Gage Park

A Piece of Topeka's History

Positioned in the heart of Topeka, Kansas, you'll come across Gage Park - a sprawling 160-acre green space that's been a local treasure since 1899. As one of the city's largest parks, this generous gift from the heirs of Guilford Gage has evolved over the decades into a diverse recreational space, blending natural beauty with educational experiences for all ages.

Canada geese stroll across lush green lawns in the park

Photo: cindygish (CC BY 2.0)

Must-See Attractions

If you're an animal lover, the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is a definite highlight. It's not huge, but it packs in some impressive exhibits including an indoor tropical rainforest and the safari-inspired Camp Cowabunga. From gentle giraffes to majestic tigers, there's enough diversity here to keep the whole family engaged.

Just a short walk away, the Kansas Children's Discovery Center offers a haven for curious minds. Kids can get hands-on with interactive exhibits inside or explore the 4.5-acre certified Nature Explore Classroom outdoors - a great blend of fun and learning.

No visit would be complete without hopping aboard the park's charming miniature train. For just $2, you can chug along through the grounds and take in the sights from a different perspective. Nearby, the historic carousel from 1908 spins with nostalgic charm, also available for a small fee. These vintage rides add a touch of whimsy that appeals to both kids and the young at heart.

View of the pond near Reinisch Rose Gardens

Photo: cindygish (CC BY 2.0)

Gardens to Get Lost In

The Reinisch Rose Garden showcases over 5,500 roses spanning 350 varieties - quite a sight (and smell) when in bloom. Right next door, the Doran Rock Garden offers a quieter experience with seasonal flowers and a serene pond where water lilies float and fish dart about in the sunshine.

The park's Japanese Garden might be our personal favorite spot - it's a peaceful oasis that feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. It's become a popular backdrop for wedding photos, but also offers a nice spot for a quiet moment of reflection.

A tree grows on a small circular island in the pond

Photo: cindygish (CC BY 2.0)

Get Moving

For the more active visitors, Gage Park offers several options. You can test your serve on the tennis courts, join a pickup game on the volleyball courts, or jog along the two-mile fitness trail. Sports fields for softball and soccer accommodate team play, while the Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center offers a splashy escape during hot Kansas summers.

Theater enthusiasts should check out what's playing at the Helen Hocker Theater or catch an outdoor performance at the amphitheater when events are scheduled.

The Hill's Bark Park provides a leash-free zone where dogs can socialize, with separated areas for large and small dogs. Throughout the rest of the park, four-legged companions are welcome but need to stay leashed.

Purple blooms and summer greenery

Photo: Aaron Hall (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Kid-Friendly Spaces

The playgrounds scattered throughout Gage Park offer variety for different ages, but the real standout has to be the collection of cement animal statues that kids can climb on. These whimsical, recently repainted creatures have been a beloved park feature for generations of Topeka's children.

When hunger strikes, you'll find plenty of picnic tables nestled under shade trees, with several reservable shelter houses for larger gatherings. The available grilling stations make it easy to turn a park visit into a proper cookout.

More Than a Park

The well-maintained grounds and accessible facilities (including public restrooms near the train station and other key areas) make it easy to spend an entire day exploring this Topeka park.