The most powerful player in Kansas politics resides in the region defined as west Topeka.

Cedar Crest, the governor's mansion, rests atop a hill overlooking Interstate 70. The mansion is the smallest of 50 nationwide, but occupies more land than any other governor's residence.

The west Topeka region also is home to the Kansas State Historical Society and is the medical hub of the city. Stormont-Vail Health Center and St. Francis Regional Medical Center both are housed near the city's center. The region, which stretches from downtown to the city's western edge, is easily accessible by I-70.

Topekans flock to the area in the summer months for two of the city's largest attractions.

Gage Park, the city's largest, is home to The World Famous Topeka Zoo and the Blaisdell Aquatics Center. The newly opened aquatics center features a 50-meter swimming pool with three diving boards, four water slides and other attractions.

Hayden and Topeka high schools also are located in the region. Topeka High School rests on Bethany Square, which includes the Grace Cathedral and two stone buildings dating back to 1875. The area is named for the now-defunct Bethany College.

The Gothic-style buildings and stone structures make Bethany Square one of Topeka's most beautiful areas.

The city's founding fathers would feel at home in the Potwin Place neighborhood. The area was Topeka's fashionable suburb of the 1880s and was a separate city until about 1900. Potwin was designed in the 1880s and was developed in about 1886.

Lined with brick streets and Victorian homes, the national historic district allows visitors to reflect on the 1800s.

Much of the west Topeka region includes the city's post-World War II suburbs, concentrated especially near the city's core. The Elmhurst, Tennesseetown, Kenwood and Governor's Row neighborhoods are located in west Topeka.