Strategically located in the fertile Kansas River Valley, the capital city of Kansas was born because a young Pennsylvanian, Colonel Cyrus K. Holiday, wanted to build a railroad. The present city of Topeka, which sits on the Kansas River, was chosen as a suitable site and the town company was formed in 1854. In 1861 when Topeka was designated Kansas's state capital construction began for the state capitol. Completed nearly 40 years later, the Classical Revival state capitol includes ornate senate chambers, with bronze columns and variegated-marble accents. Topeka's historic tours bring back the sights and sounds of yesteryear. West of downtown Topeka, the Kansas Museum of History explains Kansas's history from the Native American era to the present. Historic Ward-Meade Park is as lovely as it is historic, with a restored mansion, a cabin, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, and botanical gardens. True pioneer spirit is found all throughout the city of Topeka - particularly in the picturesque rolling hills, trees, lakes, and grasslands. If your seeking entertainment, The Expocentre and the Topeka Performing Arts Center bring the art culture alive in Topeka. For the visitor interested in the fast track - there isn't a better way to experience the racing excitement of motorsports racing than by visiting the Heartland Park Topeka. The World Famous Topeka Zoological Park provides visitors with the opportunity to visit with lions and other wild animals. After a visiting the zoological park, take a ride on the restored Carousel in the Park, an attraction known for brings out the child in everyone! If theatre and art are more your style, make sure to visit the exhibits at the Mulvane Art Museum. This museum features an ever-changing array of artwork for the art enthusiast. In the evening, you can catch dinner and a show at the Topeka Civic Theatre. Topeka has it all! For your next vacation, travel to Topeka and share in the adventures of a pioneer history, along with the excitement of visiting a contemporary city.