The weather is beginning to cool in Topeka now that it’s September, and that means longer walks and more exploring of the city’s many parks.
My husband and I took our dog Zoey to MacLennan Park one morning for a short trail walk. There is nothing better for Zoey than to have a new spot for sniffing and exploring!
Walking the Trails at MacLennan Park
We started on the gravel, tree-lined road that winds up toward the Governor’s Mansion on Cedar Crest Drive. From there, we looped back onto the dirt trail that passes by two fishing ponds stocked with catfish before finishing our walk. It was a short but refreshing route, perfect for a cool morning.
MacLennan Park sits in northwest Topeka along the hills overlooking the Kansas River. Parking lots and trailhead access are available on both the south side of the park (6th Street, west of Fairlawn Road) and the north side near the Governor’s Mansion.
The park features two types of trails:
- A wide limestone loop for easier walking, jogging, or casual biking.
- A network of dirt single-track trails that wind through wooded areas and hills, perfect for hiking or mountain biking.
A Glimpse of Cedar Crest, the Kansas Governor’s Mansion
The highlight of our walk was reaching the beautiful Governor’s Mansion, known as Cedar Crest. Perched on a hilltop, it overlooks the Kansas River valley and offers one of the best views in Topeka.
A little history: Cedar Crest was built in 1928 by the Kansas architectural firm Wight & Wight, commissioned by Frank P. MacLennan, a publisher of the Topeka State Journal and Emporia News. When Mrs. MacLennan passed away in 1955, she left the mansion and its 244-acre estate to the State of Kansas under the condition it be used as the Governor’s residence. Since 1962, it has served that role.
The mansion itself sits on about 20 acres, with the remainder of the estate transformed into MacLennan Park. Cedar Crest was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
McLennan Park Trails, Fishing & Tips
- The limestone loop is about 2 miles and makes for a peaceful stroll through prairie grass and shaded woodland.
- The dirt trails vary in length and difficulty, ranging from short one-mile walks to much longer loops with hill climbs.
- Fishing is allowed in the park’s southern ponds, where anglers can catch catfish and bass.
- Dogs are welcome on all trails but must be leashed.
This is Topeka: MacLennan Park
If you’re looking for a park that blends history, scenic views, and accessible trails, MacLennan Park is a great choice. Whether you’re walking the dog, fishing by the ponds, or just taking in the view of Cedar Crest, it’s a peaceful spot to enjoy Topeka’s natural beauty.
Morning walks are especially rewarding—the air is crisp, the light shines through the trees, and you’ll often have the trails nearly to yourself.
The weather is beginning to cool in Topeka now that it’s September, and that means longer walks and exploring the area’s many parks.
To enjoy the lovely cool morning, my husband and I took our dog Zoey to MacLennan Park to walk the short trail around to the GOvernor’s mansion and back. She loved the new areas to sniff and explore.
PHOTO OF THE TREE LINED ROAD TO THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION
On our visit, we walked the gravel, tree lined road that takes you up to the Governor’s mansion at Cedar Crest Road, then back around on the dirt trail passing two fishing ponds filled with different kinds of catfish and bass before ending our short walking route.
PHOTO OF FISHING PONDS HERE
The MacLennan Park Trails are located in northwest Topeka along the hills overlooking the Kansas River. Trailhead access and parking lots may be found on the south side of the park on 6th Street west of Fairlawn Road and on the north side of the park on the west side of the Governor’s Mansion. The park has two types of trails – a wide limestone loop and a series of dirt single track hiking and biking trails.
INSERT PHOTO OF PARK FROM BING MAPS HERE
The apex of the walk was seeing the beautiful Governor’s Mansion, now occupied by our current Kansas Governor, Laura Kelly.
PHOTO OF THE GOVERNOR’S MANSION
Cedar Crest Mansion (Topeka)
Cedar Crest, also known as the Kansas Governor’s Residence, is the official home of the governor of Kansas. This historic mansion was built in 1928 and has been serving as the governor’s residence since 1962. It is located on a hilltop on the west side of Topeka, providing a stunning view of the Kansas River. The architectural design of Cedar Crest was the work of the firm Wight and Wight, commissioned by Frank P. MacLennan, a newspaper publisher for the Topeka State Journal and Emporia News. The mansion holds a significant place in the history of Kansas, recognized by its listing in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Best trail map I could find that gives all the long hiking trails at MacLennan Park is on free website, AllTrails.com
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Fishing is also allowed at the ponds at the south part of the park close to parking areas.
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