Quick Summary:

  • Where is Manhattan, Kansas located?
    • Manhattan is a small city in northeast Kansas, situated on the Big Blue and Kansas rivers.
  • What is the history of Manhattan, Kansas?
    • The city was founded in the 1850s as a “free state” town by settlers from the New England Emigrant Aid Company.
  • What gives Manhattan its college town atmosphere?
    • Manhattan is home to Kansas State University, and the large number of students give it a lively college town vibe.
  • What natural attractions surround Manhattan?
    • Manhattan is surrounded by some of the last large tracts of the once dominant tallgrass prairie, now protected by the Flint Hills Discovery Center and the Konza Prairie Biological Station.
  • What historical sites can visitors explore in Manhattan?
    • The city has a charming historic downtown that includes the historic Wolf House Museum and other beautifully restored 19th-century houses.
  • What are some popular attractions in Manhattan?
    • The Sunset Zoo is one of the best small zoos in the country, while the large Tuttle Creek State Park offers a range of outdoor activities.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. First Territorial Capitol ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First Territorial Capitol | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of brizmaker - Fotolia.com

2. Flint Hills Discovery Center ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Flint Hills Discovery Center | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Flint Hills Discovery Center

3. Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan

Category: Shopping
Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of Leslie - Fotolia.com

4. Kansas State Insect Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Kansas State Insect Zoo | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of stryjek - Fotolia.com

5. Kansas Wheat Innovation Center

Category: Attractions
Kansas Wheat Innovation Center | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of Stefan Richter - Fotolia.com

6. Konza Prairie

Konza Prairie | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of Tommy Brison - Fotolia.com

7. Linear Park Trail

Category: Activities
Linear Park Trail | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of goodmanphoto - Fotolia.com

8. Liquid Art Winery and Estate

Category: Food & Drink
Liquid Art Winery and Estate | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Liquid Art Winery and Estate

9. Kansas State University Gardens

Category: Activities
Kansas State University Gardens | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© sjredwin1/stock.adobe.com

10. Strecker Nelson West Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Strecker Nelson West Gallery | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Strecker Nelson West Gallery

11. Sunset Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Sunset Zoo | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Sunset Zoo

12. Tallgrass Tap House

Tallgrass Tap House | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Tallgrass Tap House

13. The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Category: Beaches
The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

14. Tuttle Creek State Park

Category: Activities
Tuttle Creek State Park | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of Alicia - Fotolia.com

15. Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park

Tours
Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of muro - Fotolia.com

16. Wolf House Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Wolf House Museum | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Courtesy of DenisProduction.com - Fotolia.com

17. Bourbon & Baker

Bourbon & Baker | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Bourbon & Baker

18. Manhattan City Park

Category: Activities
Manhattan City Park | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Marsha/stock.adobe.com

19. Midwest Dream Car Collection

Midwest Dream Car Collection | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Midwest Dream Car Collection

20. Locked Manhattan

Locked Manhattan | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Locked Manhattan

21. Colbert Hills

Colbert Hills | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Colbert Hills

22. Manhatchet

Manhatchet | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Manhatchet

23. Varsity Donuts

Varsity Donuts | Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
© Varsity Donuts

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