The Legacy of The Vinewood

The Vinewood is located in Topeka KS surrounded within a wooded area on the north side of Lake Shawnee's dam and has been a Topeka venue since 1890.

Although it started out as a US Government territory it has had several owners since the mid 1800s.  In the late 1800's Topeka city leaders made plans to build a trolley to what was then called Vinewood Park.  Once C.W. Ament (the property owner at that time) was assured the trolly would run to the park, he started constructing the dance hall in 1889 and the first dance was held in May 1890.  Although the big porch has since been enclosed... that building still stands. 

In 1903, Vinewood Park was transformed into an amusement park.  The park featured a merry-go-round, a circle swing, a penny arcade, and canoes in a lagoon fed by Deer Creek, which flowed through the park until the dam at Lake Shawnee was built in the late 1930s and early 1940s.  Throughout the years, the Vinewood has featured many well-known musicians for Topekans to enjoy. 

In October of 2002, Steve and Toni Cloud purchased The Vinewood with the intent to revive it into a full service entertainment and dance hall for all to enjoy.  They have remodeled The Vinewood and brought it back to modern entertainment specifications with live shows and regularly scheduled entertainment.  Today, with its large spacious wood dance floor, the Vinewood offers a plethora of entertainment options from dancing to dining.  The Vinewood is Topeka's perfect all-round venue for all special events, receptions and parties.

Related Articles:

http://cjonline.com/stories/022803/bus_vinewood.shtml

http://www.kancoll.org/graphics/boltz/vinewood.htm