Parks and Recreation | Nature Areas & Trails
Guided group tours available by calling 785-272-5900Accessible tours to limited areas call 785-272-5900
Shunga Trail is a paved recreational trail for walking, jogging, skating, and biking, running from the northeast corner of Topeka to the southwest corner. Much of the trail passes through City parks, allowing for additional recreational activities for the entire family. Although the Trail is not totally complete, two large sections are open to the public.
The Shunga Trail, near the Oakland Community Center and the Oakland Pool, begins at Oakland Billard Park at Sardou and Poplar streets, and runs to Santa Fe Park, a distance of 1.3 miles.
The Shunga Trail runs from Crestview Park (near the Crestview Community Center and the Crestview Pool) to about the Kansas Expocentre is approximately 4.5 miles. In the future the two sections will be connected, enabling users to traverse the entire City.
Landon Trail is being developed on the former MoPac rail line that was rail banked when it was any longer used by the Railroad. The existing ballast of the rail line is currently use as the surface for the trail. This trail once fully developed will be a primary North and South trail in Topeka.
Warren Nature Area at 25th and Gage (south of V. A. Hospital and K.N.I.) There are over 2 miles of grass trails through this wetland environment, one of the premier bird watching areas of Topeka. Accessible tours are available. A large section of the Shunga Trail runs through this area, allowing access to hikers, bikers, skaters, etc. Enter through Felker Park parking lot at 25th and Gage St.
Dornwood at SE 25th Street and Highland has 2 miles of unpaved bark chipped hiking trails through forest, abandoned rock quarry, stream side, and tallgrass prairie. Enter on SE 25th Street.
Grant Park at SW 65th and Baker Drive is a native prairie (never been plowed) which is loaded with wild flowers during June. A trail is mowed around the edge of the park with many bird boxes. Walking anyplace is encouraged. Enter on University
Welton Grove Park at 39th and Cambridge is a 45 acre natural area with mowed trails. This park is part of a storm water detention area. There is a small creek that winds through the wooded site. Enter at Atwood or Atwood Terr.
Clarion Park at SW 37th & Fairlawn contains a unpaved natural trail that goes around the pond through one of the largest stands of Red Cedar on public property. This gives the visitor a feeling of being in a national forest, as there is little wind or sunlight.
Skyline Park at 3511 Skyline Parkway, features Burnetts Mound, the highest elevation in Topeka, where visitors can overlook the entire city. The surrounding area is being encouraged to return to native grass by spring burning. There are unpaved trails in the southern part of the park (forested area).
MacLennan State Park at 1st and Fairlawn borders the Kansas River on its north side. The park's extensive dirt trails traverse miles of mostly oak forest and prairie meadows, as well as several ponds, and contain abundant deer, birds, and other wildlife. Enter through the Cedar Crest parking lot.
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