Topeka is the capital of Kansas, located in the northeastern part of the state. It offers residents and visitors many attractions within the city limits, like the Kansas State Capitol building and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. However, one of the best parts of living in or visiting Topeka is having quick access to fantastic day trip destinations located throughout eastern Kansas.
These day trips allow you to experience other aspects of the state and its history without needing an overnight stay. Most spots can be reached in 60 to 90 minutes from Topeka, making them ideal for daytime excursions. The destinations recommended below give a sampling of the types of attractions, small towns, and natural areas that are perfect places to explore on a Kansas day trip when basing yourself out of the Topeka area.
Famous Kansas Day Trips from Topeka
Abilene
One historically significant small town that makes for a nice day trip is Abilene, located about 85 miles west of Topeka via I-70. Abilene served as the childhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and as such pays homage to his life through various attractions. Some things to see and do on a day trip to Abilene include:
- Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum – Get an in-depth understanding of Eisenhower’s military and presidential careers at this facility managed by the National Archives. Permanent and temporary exhibits detail his service in World War II along with achievements during his time in the Oval Office from 1953 to 1961.
- Eisenhower Boyhood Home – See where America’s 34th president lived as a young boy. This restored home allows you to walk through five furnished rooms and learn about Eisenhower’s upbringing in Abilene.
- Dickinson County Heritage Center – Tap into local history beyond Eisenhower at this museum focused on the culture and stories of the Abilene area and Dickinson County.
- Old Abilene Town – Walk down streets from the late 1800s/early 1900s at this outdoor living history museum. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life and business activities common for Abilene residents of that era.
Chase County
Located about 150 miles southwest of Topeka is Chase County, a rural area worth exploring for its beautiful prairie landscapes and famous sites related to pioneer history. Some spots to check out here on a day trip include:
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve – Take in the vast tall grass landscapes that met early settlers to the area at this national park site. Walking paths let you interact with the natural prairie while a bus tour takes you to the historic Spring Hill Ranch.
- Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site – Get a glimpse into the longhorn cattle drives that traversed the region along the Chisholm Trail back in the late 1860s. Historical buildings and interpreters illuminate what life was like.
- Cement Plant Ruins – While not a formal attraction, the ruins of an early 20th-century cement plant located near Strong City provide an intriguing stop to explore abandoned concrete structures now being overtaken again by prairie grasses.
The scenic Flint Hills countryside throughout Chase County also provides lots of great views on rural backroads if you just want to go for a drive.
Local Kansas Day Trip Attractions Close to Topeka
Council Grove
Located just 50 miles southwest of Topeka, the town of Council Grove alongside the Neosho River makes for a nice quick day trip of Kansas history and nature without needing to drive too far. Top things to see include:
- Kaw Mission State Historic Site – Tour the 1851 Mission building that served as a Methodist church and boarding school for the Kaw Nation tribe.
- Council Oak Tree – See the tree that served as a landmark gathering spot between tribes and early European explorers to the region centuries ago.
- Riverwalk Trail – Stroll or bike along this paved trail network through Council Grove that connects 48 tree-lined blocks of the downtown area.
- Hays House Restaurant – Have lunch or dinner at this landmark eatery first opened in 1857 as a trading post and still operating with its old-time charm.
Atchison
Situated about 50 miles directly east of Topeka, Atchison provides visitors several prominent spots related to famous figures along with scenic natural areas. Sites to see on a day trip here include:
- Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum – Explore the childhood home of the famous early pilot and see artefacts from her life.
- Muchnic Art Gallery – Browse through a collection of over 200 works from international artists that Lewis and Clark expedition financier François Chouteau began collecting in the early 1800s.
- International Forest of Friendship – This memorial forest lined with plaques honours famous aviators from around the globe.
- Lake Atchison – Hike or bike the trail that loops this reservoir just north of town and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Topeka Area Day Trip Distances & Durations
| Destination | Miles from Topeka | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene | 85 miles | 1 hr 25 mins |
| Chase County | 150 miles | 2 hrs 45 mins |
| Council Grove | 50 miles | 1 hr 10 mins |
| Atchison | 48 miles | 1 hr |
Conclusion
Topeka offers easy access to a diversity of history, nature, and small-town attractions for fantastic day trips throughout northeastern Kansas. Destinations like Abilene, Chase County, Council Grove, and Atchison can serve as launching points for explorations of presidents and pioneers, Native American life, the prairie, or famed aviators. So whether a Topeka resident looking for a weekend escape or a visitor wanting to experience more of Kansas beyond the capital, taking a day trip allows you to do so without needing an overnight stay. These destinations provide only a small sample of the possibilities that allow you to enjoy sites around the state while using Topeka as your home base.
