Library, Truckhenge, Capitol, parks among free things to do in Topeka
These seven family-friendly and free destinations in Topeka make selfie-taking, exercise and learning opportunities simple and fun during school breaks and other times children and adults have time to spare.
The Topeka Public Library
A gathering place for people of all ages, The Topeka Public Library, 1515 S.W 10th Ave., is a great place to be, rain or shine. “I laughingly say we are truly a business that serves babies to bifocals,” the library’s communications and marketing director Diana Friend said. Events are always changing, too.
The Alice C. Sabatini Gallery is now holding the national premiere of “Resilience,” an exhibit that portrays the WWII U.S. internment of Japanese Americans through the eyes of eight artists who suffered the hardship.
“The cool thing about this is it’s so beautifully done,” Friend said.
The gallery is also home to the Reed Studio, which allows visitors to test their skills, artistically speaking. “We are open seven days a week, 78 hours a week,” Friend said, “So you can come in and create art.”
To find out more about upcoming events, visit the library’s website, call (785) 580-4400 or stop by the library, which is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Call ahead to visit Truckhenge
Truckhenge at Lessman’s Farm & Catfish Pond, 4124 N.E. Brier Rd., is a must-see work of art that was started in 2000 after property owner Ron Lessman was told that he had to remove the many vehicles on his farm. Since then, it has grown to encompass Boathenge and other assorted recycled oddities.
This year a scorpion and a dragon/dinosaur monstrosity, affectionately called Truckosaurus by some, have been added.
The Lassman farm has been held by the same family since 1879. William Shatner is one of its most notable guests. He visited Truckhenge in 2015. The site even has its own Wikipedia page.
Ron Lessman’s wife, Linda, said, “We gratefully accept donations, but we don’t charge,” adding their most important request, “We do appreciate when people call us ahead.”
The Lessmans can be reached at (785) 234-3486.
Concerts and other events are frequently hosted on the farm, including an arts and music festival April 15-17. That event is not free.
The Kansas State Capitol
Kansas’ State Capitol building, 300 W. 10th St., is majestic, with four floors to climb and a dome that can be viewed during guided tours. Burning off energy is a plus with this must-see; great places to take selfies also abound here.
Noted artwork includes the controversial, foreboding mural “Tragic Prelude,” by Kansan John Steuart Curry, which, among other things, depicts John Brown (Bible in one hand and rifle in the other). It illustrates the state’s role as “Bloody Kansas” leading up to the U.S. Civil War.
Hours of the Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, go to https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-plan-your-visit/18649.
Brown v. Board of Education Historic Site
The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, 1515 S.E. Monroe St., can help children and adults understand the history of segregation in America and how Topeka played a national role in integrating public schools.
Guests can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours at this site. Kids can become junior rangers and receive junior ranger badges after completing four to six activities. Another learning opportunity, “Fair is Fair,” is a video and sing-along which teaches children justice and fairness.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The site is closed Sunday and Monday. https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm has more information.
The Great Mural Wall of Topeka
The Great Mural Wall of Topeka, 1969 S.W. Western Ave., a fantastic selfie opportunity, was started in 2006 by the Chesney Park Neighborhood Improvement Association. It first appeared in 2007 and was completed in 2019. The site was a former water reservoir and is owned by Topeka Water Division.
In addition to artwork depicting Topeka’s history and culture, the mural features large colorful animals like goldfish, a snake, several species of birds, a bat and a butterfly, making it the perfect backdrop for more selfies with the kids.
Go to https://www.visittopeka.com/listing/the-great-wall-of-topeka-mural/433/ for more information.
Gage Park
Though Gage Park’s zoo, train and carousel do require money, the park at 635 S.W. Gage Blvd. doesn’t lack free entertainment.
The rock garden, which bursts into life every spring, and the rose garden are must-sees and big photo opportunities.
Dog owners can include their four-legged friends in the festivities at the Bark Park. Or, for people who do not own a dog, it may be a place to receive some canine hugs.
Find more information here.
Lake Shawnee
Lake Shawnee, 3137 S.E. 29th St., is a great way to spend the day. Ted Ensley Gardens (another great place for selfies), lots of playgrounds, seven miles of bike and walking trails, tennis courts and disc golf are a few ways to spend time.
Also, at the Hanger Family Fishing Pond, children under 16 and seniors 65 and older can cast their reels for free.
Find more information here.
