Austin to Topeka Road Trip Guide
Introduction
You and your family can complete the road trip from Austin, Texas, to Topeka, Kansas, in a weekend, and take in some great western themed activities while enjoying excellent RV camping. The trip is 677 miles in length; take Interstate 35 north through Austin, Texas, through Fort Worth, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Wichita, Kansas, to Topeka for an interesting trip with lots to see and do.
Austin is the fastest-growing city in the US with their motto being “Keep Austin Weird”, referring to their thriving arts scene and unique businesses. In that spirit, check out one-of-a-kind Austin experiences before departing the city. The Franklin Barbecue is Austin's most popular barbecue joint where you can enjoy some amazing western dining including succulent sausages and beef ribs that are out of this world. The line up can be long so be prepared. Locals bring folding chairs, beverages, and games to make the wait more fun. You can also take in a special sculpture garden, tour the capitol building, or Austin’s Blanton Museum of Art to name just a few “Austin specific” activities. RV camping in Austin is available at two local KOAs East Austin KOA and Northwest Austin KOA or you can enjoy camping in a more natural setting south of town at McKinney Falls State Park.
Point of Interest
Museum of World Treasures
On your western weekend adventure, try something a little out of the ordinary by stopping at the Museum of World Treasures for a diverse array of exhibits and displays! There are dinosaurs, ancient artifacts, past presidents, a World War II collection, and even shrunken heads on display. Visitors will find much more than they expected at this wonderful and quirky museum.
Discover natural history and geology exhibits, American and world history displays, ancient civilizations, unique artworks, and fascinating science exhibits at the Museum of World Treasures; there is something for everyone's tastes. There are even some “Old West '' artifacts to continue with your western themed vacation!
The museum is located in the heart of Wichita and parking for RVs is extremely limited. Park at a local campground and use passenger vehicles or public transit to proceed to the museum. While staying in Wichita you can camp just south of the city at Wellington KOA Holiday or at the Sand Hills State Park northwest of Wichita.
Frontier City
Frontier City is a western-themed Six Flags theme park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This large, exciting amusement park comes complete with numerous roller coasters, water rides, thrill rides, family rides, and kid-appropriate rides, all with a western, frontier town, theme. There are also plentiful shopping and dining establishments on site. Depending on the time of your visit, you might catch annual events like FrightFest, a Halloween themed event, or Holiday in the Park, a Christmas light and entertainment event. The park also hosts concerts at the Starlight Amphitheatres throughout the summer months. For events, tickets, and more information on Frontier City check out the website.
There is a large parking lot that can accommodate smaller RVs and tow vehicles, campers, and vans, but there is no overnight camping on site. Those with larger units, or visitors wanting to stay overnight in the Oklahoma City area, can camp at RV parks within the city limits, one of which is situated just outside the park gates, or at Thunderbird State Park which is situated on a lake with marinas, watersports, and swim beaches.
Stockyards National Historic District
As you pass though Fort Worth, Texas, be sure to check out the Stockyards National Historic District, a popular Texas attraction, that was once the home to cowboys, cattlemen, and outlaws. Today the stockyards are set up to receive visitors who can share in the history and way of life that the stockyards represent.
There are brick-lined streets with historic buildings, dining establishments, old-time saloons, and shops. A weekly Stockyards Championship Rodeo is held, and twice-daily cattle drives with the Fort Worth Herd can be viewed at 11:30 AM and 4 PM. Couples and friends can enjoy dancing the night away at the world's largest honky-tonk venue. Families can learn about the stockyards and authentic cowboys at the Stockyards Museum and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Kid-friendly activities include the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, Stockyards Petting Zoo, and the Grapevine Heritage Railroad. During the peak season, mock gunfights are held on weekends twice daily, Sunday nights feature the Cowtown Opry, and Saturdays mean “Lunch and Line Dance at High Noon”! RVers can camp just out of town at the Cedar Hills State Park.
RV Rentals in Topeka, KS
Summary
At your Topeka, Kansas destination RV campers will find 100 sites with electric and water hookups at Perry State Park. The park and campground are located on a reservoir that provides water sports, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Topeka has excellent shopping, entertainment, and dining opportunities, but also has its fair share of unique, quirky, and original attractions. Check out Truckhenge, located on Ron Lessman’s farm, you can explore the eccentric collection of vehicle inspired artworks by appointment at Truckhenge. Antique trucks “burst” from the ground and are painted with slogans. The site is also the home of “Beer Bottle City” and several other artworks constructed from items at hand.
While staying in Topeka you can also visit the Evel Knievel Museum, which chronicles this daredevil's career. Topeka is the state capitol, and the capitol building here is considered to be one of the most attractive capitol buildings in the midwest. Guided tours take you to the top of the capitol buildings copula, a climb of 296 steps that provides views of the interior of the structure and an incomparable view of the city from the apex!
