixth ave.(785) 232-6950www.topekabirthcenter.com

heArt oF AMericA hospice3715 Sw 29th St., Suite 100(785) 228-0400www.heartofamericahospice.com

MAriAn clinicmedical Plaza Building, 1001 Sw Garfield ave.marian Clinic Dental, 3164 e. Sixth ave.(785) 233-8081, (785) 233-2800www.marianclinic.org

MidlAnd cAre hospice200 Sw Frazier Circle, Building a(785) 232-2044www.midlandhospice.org

shAWnee county heAlth Agency1615 Sw eighth ave.(785) 368-2000www.snco.us/ha/

sunFloWer proMpt cAre4646 Nw Fielding Road(785) 246-3733www.sunflowerpc.com

topeKA Aids proJect708 Sw Sixth ave.(785) 232-3100www.topekaaidsproject.org

A vAriety of medicAl

services Are AvAilAble

in shAwnee county with

two mAjor hospitAls And mAny

outlets for counseling

And speciAlized

services. topekA is

considered the medicAl center for northeAst

kAnsAs.—

St. Francis Health Center

Stormont-Vail HealthCare

city inForMAtion


Topeka FirsT sTepsHealTH & CiTY iNFormaTioN

Places to call home


What housing crisis? The kansas capital has seen dynamic growth and reinvestment in housing projects across the city.

Newcomers can expect to pay an average of only $150,000 for full-size family home in Topeka.

That’s why real estate companies and syndicated home programs consistently list Topeka as one of the top 10 cities across the nation for “best buy” home choices.

Your Topeka house is what a residence should be—an investment and a place to call home.

topekaNeighborhoodsPlaces to call home

10 featuredneIghborhoods

——————————–— •———––————————

What’s your neighborhood

style?

➥

Vernon McFalls is one of

many Topekans who are revitalizing homes in

established neighborhoods across the city. The renovation

of a newly purchased Auburndale-area home will be a labor of love for this teacher and media

producer.

2009 | 2010 topeka Community guide 11

plaCes To Call HomeNeiGHBorHooDs

potWIn Victorian and • pedestrian-friendly / mCFarland Farms exquisite and • luxurious

Country Club addItIon eclectic and historical / Oakland Community-centered and historical

College Hill Collegiate and artsy / Lake Shawnee region relaxed and • recreational

downtown Urban and sophisticated / Westboro elegant and F beautiful

southWest spacious and innovative / nortH topeka Growing and renewing

the best part of topeka’s affordable housIng market is that the homes are not just a bargain—they are quality residences in established and

safe neighborhoods with a range of styles.

What’s your neighborhood style?


plaCes To Call Home NeiGHBorHooDs

higher educAtion Because of shawnee County’s central location, students from this area have many choices for higher education. The city is home to Washburn University, consistently ranked as one of the region’s top master’s level universities. Topeka also hosts satellite campuses for Baker University and Friends University. Within driving distance are three major kansas universities: emporia state University in emporia, kansas state University in manhattan and the University of kansas in lawrence.

WAshburn uniVersity(785) 670-1010www.washburn.edu

pArochiAl schools

AssuMption eleMentAry (785) 235-0953

cAir pArAVel-lAtin school (785) 232-3878

christ the King eleMentAry (785) 272-2220

hAyden high school (785) 272-5210

heritAge christiAn school (785) 286-0427

holy FAMily cAtholic school (785) 234-8980

hope street AcAdeMy (785) 438-4280

Kennedy AcAdeMy (785) 266-5150

MAter dei school (785) 233-1727

Most pure heArt eleMentAry (785) 272-4313

st. MAttheW’s eleMentAry

(785) 235-2188

topeKA AdVentist school (785) 272-9474

topeKA collegiAte (785) 228-0490

topeKA lutherAn school (785) 357-0382

Westside christiAn AcAdeMy (785) 267-4640

state compulsory attendance laws apply to students 7 years old on/before august

31 of the school year and up to 18 years old.

Topeka is proud of its tradition of quality public education.

» pArents/guArdiAns enrolling children For the First tiMe

into topeKA heAd stArt, preschool, KindergArten or First

grAde must present a copy of a birth certificate or a court order placing the child in the custody of the secretary of social and rehabilitation services, a kansas Certificate of immunization, and a physical or health assessment.

» pArents/guArdiAns enrolling children For the First tiMe into grades 2-12 should present a certified transcript from previous school.

» eVery student entering A

KAnsAs school For the First

tiMe up to the Age oF 9 yeArs

Must present the results oF A

heAlth AssessMent provided by a licensed physician or a nurse who has completed kansas Department of Health and environment training and certification. This assessment must be conducted within 12 months prior to school entry.

» child cAre progrAMs before and after school hours are offered at some Topeka public schools.

» the AcAdeMic yeAr for Topeka public schools generally runs from mid-august to mid-may.

» the topeKA public school systeM proVides A VAriety oF

WAys For pArents/guArdiAns to Assist in their children’s

educAtion with programs for one-on-one mentoring, classroom volunteering and advisory councils.

hoMeschooling Homeschooling is legally recognized in kansas, with several religious and nonreligious-affiliated support and meet-up groups available to parents who chose homeschooling.

christiAn hoMe educAtors conFederAtion oF KAnsAswww.kansashomeschool.org

stAte boArd oF educAtion(785) 296-1978www.ksde.org

child cAre reFerrAl

erc resource And reFerrAl(785) 357-5171 www.ercrefer.org

Needto

knoWpublic school

systeM

topeKA AreA school districts

topeKA usd 501(785) 295-3000; www.topekapublicschools.net

shAWnee heights usd 450(785) 379-5800; www.snh450.k12.ks.us

Auburn-WAshburn usd 437 (785) 339-4000; www.usd437.net seAMAn usd 345(785) 575-8600; www.usd345.com

Head Start

Head Start children should be 3 or 4 years of age on/before

august 31. New kindergarten students should be 5 years old on/before august 31. Students enrolling in first grade should

be 6 years old on/before august 31.


eDUCaTioNplaCes To Call Home

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Topeka is proud of its

publIC transport system and bIke traIls for people who want to get out of their cars or who choose public systems for their primary means of transportation.

maps sHowing tHe entire bus system can be obtained at the Topeka Transit office at 820 Quincy, (785) 783-7000, and are available online at www.topekatransit.com. Topeka also provides door-to-door bus services for people with disabilities who are unable to use the wheelchair-accessible fixed bus route service.

By state laws, bIkers are reCognIzed as havIng equal aCCess to the CIty roads and Topeka also encourages healthy and safe recreational biking through special bike trails noted in the map at left.


Topeka CiTY mapGeTTiNG aroUND ToWN

golf

Topeka oFFers seVeral GolFiNG VeNUes, BoTH priVaTe aND pUBliC. Here is a lisTiNG:greAt liFe golF & Fitness–berKshire

3720 Sw 45th St.(785) 267-7888semiprivate 18-hole course

cypress ridge golF course2533 Sw urish Road(785) 272-0511City-sponsored 18-hole public course

Forbes golF course700 Sw Capehart Road(785) 862-0114shawnee County 18-hole public course

lAKe shAWnee golF course4141 Se east edge Road(785) 267-2295www.lakeshawneegolf.comshawnee County 18-hole public course

north topeKA golF center350 Ne Highway 24(785) 357-0026public 9-hole course

prAirie VieW golF club9840 Sw 45th St.(785) 478-9733semiprivate 18-hole course

shAWnee country club913 Se 29th St.(785) 233-5544private 18-hole course

topeKA sports center6545 Sw 10th ave.(785) 272-5522public nine-hole course

topeKA country club2700 Sw Buchanan(785) 354-8563private 18-hole course

Western hills golF club8533 Sw 21st St.(785) 478-4000semiprivate 18-hole course

GeT oUT, GET MOVING!join tHe

team——————————–— •———––————————

opportunities abound to keep in shape and

test your skills through amateur sporting

leagues. Here are a few to get you started.

——————————–— •———––————————

shAWnee county pArKs And

recreAtionwww.snco.us/parksrec/

topeKA pArKs And recreAtion

www.topeka.org/parksandrec

sunFloWer striders running

clubwww.sunflowerstriders.

org

KAW VAlley bicycle clubwww.kvbc.org

sunFloWer soccer AssociAtion

www.sunflowersoccer.org

topeKA roWing AssociAtion

www.topekarowing.com

KAnsAs cricKet club

www.kcc.hitscricket.com

➥

cedAr crest And MAclennAn pArKSixth avenue and Fairlawn RoadThe 224-acre park surrounds the official residence of the governor of kansas and is open to the public. its trails are popular with hikers, bikers and prairie flower enthusiasts.

3 Gems oF NaTUre For YoU To eNjoY

lAKe shAWnee3137 Se 29th St.local officials like to call this 1,100-acre park the city’s “backyard.” With a beach, tennis courts, golf courses (both regular and disc), shelters, areas for boating, fishing, sailing, rowing and swimming plus more than seven miles of trails, this is truly a recreation area for the entire family.

WArren nAture AreA25th Street and Gage Boulevard, enter through Felker ParkTwo miles of trails take you through this grassland area that is a premier bird-watching spot.


parks & reCreaTioNToTallY Topeka

Two Topeka Champions

The Up-and-Cominggold medalIst

in the world of competitive rowing, Bailey atkinson is a name to watch. For this 16-year-old Topeka sculler, a routine of 5:30 a.m. practices and winter workouts at lake

shawnee paid off with a gold medal at the 2009 Usrowing Club Nationals.

atkinson pulled off a convincing victory in

the Women’s open 1x Dash, beating out a field of competitors from traditional powerhouse clubs

in Boston and Connecticut.

The late-bloomIngChamp

Disc golf is usually a sport favored by the young crowds and middle-age boomers who tossed Frisbees around as a kid. Topeka’s jerry robinson, however, picked up the game late in

life and made it his goal to become a champion. and that’s just what he did. robinson captured the world champion title in the advanced legends category (golfers 70 years and older) of the professional Disc Golf association. You are more than likely to see

robinson if you head off to one of Topeka’s disc golf courses.

in fact, the world champion always is willing to pass on a few pointers and play a round with a new fellow enthusiast. But be

warned—he likes beating the young generations.


FeaTUreToTallY Topeka

...a high style home furnishings store with an eclectic mix of new designs, antiques and vintage pieces...

JOIN US FOR FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALKS FROM 5:30p-8:30p(Featuring a new artist every First Friday)

chris & johngrandmontagne

414 east second streettopeka, kansas 66607785-232-8008

monday & thursday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.by chance or appointment


Top of the Tower specializes in creating new twists to favorite standards such as this chicken marsala dish with asparagus and wild rice mix.

eat&drInksTarT YoUr CUliNarY joUrNeY THroUGH Topeka WiTH some oF THe reGioN’s BesT loCal resTaUraNTs


ToTallY Topeka DiNiNG

sTarT YoUr CUliNarY joUrNeY THroUGH Topeka WiTH some oF THe reGioN’s BesT loCal resTaUraNTs

What does topeka taste

lIke?LocaL. Fresh.

exciting.

Bobo’sretro drive-in fun. shakes, burgers, fries and old time rock ’n’ roll.2300 sW 10th ave. | (785) 234-4511

Boss Hawg’seven in the land of barbecue, this one stands out among the crowd. 2833 sW 29th st. | (785) 273-7300

Chez Yasuoui, it’s French. Yes, it’s in kansas. Darn—it’s good.2701 sW 17th st. | (785) 357-1003

El Mezcalin a city rich with mexican and latino heritage, el mezcal still impresses.511 sW Topeka Blvd. | (785) 357-0956

New City Caféexplosively delicious latin, Caribbean and mediterranean blends.4005 sW Gage Center Drive | (785) 271-8646

Porubsky’sa historic family-owned deli with legendary chili, sky-high cold cuts and fire pickles.508 Ne sardou | (785) 234-5788

Rowhouse RestaurantFresh foods and ingenious combinations. a place to spend the entire evening.515 Van Buren st. | (785) 817-6052

Top of the Towera member-only dining venue with the best view in town.534 s. kansas ave. #1430 | (785) 354-7746

Tuptim ThaiTuptim delights Thai novices and seasoned Thai palates.2949 s. kansas ave. | (785) 266-2299

YoU mUsT TrY THis …a list of Topeka original restaurants worth trying withinyour first few months of living in your new hometown.


ToTallY TopekaDiNiNG

Warehouse 414 is a Topeka original design and décor shop.Whether it’s Art Deco or refurbished antique classics, Warehouse 414 is where style meets whimsy and a great first stop when outfitting your new home with a distinctive showpiece.

shoppIng dIstrICtsFill oUT YoUr NeW Home WiTH DisTiNCT loCal TreasUres.


ToTallY Topeka sHoppiNG

Fill oUT YoUr NeW Home WiTH DisTiNCT loCal TreasUres.

The‘Vision Thing’WhAt does it tAKe to Keep businesses AliVe And help

the city thriVe in the Future?

a vision, of course. in 2008, Topeka started on a community wide project to create a common vision for

the city’s goals. Thousands of people provided input and helped establish priorities.

known as Heartland Visioning, the 15- to 20-year project seeks to coordinate

civic, government and business groups to address any problem areas in the city and capitalize on its strengths. a transformed

riverfront? The state’s best public schools? a greater

primary job base? They're all possible with a vision.

DoWNToWN DisTriCTFrom Topeka Boulevard through Jefferson Street for north-south streetsFrom Sixth avenue to 12th Street for east-west streetswww.downtowntopekainc.comTopeka’s growing and revitalized downtown district features unique, locally owned businesses.

WesTBoro marTHuntoon Street and Oakley avenueTopeka’s oldest shopping center with a unique character and emphasis on local shops.

WesT riDGe mall1801 Sw wanamaker Roadwww.westridgemall.comWest ridge mall is the largest shopping area in Topeka.

FairlaWN plazasHoppiNG CeNTer21st Street and Fairlawn RoadFairlawn plaza offers many unique, locally owned businesses.

WaNamaker CorriDor17th–29th Streets andwanamaker RoadThe Wanamaker corridor holds many large national chain shops.

BrookWooD29th Street between Gage Boulevard and Burlingame RoadBrookwood features restaurants and specialty shops.

NorTH TopekasHoppiNG DisTriCTBetween Gordon and morse Streets on N. Kansas avenueThis area has the feel of small-town main street stores.

FlemiNG plaCe10th avenue and Gage BoulevardThis area features specialty shops,restaurants and a grocery store.

GaGe CeNTer/GaGe VillaGeHuntoon Street andGage Boulevardspecialty shops and restaurants.

seaBrook CeNTer21st Street and Gage Boulevarda mix of antiques, craft and jewelry retailers.

A Guide to the retaIl regIons of Topeka


ToTallY TopekasHoppiNG

ENTerTaiNmeNTTHe kaNsas CapiTal oFFers a WiDe raNGe oF eVeNTs aND

VeNUes For eDUCaTioN, eNjoYmeNT aND pleasUre

TOPEka IS fuLL Of aTTRaCTIONS, but here are some that we recommend seeing within your first year of being a Topekan.

2009 | 201026 topeka Community guide

ToTallY Topeka arTs & aTTraCTioNs

culturAl AttrAction

outdoor AttrAction

entertAinment venue

sporting venue

kid-friendly museum

theAter

AttrActions

broWn V. boArd oF educAtion nAtionAl historic site And MuseuM 1515 Se monroe St.; (785) 354-4273 www.nps.gov/brvbThis national historic site is at monroe school, the school named in the famous Brown v. Board of education civil rights case that helped lead to the end of school segregation. run by the National park service, the self-guided exhibition is dedicated to explaining the complex events behind the case and the legacy of the continuing struggle for equality. reservations are recommended for groups larger than 10 people.

cedAr crest goVernor’s MAnsion One Sw Cedar Crest Road;(785) 296-3636although this 12-room, French-Norman house was built in 1928 by newspaper publisher Frank p. maclennan for his private use, Cedar Crest has been the executive mansion of kansas governors since 1962. it is the smallest occupied governor’s residence in the country, yet sits on the largest plot of land. Trails on the property are open to the public and tours are available every monday afternoon except on holidays.

coMbAt Air MuseuM Hangars 602-604 “J” Street, Forbes Field; (785) 862-3303 www.combatairmuseum.orgexhibits at the Combat air museum include surveillance aircraft, fighters, missiles and a re-creation of German poW barracks. The museum displays all eras of military aviation from 1917 through Desert storm.

gAge pArK 6th-10th and Gage BoulevardPark office: (785) 368-3838mini-Train (seasonal) (785) 273-6108Carousel (seasonal) (785) 271-5468www.topeka.org/parksrec/gage_park.shtmlsince 1899, the 160-acre Gage park has been one of the most diverse and loved attractions in Topeka. The park has an extensive children’s play area with a mini-train and carousel (one of only 200 still operating today), and the reinisch rose Garden. The Blaisdell Family aquatic Center is also in the park.

topeKA ZoologicAl pArK635 Sw Gage Blvd.; (785) 368-9131www.topeka.org/zoowww.fotz.orgThe Topeka zoological park—with its prized Tropical rain Forest, Discovering apes exhibit, Children’s petting zoo and nearly 400 animals—will delight children, families and adults.

greAt oVerlAnd stAtion 701 N. Kansas ave.; (785) 232-5533www.greatoverlandstation.comlocated in the old pacific Union railroad station, Great overland station is a museum and educational center dedicated to Topeka’s pioneering history. it is run by railroad Heritage, a nonprofit organization.

historic WArd MeAde pArK And botAnicAl gArdens 124 Nw Fillmore; (785) 368-3888 www.topeka.org/parksrec/ward_meade.shtmlThese gardens have more than 500 varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees. prairie Crossings, a living-history museum, features a one-room schoolhouse, general store, livery stable, and santa Fe train depot with railroad memorabilia and a replicated turn-of-the-century drug store. The Ward meade house is on the National register of Historic places.

KAnsAs history 6425 Sw Sixth ave.; (785) 272-8681 www.kshs.org/places/musuem.htmThis site is a popular destination for school field trips. located on a branch of the oregon Trail, this history complex is comprised of the kansas museum of History, the Center for Historical research, the stach one-room schoolhouse, the koch industries education Center and a walking trail. it also has the special exhibits Gallery, which includes a southern Cheyenne teepee and a Wichita grass lodge.

KAnsAs stAte cApitol 10th avenue and Jackson Street; (785) 296-3966 www.kshs.org/places/capitolCompleted in 1903 after 37 years of construction, the Capitol in downtown Topeka has many unique architectural features, as well as murals by john steuart Curry. The guided tours that take you to the very top outside of the dome are one of the city’s must-do attractions.

topeKA hArley-dAVidson MuseuM2047 Sw Topeka Blvd.(785) 234-6174 www.topekaharleydavidson.comThis collection features 30 rare Harley-Davidson motorcycles as well as many pictures, tools and collectibles. The museum is housed inside a Harley-Davidson store that also holds a café and clothing shop.

topekasports——————————–— •———––————————

roAdrunners hocKeyKansas expocentre(785) 286-7825www.topekaroadrunners.comThe NaHl roadrunners rack up the points from september to march in their third full season at Topeka.

Koyote FootbAllKansas expocentre(785) 228-0729www.koyotefootball.comThe season runs from april to july for the six-time champions of the indoor apFl team.

cApitAl city crushers roller derbywww.capitalcitycrushers.netThe Crushers knock down their roller Derby league rivals from april through November.


ToTallY TopekaarTs & aTTraCTioNs

where can i go to see great art?

First Friday artwalkThe artists meet the public at dozens of venues across

the city on the first Friday of each month.Call (785) 271-0065

For more inFormation.

MuLVaNE aRT MuSEuMFeatures permanent and rotating exhibits on the

campus of Washburn University.17tH street and jewell avenue

(785) 670-1124

alICe C. sabatInI gallerysmall but exceptionally well-curated exhibits inside the

Topeka and shawnee County public library.1515 sw 10tH avenue

(785) 580-4515

where can i go to

Have a good

time witH my best Friend?

hIll’sbark park

The city’s free off-leash park for dogs.

10tH avenue andgage boulevard (in gage park)

paWsIn the park

Walks and games at the annual dog event (usually

held in September) sponsored by thehumane society.(785) 233-7325

where can i go to

Have a drink?

blInd tIger breWery & restaurant

Topeka’s home forserious brewmeisters.

417 sw 37tH st.(785) 267-2739

CeltiC Fox Fresh brew with an

Irish flavor and plentyof live music.

118 sw eigHtH ave.(785) 235-2138

JeremIah bullfrogs bar & grIlle

Topeka’s party central.4115 sw Huntoon st.

(785) 273-0606

wHere Can i go to get my

ChoColatefIX?

Hazel Hill CHoColate

Topeka’s home-owned, handmade

confectionary. 724 s. kansas ave.

(785) 215-8883

sommersethall Café

Where Norma Grubb bakes the nation’s top

pies. The coconut cream is her signature, but the

chocolate is worth a second slice.

5701 sw douglas road(785) 256-6223

ElEGaNT TEmpTaTIoNS

Carlos Serranno’s Black and White cakes are

works of art.301 sw gage blvd.,

suite 121(785) 273-4904

wHere Can i go to …a listing of ideas to get out and enjoy your new hometown. Whether it’s a walk with your best friend, a slice of pizza, or a quiet retreat away from it all …there’s a place to go in Topeka.


WHere CaN i Go To …ToTallY Topeka

where can i go to

taste topeka?

doWntoWn topeka farmers market

Where local growers bring

their food every saturday morning

from april to November.

Harrison and 12tH streets

(785) 249-4704

rees fruItfarm

This family-owned farm specializes

in seasonal crops from strawberries

to asparagus.2476 kansas

HigHway 4(785) 246-3257

daddy Cakes Gourmet

cupcakes made fresh by pastry chef allyson

Fiander.4102 sw gage Center drive(785) 228-2300

wHere Cani go to

get aWay from It all?

tHe woodwardinns on

Fillmorein the heart of Topeka, this bed-and-breakfast

complex features elegant and affordable

getaways.1272 sw Fillmore st.

(785) 354-7111

BRICkYaRdBaRN INN

Featuring casualcountry elegance and

exquisite food.4020 nw 25tH st.

(785) 235-0057

ravenwoodlodgerustic eleganceon grounds of ahunting retreat.

10147 sw 61st st.(785) 256-6444

wHere Can i go

to

see a WIld

anImal?

TopEka ZooloGICal

parkWith more than 70

species, a petting zoo and a rain forest.

635 sw gage blvd.(785) 368-9131

konza prairieThis protected

environment opens once every two years for guided tours—it’s

your chance to see beautiful wildlife and

native bison.(785) 587-0381

gage parkGranted, the animal play sculptures and 19th-century riding

carousel creatures are not authentic wildlife—but children will love

playing on them.sixtH to 10tH

avenues and gage boulevard

where can i go to

Hear tHe roar

oF tHe Crowds?

heartlandpark

one of the midwest’s premier venues for drag,

dirt and road races. a national attraction.

7530 sw topeka blvd.(785) 862-4781

kansas expoCentre

Concert and event venue plus the home of the

indoor football koyotes and the roadrunners

hockey squad.one expoCentre

drive (785) 235-1986

sk8aWayHome rink for the

Capital City Crushers, the hometown flat-track

roller derby teamwith attitude.

815 sw Fairlawn road(785) 272-0303

where can i go to

grab a sliCe?

via’spizzeriaNew restaurant with

Chicago-style pizza and calzone specialties.

738 sw gage blvd.(785) 215-8421

paIsano’s rIstorante

Specializing ingourmet pizza.

4043 sw 10tH ave.(785) 273-0100

old CHiCago

Home of theWorld Brew Tour.

1231 sw wanamaker road

(785) 273-5522


WHere CaN i Go To … ToTallY Topeka

September11-13th | huFF ‘n puFF hot Air bAlloon rAllywww.huff-n-puff.org

12th | greAt topeKA ducK rAce

www.topekaduckrace.org

13th | topeKA JAZZ WorKshop, Monthly concertswww.topekajazz.com

26-27th | cider dAys FAll FestiVAlwww.ciderdaystopeka.com

October4th | old prAirie toWn’s 30th AnnuAl Apple FestiVAl

www.topeka.org/parksrec/wardmeade_events.shtml

24th | old prAirie toWn’s scAry on the prAiriewww.topeka.org/parksrec/wardmeade_events.shtml

24th | boo At the Zoo www.topeka.org/zoo

November6th | northern cheroKee nAtion VeterAns poW WoWwww.awiakta.org

11th | VeterAns dAy At the MuseuMwww.kshs.org

21 noVeMber – 31 deceMber | tArc Winter WonderlAndwww.tarcinc.org

29th | MirAcle on KAnsAs AVenue, AnnuAl holidAy pArAdewww.miracle-on-kansas.blogspot.com

december3-6th | sheltered liVing, inc. FestiVAl oF treeswww.shelteredliving.org

3-5th | old prAirie toWn’s old tiMe holidAy hAppeningswww.topeka.org/parksrec/wardmeade_events.shtml

January29th | KAnsAs dAy celebrAtionswww.kshs.org

february26-27th | KAnsAs silent FilM FestiVAl

www.kssilentfilmfest.org

March17th | st. pAtricK’s dAy pArAde/celebrAtionwww.topekastpats.com

tbA topeKA’s AnnuAlbed rAcewww.hcci-ks.org

april17-18th | 40th AnnuAl eArth dAywww.learningforlifecenter.org

tbA erc designers’ shoWhousewww.ercrefer.org

MaytbA greAt plAins roWing chAMpionshipswww.topekarowing.com

tbA coleMAn hAWKins legAcy JAZZ FestiVAlwww.hawkinsjazzfest.org

June5-6th | MulVAne Art MuseuM’s MountAin/plAins Art FAirwww.washburn.edu/mulvane/artfair.html

11-19th | sunFloWer Music FestiVAlwww.sunflowermusicfestival.org

tbA topeKA tinMAn triAthlonwww.topekatinmantriathlon.com

tbA topeKA pond tourwww.tawgs.org

July4th | spirit oF KAnsAs FestiVAlwww.snco.us/parksandrec/ 9-25th | sunFloWer stAte gAMeswww.sunflowerstategames.com

14-18th | FiestA MexicAnAwww.olg-parish.org

22-25th | shAWneecounty FAirwww.shawneecountyfair.org

24th | nAtionAl dAy oF the AMericAn coWboy At old prAirie toWnwww.topeka.org/parksrec/wardmeade_events.shtml

augusttbA topeKA rAilroAd FestiVAlwww.greatoverlandstation.com

tbA the grApe escApewww.tpactix.org

tbA inter-tribAl poW WoWwww.shawneecountyalliedtribes.org


Calendar of annual events2009/2010

topeka community guide 2009-2010

Documents

topeka guide

new hometotally topeka

greater topeka region

new life

home page

comfortabletopeka map

steps page

cultural information