Really cool to see somewhere so profound in our history. The sign was being repaired when we went,…read moreand the parking was a confusing but it was a beautiful day and worth the stop.

Ranger Lawson and Ranger Jeff welcomed me from the moment I stopped into this historic building…read more Ranger Lawson directed me towards the exhibits and made himself available if I needed. The exhibits were amazing. The videos and interactive media were all functioning. DYK there were actually five cases that were combined and argued in front of the Supreme Court in 1954, combined they were known as the historic Brown vs Topeka Board of Education that ended segregation of schools in the U.S. in 1954. The Hall of Courage is an interesting exhibit that shows videos of discrimination on both sides. It attempts to mimic the feeling that folks back in the 1950s and the Jim Crow South had to deal with. The building also has a recreation of a kindergarten in Topeka during the 1950. Where teachers believed that play was the highest form of learning. So children could let their minds run free and creativity develop their curious minds. The Legacy Room has plenty of exhibits. I particularly liked the Wall of Courage, that highlight post-Brown heroes, and the Protest in Music exhibit that had songs from Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, to Public Enemy. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to learn more about the case and be on the grounds where the one of the cases originated. This location presents the information well, and visitors cannot help but feel proud about the event.

If you like seeing old military stuff (and I do) including Jeeps, trucks, half-tracks, tanks and…read moreaircraft, you'll enjoy the Museum of the Kansas National Guard. Indoors, they have some interesting displays of guns, knives, bayonets, uniforms and all kinds of other military gear. It's kind of a hodgepodge but lots of fun to wander through. The replica "Swamp" from M*A*S*H* was interesting too. You can't beat the price--it's free.

Stopped in to this place and I wasn't quite sure I could get in because the air force base,army…read morenational Guard and Topeka airport are all in one place. But access was easy, no check points (except the air force base). I loved this museum. So much history and artifacts. I am not knowledgeable on military things, so this place really educated me and has once again reminded me all that has been sacrificed for my freedom. If you haven't been to this place. .u gotta see it

This place is a TREASURE!! The quantity and quality of artifacts and fascinating historical items…read moreis very impressive. The attendant was extremely knowledgeable and very adept at explaining the historical significance of the exhibits -- particularly the role that the Lecompton Constitution played in the early days of Kansas and Lincoln's presidency. There is so much to see that I want to return and spend more time. A lot of Kansas history is stored in this museum.

The Holley Museum of Military History is a five-room, self-guided museum tucked away inside of the…read moreRamada Topeka. The museum features numerous miniatures, mementos, diagrams and dioramas that are described by a recording that plays on loop throughout the day. At the entrance to the museum is a seat where a curator may have once sat, but next to it is a sign that reads "Will return in five minutes." The individual must have gotten lost years ago, because in all of my visits to the hotel I have never seen anyone sitting there. The museum is a wonderful way to pass twenty to thirty minutes if you have a break in whatever conference you are attending at the hotel. The museum takes guests through each American war chronologically. The collection was started by a Mr. Holley who built models and dioramas in his basement as a hobby. After his death others have added their memorabilia and memories to what eventually became the exhibit that is on display now. There are sections on women in the military, buffalo soldiers, Navajo wind talkers, as well as more conventional military history. If you are looking for a diversion it's a fun oddity to come across randomly as part of the hotel. If you invest the experience with any prior expectations it would be disappointing, however. I definitely enjoyed the museum and if you're in the hotel for other business I highly recommend popping in to check it out.

Loved this place so much! Truly local, we found it by using the "lunch near me" function. The…read moreregulars greeted us warmly and guided us through the menu. We started with chili this time but next time we will try the sandwiches. Any place with homemade pickles wins my heart - they had three kinds. And a cracker trough made from a garden planter. And pimento cheese. Basically, it was amazing. And the chili was super tasty too.

There are places you plan to visit, and then there are places you stumble into--the kind that feel…read morelike they've been sitting there for years, quietly daring you to notice them. Little Russia Chili Parlor is the latter. A small, out-of-the-way joint in Topeka that doesn't scream for attention--but once you walk in, it doesn't need to. The air alone tells you you're in the right place. This is Daniela's house. Not in the literal sense, but in the way that matters. She runs the place with the kind of confidence you don't fake--part host, part artist, part benevolent dictator of flavor. You don't get the sense that anything leaves that kitchen unless it meets her standard, and that standard is unapologetically high. Start with the pickles. Yeah, pickles. The kind that makes you pause mid-bite and reconsider every sad, limp grocery store version you've ever tolerated. These are spiced, alive, sharp in all the right ways--like they've got a story to tell and no patience for small talk. Then there's the baked goods coming in from Oakland's Bakery--local, honest, the kind of bread that actually tastes like grain and effort instead of air and preservatives. And then you hit the sides. The spiced pimento cheese spread isn't some afterthought--it's a statement. Smoky, a little dangerous, layered in a way that suggests someone in that kitchen understands restraint just as well as indulgence. It's the kind of thing you keep eating long after you've told yourself you're done. But let's not kid ourselves. You came here for the chili. And the chili... the chili doesn't just deliver--it recalibrates. Deep, complex, unapologetically bold. It's not trying to be trendy or Instagram-friendly. It's trying to be right. The kind of bowl that makes you slow down, lean in, and pay attention. Every spoonful feels deliberate, like it's been simmering not just for hours, but for years of trial, error, and quiet perfection. The sandwiches? Stacked, messy in the best way, built on that Oakland's Bakery foundation like someone actually cares about what bread is supposed to do--hold everything together without getting in the way. This place doesn't need hype. It doesn't need a rebrand or a marketing push. It exists in that rare space where authenticity isn't a strategy--it's just how things are done. You don't come to Little Russia Chili Parlor to be seen. You come because someone told you, quietly, "Trust me." And if you're smart, you listen.

We came to the Pennant after dinner for dessert. They have a pretty long list of sweet treats and…read moredrinks. Our server wasn't sure what items were gluten free but took the time to check, which we appreciated. We ended up splitting a PB Chocolate Madness, which was plenty of sugar for both of us. The Pennant had TVs tuned to hockey and basketball playoff games, arcade games, and a bar area. It was a bit loud, but we enjoyed dessert and checking out the playoffs games.

After exploring Topeka on a freezing cold KS day, we stopped in to warm up, grab a bite to eat and…read moreorder some of their shakes we've seen. What a cool place! Retro arcade, lots of dine in seating and a bar. Our waitress was nice and super helpful. We ordered a burger and Nashville chicken sandwich, which was good, but the star of the show was the shakes! Super creative, super creamy, super good! I highly recommended checking them out!

This is a good addition to downtown Topeka. They have a lot of family events that they offer for no…read morecost and then they have the bands, food trucks that park near the entrance.

I landed at Happy Basset thanks to their membership in an RV hospitality program and it turned out…read moreto be one of those stops that felt like I had accidently stumbled into the exact right vibe for the evening. The taproom was lively and a bit chaotic. I was completely caught off guard by the night's entertainment. Line dancing. Yes. I have never seen so many short skirts and cowboy boots in one place. I spent the evening focused on my beer and my laptop to avoid a pretty blonde confronting me for staring. With that said, it was a cheerful kind of energy and everyone was having a grand time. The crowd was upbeat, the music was loud and cheery and was able to soak in the atmosphere and write a few Yelp reviews. And after two tasty brews, I headed back out to the campervan where I ended up undisturbed with a restful night. You can't hear the inside outside and that's a good thing. [Review 792 of 2026 - 132 in Kansas - 25973 overall]

Happy Basset is part of the Harvest Host club for RVers. So, I had reservations to park my camper…read morein their spacious parking lot for the night. Arrived around 3 pm on a Sunday and they had bingo going on. Staff was so friendly. I had a couple of Gracie's Strawberry Blonde on tap and their Buffalo chicken over macaroni and beer cheese. Hit the spot and perfect with beer. This place is both dog and kid friendly. Very nice!