Many families are cutting back on extracurricular spending, and that probably includes warm weather travel plans. Instead of sandy beaches and crowded amusement parks, let a heartland holiday put adventure in your summer--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. Have you ever climbed the Capitol’s 296 steps to the dome and taken in the balcony’s picturesque view? Tourism experts report the Capitol’s knowledgeable, singing tour guides are some of the best you will meet in your travels.
Must-sees for families:
The Kansas State Capitol offers guided tours Monday-Friday; visits take about one hour. Address: 300 W. 10th St., Downtown area.
Cedar Crest is open for tours 1-3:30 p.m. on Mondays, or you can take a driving tour. The 244-acre estate overlooks the Kansas River and features ponds, gardens and hiking trails. Address: One Cedar Crest Road, 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 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway train, a full-sized Cheyenne tipi and exhibits about everyday people in Kansas history. Plan to spend 1.5 hours here. Address: 6425 SW 6th Ave., West area.
Old Prairie Town is a 5-acre pioneer village with a botanical garden and a popular working soda fountain serving cold treats and light lunches. Walk through the past visiting an 1854 replica log cabin, an 1870s prairie mansion, an 1880s church and an 1890s schoolhouse. Plan to spend 1.5 hours, including lunch. Address: 1st & Clay Streets, Downtown area.
Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site provides a lesson in the civil rights movement and invites children to earn an official Junior Ranger badge. Approximate time: 1.5 hours. Address: 1515 SE Monroe St., Downtown area.
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. The Topeka Zoo is housed here, as is an aquatic center. 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.travel for more info 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. Rich in history, the community now supports over 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 South Tenth Street.
The History Tour offered from April through October shows you 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.
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is the famous aviator’s restored birthplace and childhood home. Open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $3 adults, .50 children 12 and under. Address: 223 N. Terrace St.
Every summer (July 17-18 this year), Atchison showcases its aviation heritage with an Amelia Earhart Festival. The weekend features a concert and downtown fair and culminates in a spectacular air show on Saturday evening along Riverfront Park. The air show features vintage planes performing breathtaking feats over the Missouri River. At dark, a choreographed fireworks display rivals any you will see in the Kansas City area! Call 800.234.1854 or visit www.atchisonkansas.net for more information.
Riverfront Park is also a good place to stretch your legs after the car or trolley ride. 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.
Muchnic Art Gallery is one of Atchison’s many exquisite 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.
Other Attractions:
A visit to Atchison is not complete until you have visited one of its many downtown shops. The pedestrian plaza on Commercial Street between 4th and 7th streets will get you near Carol Garrity’s famous Nell Hill’s and all of the shopping in Atchison.
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 things to do ranging from culture and outdoor recreation to unusual shopping, dining and museums.
The city’s proximity to modern modes of transportation has historically contributed to its success. Initially, overland trails connected the area to larger settlements. Since the 1850s, Columbia has benefitted from the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (KATY) Railroad spur--first built for trains, now a highly popular biking trail. An 8-mile ride from the downtown area and numerous parks offer outdoor fun in this Missouri city. When you need a break from the outdoors, 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.
Nifong Park features the Boone County Historical Museum, Maplewood Barn Community Theatre, Historic Maplewood Home, a small petting zoo and historic village. Location: Highway 63S and Nifong Boulevard.
Shelter Insurance Gardens is an award-winning garden with a one-room schoolhouse, giant sundial, sensory garden, goldfish ponds and more. Address: 1817 W. Broadway.
MU Campus has the historic Francis Quadrangle with the “MU columns,” Thomas Jefferson’s original tombstone and the museums of Art & Archaeology and Anthropology. The museums house mummified animals, American Indian artifacts and a replica settler’s cabin; reptiles are on view at Stewart Hall. 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 and 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.
The District is a 43-block area bordered by MU with over 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. The summer offers outdoor concerts, art festivals and a hot-air balloon invitational in late August (see www.columbiaballoon.com). For a complete information and a listing of summer festivals visit www.visitcolumbiamo.com.
Comin’ Home
After a fabulous day of activity in Columbia, who wants to travel the I-70 route to go home? Consider a side trip to Jefferson City. You can be at the Capitol steps in about 40 minutes, following Highway 63 into Jefferson City. Highway 50 West will take you back to Kansas City.
The Missouri State Capitol is a destination in itself. The building 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 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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. and Capitol Ave. Call 574.751.2854 for information.
The Runge Nature Center, located just outside Jefferson City, provides the physical break car riders need before the ride home. A Naturescape Trail, an impressive 3,580-gallon fish aquarium, bird watching areas and wildlife displays give everyone something to talk about. Address: 330 Commerce Dr.
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.
Kathy Stump lives in Parkville, from where she and her family enjoy exploring the surrounding area.
Day TRIPS Mom Tips
Stephanie Johnson
Lee's Summit, MO
Ride the Amtrak to St. Louis for a day of fun!
Patty Morrison
Roeland Park, KS
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.
Linda Spindle
Liberty, MO
Only located 120 miles northeast of KC is Marceline, Mo., Walt Disney’s hometown. Visit the Walt Disney Hometown Museum and learn about his amazing life, history and family. After the museum, be sure to ask for directions to Walt's farmhouse.