Topeka KS

Topeka, KS – Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Topeka blends small-town warmth with rich history and big-city convenience. From exploring its vibrant arts scene to learning about its role in civil rights history, Topeka surprises visitors with charm, culture, and a welcoming spirit. Whether you're strolling through lush parks or diving into local flavor, this capital city has something for everyone seeking authenticity and comfort.

• Population: ~125,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; hot summers (70-95°F), chilly winters (20-40°F), colorful spring and fall seasons.
• Places To Visit: Kansas State Capitol, Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, Topeka Zoo, Lake Shawnee, Evel Knievel Museum.
• Top Activities: Biking the Shunga Trail, enjoying live music at downtown venues, visiting historic landmarks, boating at local lakes, attending community festivals.
• Famous Food: Barbecue ribs at Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q, burgers at The Burger Stand, hearty breakfasts at Hanover Pancake House, craft beer from Blind Tiger Brewery.

Topeka, the capital of Kansas, has a diverse job market with strong roots in government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city continues to offer steady employment opportunities and competitive salaries across multiple sectors. Below are some of the top careers currently in demand in Topeka.

Top 5 Jobs in Topeka, KS

Topeka, Kansas, might surprise you with the number of fun, laid-back places it has for students looking to unwind and have a great time. Whether you prefer hanging out in the fresh air, grabbing tasty snacks, or enjoying cool indoor entertainment spots, this city has got you covered.

Gage Park – This laid-back park is perfect for relaxing afternoons or casual hangouts with your friends. Gage Park offers walking trails, picnic spots, and plenty of green space ideal for throwing a Frisbee or just chilling with a good playlist.

Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center – Animals make everything better, right? Visiting the Topeka Zoo lets students escape stress while checking out cool wildlife, from orangutans to giraffes. It's a great place to snap fun photos and just enjoy some free time together.

Washburn University Union Area – If you're already on campus or nearby, this spot is ideal for just kicking back between classes. With comfy seating areas, coffee shops, and food options, the Union area is a natural spot for both relaxing and socializing with peers.

NOTO Arts District – Topeka's artsy neighborhood offers plenty of fun places to explore street murals, funky shops, live music spots, and local cafes. It's an easygoing vibe that'll keep you coming back to unwind and find creative inspiration.

The Pennant – A favorite hangout offering good eats, tasty shakes, and arcade-style fun. This quirky downtown spot blends entertainment with tasty food, providing students an upbeat place to chill and unwind after long study sessions.

Lake Shawnee – Nothing beats spending the afternoon outdoors by the lake. Lake Shawnee features frisbee golf, beach volleyball courts, scenic walking trails, and picnic spots. It's the ideal location to soak up some sunshine or catch a peaceful sunset with friends.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park – Who doesn’t enjoy some casual bouncing around? Sky Zone is a great place to let loose, burn off stress, and just have fun with friends on trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits.

No matter what kind of relaxation or fun you're seeking, these spots in Topeka provide affordable, accessible, and enjoyable ways for students to unwind from school stress and create great memories together.

Topeka, Kansas is an educational hub with a mix of public and private institutions offering quality education in fields such as nursing, business, education, and the liberal arts. These colleges are known for their excellent faculty, community engagement, and commitment to student success.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Topeka

Washburn University – A highly respected public university offering over 200 academic programs. It is especially renowned for its School of Law, School of Nursing, and business and liberal arts education. Washburn also provides an engaging campus experience with small class sizes and strong faculty support.

Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) – This technical school, affiliated with Washburn University, provides hands-on training in skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and business. It’s known for its close ties to local industries and high employability rates for graduates.

Kansas State University – Polytechnic Campus (near Topeka) – While located in Salina, this satellite campus of Kansas State University offers aviation, engineering technology, and applied business programs. It’s a strong choice for Topeka residents seeking cutting-edge technical education.

Highland Community College Technical Center – Topeka Campus – A branch of Highland Community College, this campus offers specialized technical programs, including welding, building trades, and medical coding, serving the workforce needs of the local community.

Emporia State University (located nearby, serving Topeka area) – Located just under an hour from Topeka, ESU is accessible to many Topeka residents. Known for its education, business, and library science programs, ESU is a strong choice for students seeking a well-rounded public education.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Topeka

Benedictine College (near Topeka in Atchison) – While not located in Topeka itself, Benedictine is a popular private Catholic liberal arts college among Topeka students. It offers respected programs in theology, education, nursing, and business.

University of Saint Mary (Topeka Campus) – This satellite campus of the main university in Leavenworth offers graduate and evening programs in business, education, psychology, and healthcare. It's an excellent option for working adults in the Topeka area.

Baker University – School of Nursing (Topeka Campus) – A division of Baker University, this campus is located in Topeka and is highly regarded for its nursing programs. It partners with Stormont Vail Health, offering hands-on clinical experience and high NCLEX pass rates.

Friends University – Topeka Center – Offering adult undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Friends University serves working professionals looking for flexible options in business, leadership, and education. The Topeka site emphasizes accessibility and personal attention.

Topeka Lutheran School of Theology (Specialty Seminary Program) – This small religious institution offers theological studies and pastoral education. It is respected in the faith-based academic community for leadership training and ministry preparation.

Topeka, Kansas may be a mid-sized city, but it offers a variety of excellent public and private high schools that prepare students for higher education and future careers. Known for dedicated staff, strong academic programs, and well-rounded extracurriculars, these schools stand out in the region.

Top Public High Schools in Topeka, KS

• Washburn Rural High School – Located in the Auburn-Washburn USD 437 district, this school is recognized for academic excellence, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and high graduation rates.
• Topeka High School – One of the oldest high schools in the state, it blends rich history with modern programs including International Baccalaureate (IB) and diverse student clubs.
• Topeka West High School – Known for its strong arts and music programs, this school also offers solid academic support and college prep services.
• Seaman High School – Part of the Seaman USD 345 district, this school is praised for science and technology programs, along with athletics and leadership topics.
• Highland Park High School – A growing school with several career pathways, offering strong support systems for students and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Top Private High Schools in Topeka, KS

• Hayden Catholic High School – A coeducational Roman Catholic school known for its strong college prep curriculum, values-based education, and athletics.
• Cair Paravel Latin School – A classical Christian school with a focus on liberal arts, character education, and small class sizes that allow for personal attention.
• Topeka Collegiate – Though it primarily serves grades Pre-K–8, its middle school graduates often matriculate into top area high schools with advanced preparation.
• Christ the King Catholic School – Offering high academic standards with faith-based learning, this school nurtures students from early grades through middle school, preparing them for private high schools in the area.
• Heritage Christian School – A private K–12 Christian school focused on faith-driven instruction and academic development, with a strong sense of community and parental involvement.

Topeka, Kansas, is a city rich in sports enthusiasm, but unlike major metropolitan areas, it does not have teams in the major professional sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS. However, Topeka and the surrounding region are passionate about local and regional sports, with strong support for minor league teams and college athletics. These teams provide thrilling competition and have become an important part of community life.

⚾ Baseball – Topeka Senators (Historical)

• Topeka Senators – The Senators were a minor league baseball team that played in several leagues during the early-to-mid 20th century. Though now defunct, they were once an important part of Topeka's sports identity and provided a platform for local talent and community entertainment.

🏁 Motorsports – Heartland Motorsports Park

• Heartland Motorsports Park – Located in Topeka, this facility is one of the premier drag racing and road course destinations in the Midwest. It hosts national NHRA events and local racing series. While not a professional team, it brings a high level of competition and speed to the Topeka sports scene.

🥍 Indoor Football – Topeka Tropics (CIF)

• Topeka Tropics – The Tropics are a professional indoor football team competing in the Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league. Based at the Stormont Vail Events Center, they offer high-energy action and strong community involvement, making them a fan favorite in Topeka since their founding in 2021.

🎓 College Sports – Washburn University Ichabods

• Washburn University Ichabods – While not a professional team, the sports programs at Washburn University provide high-level NCAA Division II athletics. The football, basketball, and baseball teams draw loyal fans and offer competitive matchups in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

Though Topeka may not have major league teams, the city’s love for sports shines through its indoor football, motorsports, and college programs. These teams and venues continue to bring energy and pride to the local sports scene, making Topeka an exciting place for fans and athletes alike.

Topeka, KS might not be the biggest city in the U.S., but it’s packed with charm, history, and fun surprises. From political milestones to quirky traditions, here are 10 fun facts about this unique Midwest city:

1. Historic Capital – Topeka has served as the capital of Kansas since 1861, when Kansas became the 34th U.S. state.
2. Brown v. Board of Education – The city was at the center of this famous landmark Supreme Court case that helped end racial segregation in public schools.
3. Nicknamed T-Town – Locals affectionately call Topeka by the nickname "T-Town".
4. Google Experiment – In 2010, Topeka changed its name to "Google, Kansas" for a month to support the tech giant’s high-speed internet project.
5. Big on Trains – Topeka has a long train history and is still home to the BNSF Railway’s headquarters.
6. Gage Park Fun – The popular Gage Park features a mini train, rose garden, and the Topeka Zoo—great for families and visitors alike.
7. Storm Chasing Central – Thanks to its central plains location, Topeka is often part of storm chaser territory during tornado season.
8. Fast Food Fame – The very first White Castle in Kansas was opened in Topeka, showing the city's love for sliders early on!
9. Home of Evel Knievel Museum – Topeka houses the only Evel Knievel Museum dedicated to the legendary stuntman and his daredevil legacy.
10. Art Deco Statehouse – The Kansas State Capitol in Topeka features stunning murals, including one by John Steuart Curry of abolitionist John Brown.