Kansas Museum of History

Museum · Topeka, Kansas

Kansas Museum of History

Kansas history museum west of Topeka, with themed galleries, a steam locomotive from the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and the 1914 Longren biplane.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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About Kansas Museum of History

The Kansas Museum of History is the state history museum, housed in a 1984 building about 9 km west of downtown Topeka, next to the state historical society headquarters. The galleries are organized by theme and tell the story of Kansas from Indigenous peoples, the trails to the West, the war over slavery, the railroads, cattle drives, wheat, aviation and social movements.

On the central ramp are some of the best-known pieces: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe steam locomotive number 132, a log cabin and the biplane built in 1914 by the Longren brothers, aviation pioneers in the state. The exhibitions also cover topics such as the temperance movement and women’s suffrage, with original objects and documents.

Next to the museum, a trail crosses the prairie and leads to the old Potawatomi Mission, built of stone in 1849. Check opening days before you go.

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Before you go

Practical information

Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.

How much time to set aside

About 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Best time

At any time of year; on very hot or cold days it’s a good indoor option.

How to get there

It’s on SW 6th Avenue, about 9 km west of downtown Topeka, near I-70. You need a car.

Tip

Allow time for the prairie trail and the Potawatomi Mission next to the museum.

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Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Kansas Museum of History

What is in the Kansas Museum of History?

Galleries about the state’s history, including a Santa Fe steam locomotive, a log cabin and the 1914 Longren biplane.

Where is the Kansas Museum of History located?

About 9 km west of downtown Topeka, near I-70.

How long does a visit to the Kansas Museum of History take?

From an hour and a half to two and a half hours.

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