Very cool underrated historical place. If you are wanting to learn about the Civil War or how…read moreAmerica abandoned slavery, this is the place to come to. There's lots of history I could get into but you can learn all beforehand or at the place, as there are several historical signs to check out. I also highly recommend going upstairs where it has been used for meetings. They do have a small gift shop. Be sure to check the hours before coming here. And also, be sure to visit the Democratic Headquarters, which is not far from here in this town.

Sept 2015, while visiting some historical sites in Missouri, we found Lecompton on the map and…read moredecided to check out the Old Capital area of Lecompton. The birthplace of the Civil War since it was drafted in the building there called Constitutional Hall. History: Lecompton is a city in Douglas County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 625. Lecompton played a major historical role in pre-Civil War America as the Territorial capital of Kansas from 1855 to 1861. This time period was known as Bleeding Kansas. Lecompton was founded in 1854 and planted on a bluff on the south bank of the Kansas River. It was originally called "Bald Eagle", but the name was changed to Lecompton in honor of Samuel Lecompte, the chief justice of the territorial supreme court.[8] In the spring of 1855, the town became the capital of the Kansas Territory. President James Buchanan appointed a governor and officials to establish government offices in Lecompton, and construction began on an elegant capitol building. The first post office in Lecompton was established in September, 1855 In the fall of 1857 a convention met in Constitution Hall and drafted the famous Lecompton Constitution, which would have admitted Kansas as a slave state. The constitution was rejected after intense national debate and was one of the prime topics of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. The controversy contributed to the growing dispute soon to erupt in civil war. The Lecompton Constitution failed, in part, because the antislavery party won control of the territorial legislature in the election of 1857. The new legislature met at Constitution Hall and immediately began to abolish the pro-slavery laws. The free-staters briefly attempted to move the territorial capital to Minneola, Franklin County, Kansas through a vote, although the resulting bill was later vetoed by Kansas territorial governor James W. Denver, and ruled void by Jeremiah S. Black, Attorney General of the United States. As such, Lecompton remained the de jure territorial capital until the victorious free-state leaders officially chose Topeka as capital when Kansas became a state on January 29, 1861. The American Civil War began on April 12, 1861.

WOW! There are not words to describe this facility. I am amazed that a facility like this is so…read moreclose to me. For starters, it is a beautiful building. Visually stunning. The giant flag sails above a lovely reflecting pond T the entrance. The walkway to the entrance is simple but allows for reflection. There are many informative and interesting displays. There are permanent displays and temporary exhibits. The permanent displays revolve around the life of Senator Bob Dole and World War II. The temporary displays usually focus on a contemporary issue of interest to the public. Both types of displays are well done and have tremendous visual appeal. I have enjoyed all the displays I've seen at the Dole Center. One of the things I love the most, though, is the impressive guest speakers they host. There have been world leaders, members of Congress, former presidents, world renowned journalists and the like to speak here. They also regularly have study sessions for the public. The events here are free and they encourage public participation. The Dole Center holds events all the time and they change monthly. They have running series of informational activities and I appreciate the variety. Additionally, they have an extensive archive of research documents for the public to use. One of the mate redials can be checked out and you must use gloves to handle the papers. I appreciate the opportunity to use these documents in research. Just recently they had a guest book for the public to sign for President Bush's funeral. They were forwarding the book to his family and I applaud this offering, I got quite emotional on my visit. Great place to learn more about history, politics, and current events. You will not be disappointed.

Being a political junkie; I love visiting presidential libraries and museums and we are fortunate…read moreto have several in the Midwest. Dole was never president but he certainly made his mark on Kansas and the nation, and this center has done an admirable job displaying his life work. It is beautiful inside and out. The highlights are tons of memorabilia, a beam from the world Trade Center and 2 stained glass pieces. This place should be promoted better to get the politically inclined to pull off of I-70 and visit. I was there for 40 minutes on a Sunday and was the only one there.

Very cool train museum! Opened originally in 1927, and recently restored to its original…read moreappearance. It is apparently available as an event venue as the large room can be set up with chairs and tables with a kitchen off to one side. Mini-train set that was very cool, full-size train driver system set up, many artifacts and exhibits showing the early history of Kansas and specifically the Union-Pacific Railroad. Interesting to see the marker for the Kansas River flood of 1951 that was above the height of my head! [Review 11418 overall, 1195 of 2019.]

Now open only for special events. Museum is closed. They need to update their websiteread more

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.

Depending on the season, Berry Hill Upick Farm is where you can pick your own basket of fresh…read morestrawberries or wander through a vibrant sunflower field. I came here on a hot summer day to enjoy the rows upon rows of bright yellow sunflowers amongst a beautiful blue sky. The fields may be small, but they are big enough for there to be plenty of flowers and to look yellow from overhead. I had a very relaxing time walking through the sunflower field, taking pictures, and enjoying nature. The farm is free to visit. Strawberries are sold by the pound, and sunflowers are a suggested donation of $1 per cut flower. There were also fresh-off-the-vine watermelons and cantaloupes for sale at $5 each when I visited. Photography is welcomed though a donation is strongly encouraged for each shoot. Overall, Berry Hill Upick Farm is a lovely little farm in Topeka, Kansas.

My grandkids absolutely loved this pumpkin patch and all the activities to do! Well worth the $10…read moreentry fee. So many activities that are not at other pumpkin patches.

One of college basketball's best venues has gotten better…read more The old court cutout and mini museum are still there, but a couple of rounds of expansion have added a new space that houses one of college basketball's crown jewels - Dr. Naismith's original thirteen rules of basketball. I wasn't able to grab a photo during my busy Big Monday visit, so you'll have to trust me, it's pretty cool. They've also expanded the Team store, added concessions and built a few premium food and beverage areas. The actual is still the same - Cozy, a bit intimidating and full of history. It's a great place to watch a basketball game.

If you haven't been to a game here at the Fieldhouse, it is a highly recommended adventure. Allen…read moreFieldhouse has been noted as the loudest stadium in the world- breaking decibel records. At the game I went to, decibel levels were around 119-120, so that seems to track. The feeing, energy, camaraderie, and passion you feel when you enter here cannot be compared to anywhere else. It is truly something remarkable to experience. The Fieldhouse has some structural flaws- mostly because the field house holds up to 16,000 people and needs some updates to allow for all the sold out games. Perhaps more than one stairwell would be a good place to start?! Concessions abound here at the Fieldhouse as do the KU merchandise stores- Rally House- can be found in multiple levels here. The seats of the stadium are not premium as the majority are bench seats with no backs. While you can rent a cushioned seat, you end up standing most of the game anyway, so really not worth the additional cost. There really aren't obstructed views here from any seat-unless a tall person has a seat in front of you. There are very limited hand rails to use in the Fieldhouse to help accommodate these views. The Fieldhouse has a museum as well which commemorates the Jayhawk greats in all realms of sports. This is a great way to spend some time before the game starts. Doors usually open an hour before the game. It's a really fun and energetic place to experience. Definitely get a ticket (if you can) to a game. Take heed and beware the Phog!

A quaint rock structure built nearly 170 years ago that originally housed the Democratic party…read moreheadquarters. This was when the Democrats were the pro slavery party and were trying to force Kansas into the union as a slave state. My goodness; how times have have reversed the major party roles over the last century and a half! Ironically Lecompton uses the image of Lincoln in their promotional tourist signs, very strange since Lecompton was the headquarters of his enemy - strange. Thank goodness for the Free Stater Jayhawks to save the day. The building itself is not worth the trip here, but bundled with the Territorial Capital and Constitution Hall, it's worth a 5 mile drive off the interstate or 10 miles from Lawrence.

I came to a drum circle that was hosted here and had a great time. The organizer of our group said…read morethat for $20 a month you can host any type of group/event (even a concert). I love how this space supports community gatherings and people coming together. I can't wait for the next drum circle!