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Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, Topeka, KS
SightseeingHistory BuffFreeRainy-Day Pick

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

1515 SE Monroe St · Topeka, KS

Why you should go…

This National Park Service site is centered on Monroe Elementary School, one of four segregated elementary schools that served African American children in Topeka. The two-story brick and limestone building dates to 1926. Inside, exhibits cover the history of segregation in America, the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision and its impact, told through the parents, teachers and students behind the case. Rangers lead programs, and there is a Junior Ranger booklet and a bookstore.

  • #civil rights history
  • #national historical park
  • #historic school
  • #topeka

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Kansas State Capitol

    Free

    Climb 296 steps to the top of the dome and see John Steuart Curry's Tragic Prelude mural inside the Kansas Statehouse.

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Kansas Tourism

    Free

    The official state tourism office, promoting travel and trip planning across Kansas.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Topeka

    Free

    The Kansas state capital, home to the domed Capitol building and several museums.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Territorial Capital Museum

    Free

    Lecompton, Kansas museum run by the Lecompton Historical Society covering the town's role in the Bleeding Kansas territorial era.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Kansas Speedway

    $25–$50

    Watch NASCAR race weekends on a 1.5-mile tri-oval in Kansas City, Kansas, or book a group tour of the track.

    46 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Eat & Drink
    Family Favorite

    Dave & Buster's Kansas City

    $25–$50

    A restaurant, sports bar, and arcade in the Village West district of Kansas City, Kansas, with dining and hundreds of games.

    46 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink