The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site sits at the school that was the center of one of the most important civil rights decisions in American History. During the century after the Civil War, segregation remained legal across the United States, Kansas included. Monroe Elementary School in Topeka became one of five major schools in a Supreme Court ruling that ultimately declared racial segregation in public schools illegal nationwide. Visitors to this historic site can learn more about the great struggle and battle led by African Americans to achieve equality for all.

At the outdoor Amphitheater in Shawnee Mission Park, guests have the chance to experience several different performances throughout the summer. Sunflower summer participants get to attend one show for free. Enjoy fantastic performances while also getting to appreciate warm summer evening weather. Shows being performed this summer include Freaky Friday, Meet me in St. Louis, 13, White Christmas, and Footloose! Each show runs for about a week.

Love animals? The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is the perfect place to go to see all types of wildlife! Inside the zoo there lives a massive variety of animals ranging from talking parrots to gentle giants such as elephants. There are also special areas such as the Rainforest Dome which mimics the conditions of real rainforests on Earth!

Clinton state park is one of the premier state parks in Kansas! The park features nearly 400 campsites, with 196 with water and electricity along with 173 other primitive camp sites. Across the camp are a variety of amenities including an archery range, an 18-hole disc gold course, swim beach, volleyball court, mountain bike course, and 3-acre trout pond. Hikers will also be overjoyed to hear about the 25-mile hiking and biking trail to adventure on! This park has something for everyone and is a perfect place for kids and adults alike to send their day!

Kansas was the home of one of the greatest American explorers in history, Amelia Earhart! She was a pioneer for women and aviation, braving the great distance of the Atlantic and completing a flight from the United States to Europe. While attempting to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, Earhart tragically disappeared over the Pacific Ocean. Today her legacy is honored in this museum, where guests can learn about her and other women aviators who shattered aviation’s glass ceiling. This museum is also home to the last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E, the same plane Earhart flew during her final flight.

At the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, visitors have a chance to experience life in 1860s America! Visitors can see demonstrations led by blacksmiths and cooking. In addition, visitors can view livestock and the heritage barn. This is a fantastic place for an afternoon of fun and education!