Kansas Museum of History 🇺🇸

Step into the state historical museum in Topeka, Kansas, where you will explore the rich history of Kansas across thematic galleries designed to tackle big ideas. Covering topics from prehistoric times to the modern era, the museum invites you to answer 'What is Kansas?' before guiding you through exhibits on Bleeding Kansas, Making Kansas, Changing Kansas, Connecting Kansas, and the Future of Kansas.

Inside the expansive main gallery, you can examine incredible artifacts such as an Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe locomotive with two cars, a full-sized Southern Cheyenne style tipi, and a 1950s diner. The exhibits incorporate the history of minority groups and feature accurate stories developed in partnership with Kansas tribal nations.

While taking in the complex story of how Kansas became the state it is today, you can also admire a major new mural by Stan Herd filled with motifs celebrating key people, objects, and historical events. Located on an 80-acre site near the historic Potawatomi Mission, this award-winning, accredited museum offers an immersive experience for anyone wanting to truly understand the heartland of the United States.

What to see at Kansas Museum of History

• Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe steam locomotive with two cars
• Full-sized Southern Cheyenne style tipi and a 1950s diner
• Historical artifacts including John Brown's pike and Eisenhower's WWII field jacket
• African American regiment Civil War flag from one of the nation's largest collections
• New mural by artist Stan Herd highlighting historic Kansas motifs

Visiting tips

Be sure to explore the surrounding 80-acre site, which features nature trails and a historic one-room school.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Kansas Museum of History is easy to reach on Topeka’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kansas Historical Society and Topeka Zoo. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Topeka travel guide.