Touring Topeka and the Brown V. Board of Education Site

In Topeka, Kans., you can learn the history of segregated schools firsthand, a zoo with a tropical rain forest, and tour the state capitol.

We had a full weekend of adventures while visiting friends.

*Brown V. Board of Education National Historic Site* in Topeka

Supreme Court Case: Topeka’s Brown V. Board of Education

The Supreme Court’s Brown V. Board of Education decision in 1954 declared that segregated education was a denial of “equal protection of the laws” under the 14th Amendment.

This decision was part of five cases brought before the Supreme Court. Emphasis on the South would have introduced political complications to an already complex case. Topeka, Kans., was chosen as the lead case for that reason.

*Informational signs outside the historic site by the parking area.*

AT THE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

You can tour Monroe School which was once a school for African-Americans in Topeka. Follow the black footsteps in the hallways of the school for the self-guided tour.

Auditorium- Race and the American Creed

In the auditorium, a 30-minute film Race and the American Creed traces the history of racism and segregation. The film is a dialogue between a young girl and a long-time friend of her grandfather.

The Road to Brown V. Board of Education

This exhibit gallery examines the barriers African Americans faced while trying to receive formal education from the early 19th century to the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision.

You can learn why leaders in the black community fought so hard and took risks to integrate schools.

Photos, exhibits, and interpretive media combine to offer a summary of these hardships due to racial injustice.

The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education

The gallery explores the Civil Rights Movement that followed in the wake of the Brown decision, rallying thousands of people dedicated to the eradication of prejudice and racial discrimination from all forms of public life.

Kindergarten Room

A former kindergarten room is restored to its 1954 appearance. See what attending the segregated Monroe school during the court case was like.

Bookstore

A room on the right near the entrance is the bookstore where you can purchase books on the Brown decision, African American history and civil rights, and other related items.

Information on the exhibits found at https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm.

Directions: From St. Louis, the drive is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Take Interstate 70 west to Topeka then take exit 363 and make a left onto South Adams Street. Then make a left into the gravel parking lot for the national historic site.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday- Saturday, Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Admission: Free

Address:

1515 SE Monroe St, Topeka, KS 66612

MORE TOURIST SITES

Kansas State Capitol

Inside you can see exhibits on the history of Kansas, statues of famous Kansans, and even the state’s fossil.

John Brown Mural

The famous John Steuart Curry’s John Brown mural, “Tragic Prelude” is on the walls on an upper story of the capitol. John Brown was an American abolitionist leader.

Brown reached national prominence for his radical abolitionism and fighting in Bleeding Kansas.

He was eventually captured and executed for a failed incitement of a slave rebellion at Harpers Ferry preceding the American Civil War.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, Closed Sunday- You can take a guided tour throughout the day.

The Visitor’s Center in the capitol can provide more information on what to see, exhibits, and the location of murals.

Admission: Free

Address:

300 SW 10th St, Topeka, KS 66612

Topeka Zoo

The zoo is located in Gage Park. Its best-known feature is the tropical rainforest with plants and animals that you can’t see in Kansas.

The medium-sized zoo has 300 different animals. Along with the rain forest is Camp Cowabunga with animals native to sub-Saharan Africa and Black Bear Woods.

One of the many birds in the tropical rain forest — *One of the many birds in the tropical rainforest*

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Daily, Closes at 4 p.m. during Zoo Lights during the Christmas season.

Admission: $8.75, Adult; $7.75, Adult; $7.25, 3-12, Children

Address:

635 Gage Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66606

Andrew on playground boat — *Andrew on the playground boat*

Outside the Zoo

There is also a large playground with whimsical play structures with animal and make-believe themes.

A narrow gauge train also runs through the park during the summer months.

RESTAURANT STOP: Bradley’s Corner Café

Our last stop here was Bradley’s Corner Cafe, which is best known for its pies.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday- Saturday; 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday; 6 a.m.- 2 p.m., Monday

Address: 844 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608

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