All in a Day’s Drive from Kansas City

Two Capitals, Fun Festivals and the Interactive YouZeum

Many families are cutting back on spending, and that probably includes long-distance travel plans. Avoid the typically crowded attractions and let a heartland holiday put adventure in your weekend or school break travels--within the distance of a tank of gas!

Topeka: More Than a Capital City

Don’t overlook Topeka just because you may have been there before. Even though the Kansas State Capitol building is undergoing a major renovation, there’s still plenty to do and see in the Sunflower State’s capital city.

Fall feature: Lake Shawnee hosts “Huff ’n Puff”, Sept. 10-12, a spectacular night illumination followed by two days of balloon flights and races. Call 785.554.2003 for details.

Must-sees for families:

The Kansas State Capitol continues to offer historic tours Monday-Friday; visits take about one hour. Call 785.272.8681 to schedule. Address: 300 W. 10th St., Downtown area.

Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion, is open for tours 1:00-3:30 on Mondays, or take a driving tour. The 244-acre estate overlooks the Kansas River and features ponds, gardens and hiking trails. Address: One Cedar Crest Rd., near I-70 and Fairlawn Rd.

Discovery Place at Kansas State History Museum is a hands-on gallery for all ages. The museum also features an 1880 railway train, a Cheyenne tipi and exhibits about everyday people in Kansas history. Through Nov. 28: Cars: The Need for Speed is on display. Address: 6425 SW 6th Ave., West area.

Old Prairie Town is a 5-acre pioneer village with a working soda fountain serving cold treats and light lunches. Your visit includes an 1854 replica log cabin, an 1870s prairie mansion, an 1880s church and an 1890s schoolhouse. “Scary on the Prairie”, Oct. 23 at 6:30, is a Halloween-themed event geared for elementary school aged children. Address: 1st & Clay Streets, Downtown area.

Mulvane ArtLab is a family-oriented exploration area featuring 15 activity stations and an area for making take-home projects. Address: SW 17th & Jewell Streets, Washburn University, free admission.

Gage Park has a mini-train that takes you through the heart of the historic park, where you can also ride a unique 1908 carousel and take in countless recreational activities, including the Topeka Zoo. More information is available at www.Topeka.org. Address: 635 Gage Blvd., West area.

Local Fare

Topeka offers lots of dining and shopping to round out your visit. One recommended spot is the Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant, located at 437 SW 37th St., just off I-470. This restaurant will please any palate and is relatively easy on the pocketbook (prices range from $10 to $20). Check out www.VisitTopeka.us for more information and a handy map/guide.

Next Stop: Atchison, Kansas

Since 1854, Kansa Indians, wealthy industrialists, politicians, writers and an aviator have left their marks on this Missouri River town. The community now supports more than 20 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, five high quality museums and fun festivals that celebrate Atchison’s diverse heritage.

Attractions:

Daily Trolley Tours are the best way to begin your visit to Atchison. Tours depart on the hour from the Santa Fe Depot, 200 S. 10th St.

The History Tour, offered April through October, showcases beautiful Victorian-era homes and historic architecture, “haunted” sites and the scenic Missouri River. During September and October, Atchison focuses more on its “haunted” history, offering cemetery tours, history/mystery walking tours and more.

Note: Before or after your trolley ride, step inside the restored Santa Fe Depot to view the exhibits highlighting Atchison history. Open daily, donations accepted. Trolley hours and fares are available at www.AtchisonKansas.net.

Riverfront Park is a good place to stretch your legs. Do a walking tour along this 10-mile hiking/biking path: begin at the south end of the Riverfront Trail and walk north to view a recreated Kansa Indian Village, use the playground equipment and view the Missouri River from the overlook located at one of the boat ramps.

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is the famous aviator’s restored birthplace and childhood home. Open daily, 10:00-4:00. Address: 223 N. Terrace St.

Muchnic Art Gallery is one of Atchison’s many Victorian-era homes. Built by a lumber merchant, it is now an art gallery hosting displays by regional and national artists.

Hours: March-December during the afternoon on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Fee varies, but is minimal. Address: 704 N. 4th St.

The Muchnic is part of the “Homes for the Holidays” trolley tour highlighting decorated historic homes, Dec. 3-4.

Other Attractions:

A visit to Atchison is not complete until you have visited one of its many downtown shops. The pedestrian plaza on Commercial St. between 4th and 7th streets will get you near Carol Garrity’s famous Nell Hill’s and much of Atchison’s shopping district.

Carol Garrity’s historic home is open for a Fall Open House, Sept. 10-11 and Nov. 12-13 for a “lavish” holiday display. See www.NellHills.com for details.

After all that hiking and sightseeing, you will be hungry! The downtown commercial strip offers several local eateries, but Ball Brothers Drugstore (504 Commercial St.), with an old-fashioned soda fountain, is especially fun with young children. For more sophisticated, but homemade fare, try Marigold’s Bakery & Café, 715 Commercial. For a full meal, try The River House, located near Riverfront Park, at 101 Commercial.

Columbia, Missouri

Yes, the University of Missouri is in Columbia, but this college town offers an eclectic mix of other things to do.

The Missouri-Kansas-Texas (KATY) Railroad spur--first built in the 1850s for trains--is now a highly popular biking trail. Take an 8-mile ride from the downtown area, enjoy numerous parks and you’ll have plenty of outdoor fun. When you need a break, check out Columbia’s museum mix--fossils and reptiles at the University of Missouri’s museums, or the YouZeum, a new interactive science center that takes you inside the human body.

Top Sites to See:

Katy Trail: An 8.9-mile fitness trail that runs between the Katy Trail and the historic Katy Depot in downtown. Bike rentals are available at Cycle Extreme in the downtown District area. See www.VisitColumbiaMO.com for a detailed map.

Nifong Park features several historic sites, a small petting zoo and historic village. Location: Highway 63 S and Nifong Blvd. The annual Heritage Festival and Craft Show, Sept. 18-19, demonstrates 19th century trades and crafts as well as contemporary handmade crafts, live music and storytelling. Call 573.874.7460 for more information.

MU Campus has the historic Francis Quadrangle with the “MU columns,” Thomas Jefferson’s original tombstone and several museums housing mummified animals, American Indian artifacts and a replica settler’s cabin; reptiles are on view at Stewart Hall. During warmer months, end your tour with a visit to Eckles Hall, where students make and serve ice cream at Buck’s Ice Cream Parlor. Address: North 8th & Elm Streets. Call ahead for hours, 573.882.6333 or visit www.Missouri.edu.

Going Bonkers is a family fun center with indoor playgrounds, arcades, food court and toddler play area. Fun and affordable! Address: 3812 Buttonwood. 573.499.0367

The District is a 43-block area bordered by MU with more than 110 unique shops, 70 bars and restaurants and regular live entertainment. You may want to plan your trip to coincide with one of Columbia’s numerous festivals such as “Living Windows,” a holiday celebration held the first Friday evening in December. For a complete listing, visit www.VisitColumbiaMO.com.

Comin’ Home

After a fabulous day of activity in Columbia, who wants to travel the I-70 route home? Consider a side trip to Jefferson City. You can be at the Capitol steps in about 40 minutes, following Hwy. 63 into Jefferson City. Hwy. 50 West will take you back to Kansas City.

The Missouri State Capitol houses the Missouri State Museum and features engaging hourly tours. Be sure to see the House Lounge on the third floor, featuring Missouri native Thomas Hart Benton’s mural, “A Social History of Missouri.” The Capitol is open seven days a week. Address: 201 W. Capitol Ave. Details are available at www.MOCapitolTours.com.

Nearby is the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, a rare surviving Missouri River landing. Address: Jefferson St. & Capitol Ave. Call 574.751.2854 for information.

Day trips are a great way to pack a lot of fun into a short vacation. So, pick a destination and make some memories without the stress of planning and paying for an extended vacation.

Day Trip Tips from Moms:

"Ride the Amtrak to St. Louis for a day of fun!" ~ Stephanie Johnson, Lee's Summit, MO

"My girls love Little House on the Prairie. Located just 160 south miles of KC in Indepedence, KS, is the original historic site of the Little House on the Prairie, including the log cabin and schoolhouse. In June, they have a big Prairie Days Festival." ~ Patty Morrison, Roeland Park, KS

"Onlylocated 120 miles northeast of KC is Marceline, Mo., Walt Disney’shometown. Visit the Walt Disney Hometown Museum and learn about hisamazing life, history and family. After the museum, be sure to ask fordirections to Walt's farmhouse." ~ Linda Spindle, Liberty, MO

Kathy Stump lives in Parkville, from where she and her family enjoy exploring the surrounding area.