Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center — Attraction in Topeka

Capital Fun

I’m embarrassed to say that until recently, I had never stepped foot in the Kansas State Capitol. For six months I worked fifteen minutes away from it and always promised myself that I would and never did. But finally, during this year of my big birthday travel, I made it a priority. I took two family members, my ten-year-old grandson and his sister on this day trip full of history. This restored building is visually appealing from the moment you walk into the spacious basement level that consists of an information desk, gift shop and exhibits. Look down and notice the 105 counties in Kansas depicted in the stone lobby floor. The free, guided tour, starts in the well-lit and beautiful museum styled basement with exposed 10,000 pound limestone blocks, hosts wonderful pictures and mementos of each historical period. On the first floor you can ride in the 1923 cage elevator up to the fifth floor. Rotunda murals, a 256-glass paneled interior dome and 900-pound replicated chandelier can be viewed from the first floor. The Governor and Secretary of State ceremonial offices are located on the second floor. The third floor offers historical learning regarding the House of Representatives. Take a moment to look at the glass floor, polished brass sunflowers and white oak wainscoting that was hand-carved in the state library. The children had a chance to learn the protocols of the Senate and the Old Supreme Court. The insightful Brown v Board of Education mural located in the south wing, depicts the 1954 landmark case of desegregation with its tie to Topeka. Because of the intense heat that day, we were unable to climb the 296 stairs to the top of the dome. This is just a sample of some of the things we experienced during our historical tour. Surprisingly the children could answer questions posed to them when I quizzed them on some key facts learned. Overall: The State Capital visit is worth a day trip. My only complaint is that the tour guide didn’t ask who was present for the tour. He took a white family with him and began the tour as my family, who arrived early for the event, were dismissed. When we caught up with him, he looked surprised that we would want to do...

Great historical place to celebrate the very diverse and storied past of this very underrated state. The tour was free, informative, and very very cool. The parking is accessible from 8th street, and is located beneath the statehouse, underground. There are two tours, one being a historical tour, the other a dome tour. The dome tour is exactly what it sounds like. There are several spots where you can stop and not continue all the way to the outside part at the top. There is a level up by the inner dome where you can see the inner areas of the top, but if you continue upwards you will be pretty high up on a very sturdy staircase that looks down through a hole in the center of the inner dome. You will see all the way straight down to the first level of the statehouse. It is quite a view! If you are not squeamish about heights, by all means climb the stairs to the outdoor part where you can see the surrounding area of downtown Topeka. If you don't want to do a ton of climbing, stick to the historical tour. You will get to see both chambers of government, many works of art, and the stories behind them. There will be some climbing of stairs, unless the historical cage style elevator is running. You will also get to see the library with the glass floor. We visited with some of our New Jersey family and they were astounded at how far reaching our history is. Between the architecture, the art, and the history, this was such a...

They do tours every hour, on the hour. You can either do a history tour or a roof tour. It is about 300 stairs up, so make sure you're able if that is your choice. Our guide was amazing, and we were able to do both tours in one day. I would not say this tour is very toddler friendly (if you have a busy-body kid). The stairs have quite a drop, as you can see pictured, and the history tour includes a lot of "do not touch" things. Afterwards, make sure to stop in the gift shop and check out kansas products, art, and merch. No reservation is needed, but if you have a large group, make sure to call ahead. The roof tours stop at 3pm.

Accessibility ♿️: 4/5 parking is quite a distance away and is metered, but inexpensive. Doors are automatic, frames are wide, and bathrooms have a lot of space. The cafe was not very wheel chair friendly. Plenty of elevators! Kid friendly: 2/5 there is a place to change diapers. A lot of walking, places they aren't allowed to go in, things they aren't allowed to touch, and some events they can't make noise for. Of course, you can make it work, but it is not a good idea pre nap or meal. The cafe is not kid friendly and the seating area isn't as well. Entrances, doors, elevators, and walkways are stroller friendly. This would be a good activity for kids who will stay in a stroller or are old enough to be calm...