Affectionately called "The Little Apple", I always find Manhattan, Kansas a surprising mix of college-town energy and Midwestern charm.
You’ll feel it too as you wander through the lively downtown, or hike on scenic trails just minutes from the city center. Manhattan is a town that really knows how to balance nature, culture, and fun. If you’re into outdoor adventure, you should check out the Konza Prairie. I always make time for a walk there because the views are unbeatable.
Manhattan, KS Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike and explore at Konza Prairie with sweeping views of the Flint Hills.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Flint Hills Discovery Center
- For Shoppers: Browse local finds in Downtown Manhattan – Discover boutiques, bookstores, and charming local shops in a walkable district.
- For Couples: Enjoy a wine tasting at Liquid Art Winery
- For Families: Visit Sunset Zoo with over 100 animal species and engaging educational programs.
Where to Stay in Manhattan, KS
- Recommended for Families: Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan is located near the Discovery Center
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Bluemont Hotel is located across from campus.
Best Time to Visit Manhattan, KS
The best time to visit Manhattan is during spring and fall (April–May and September–October) to see wildflowers bloom. Summer is great for outdoor lovers. Winter is the quietest and most budget-friendly.
How to Get to Manhattan, KS
- If you are traveling by car: Located off US-24 and KS-177, Manhattan is about 2 hours west of Kansas City and 1 hour from Topeka.
- By Plane: Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) offers direct flights to major hubs like Dallas and Chicago.
- By Bus: Greyhound and local shuttles connect Manhattan to nearby cities and Kansas State University.
Best Things to Do in Manhattan, KS
1. First Territorial Capitol
Rating: ★★★★★
For five days in July 1855, Pawnee, near the Kansas River, was the capital of the Kansas Territory before it was transferred to Fairway, Kansas. All that remains of Pawnee today is a stately stone building where the Kansas legislature met to struggle over the question of slavery. After falling into disrepair for a while, the building was renovated in 1928 by Union Pacific and two of its floors now host exhibits such as Early Town of Pawnee, Kansas Territorial Politics, and Kansas Memory – < First Territorial Capitol Restoration Program. The town of Pawnee is now part of the town of Fort Riley. After visiting the exhibits, enjoy a stroll along the Kaw River Nature Trail. The First Territorial Capitol of Kansas is managed by the Kansas Historical Society. 693 Huebner Road, Fort Riley, KS 66442, Tel. 785-784-5535,
2. Flint Hills Discovery Center
When I visited the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, I walked away with a whole new appreciation for the tallgrass prairie.
You’ll get hands-on with interactive exhibits that explain why the Flint Hills (and the nearby Osage Hills) are so ecologically important.
I was surprised to learn that only 3% of North America’s original tallgrass prairie still exists. A large part of it is right here in the Flint Hills.
Take your time exploring the museum’s layers of prairie history, science, and culture. It’s a place where I learned something new around every corner!
315 S 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502, Tel. 785-587-2726
3. Downtown Farmers Market of Manhattan
Every Saturday morning since 1979, downtown Manhattan welcomes about 40 vendors – producers, growers, and crafters – to a traditional farmers market, the oldest farmers market in Kansas. They bring their homemade, homegrown, and home-crafted meats, breads, vegetables, baked delights, soaps, jewelry, wood sculptures, and much more to the residents and visitors of Manhattan. It is the day to come and stock up with organic and fresh produce and other ingredients for family meals. It is also the opportunity to meet the local growers and artists and pick up a birthday gift or a pie for the party. There is also an evening market on Wednesdays at the Cico Park entrance, which is smaller but equally exciting. In the winter, between November and April, the market moves to Pottorf Hall.
300 N 3rd St, Manhattan, KS 66502, Tel. 620-767-3893,
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Kansas State Insect Zoo
Located on the Kansas State University campus in a converted dairy barn, the 1,100-square-foot Kansas State Insect Zoo showcases thousands of live, preserved, and fossil insects. Some of the exhibits are hands-on, such as microscopes that visitors can use to look at the preserved insects. There is also a creative kitchen where drawers and cupboards contain examples of various bugs along with detailed information about them. Kansas State Insect Zoo is open Tuesday-Saturday from 1pm to 6pm. Guided tours are available by appointment outside of those public hours.
1500 Denison Avenue, 785-380-9139
5. Kansas Wheat Innovation Center
The Kansas Wheat Commission built the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center on 35,000 square feet of land owned by Kansas University in order to provide improved varieties of wheat to the farmers as fast as possible. The center includes 10,000 square feet of office space for the Wheat Growers Board Room, the Kansas Wheat Commission, and a number of other wheat-related organizations. The 15,000-square-foot state-of-the-art lab is used by Heartland Plant Innovations to conduct research and find new wheat genetic traits as well as relevant technologies. The last 10,000 square feet of space contain the four greenhouses where varieties of wheat are grown in optimal conditions, with controlled temperature, humidity, and air circulation. 1990 Kimball Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502, Tel. 785-539-0255,
6. Konza Prairie
Konza Prairie Biological Station is a biological research station located on 3,487 hectares of native tallgrass prairie in the Flint Hills ecoregion in northeastern Kansas. The station is owned by Kansas State University and the Nature Conservancy and is used by the university’s Division of Biology as a field research station. The station’s mission is ecological long-term research, education, and conservation of the rapidly disappearing tallgrass prairie. The station itself is not open to the public, but its nature trails are. They run through lowland forest, cross Kings Creek at several points, and run over old limestone ledges before entering the tallgrass prairie. It is a pleasant hike with several steep climbs that end on higher points with magnificent views of the Kansas River Valley and the Flint Hills. Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, Tel. 785-532-6011
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
7. Linear Park Trail
One of the best ways of exploring historic Manhattan, Kansas, is to hop on the Linear Park Trail, a popular bike path used regularly by the locals for exercise. It is a network of trails that can be accessed from many points in the city, such as Richards Drive, Temple Lane, 3131 Anderson Avenue, and many others. The trail is paved in parts and covered in crushed limestone in others, about 9 miles long and used by bikers, joggers, and walkers. It goes around the entire city, starting at Anneberg Park and ending at Northeast Community Park, following the Big Blue River, Kansas River, and Wildcat Creek. The trails are shady, very scenic, and pleasant, and in the quieter parts of the day you can spot various wildlife.
Manhattan Parks and Recreation Office, Manhattan, KS 66502, Tel. 785-587-2757
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
8. Liquid Art Winery and Estate
It is a rare sight in Kansas: A hill covered in row after row of lush grape vine, ready to be made into first-class wine. Liquid Art Winery and Estate is located on the hill near Manhattan, Kansas, and the visitors to their fun tasting room can enjoy spectacular view of the vineyard and surrounding hills. The winery and estate offer wine tasting on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and also organize events and weddings. The winery produces 13 wines, among them Seyval blanc, unoaked chardonnay, reserve chardonnay, and crimson cabernet. They also make a range of hard cider. All are available at their tasting room, by the glass or bottle, together with an assortment of cheese, crackers, cold cuts, chocolate, and other snacks.
1745 Wildcat Creek Rd, Manhattan, KS 66503
9. Kansas State University Gardens
As a garden lover, I always head to the Kansas State University Gardens for some peace and contemplation.
It’s like a hidden botanical oasis tucked into campus life. And it’s free to visit!
I found it really interesting that the gardens aren’t just for visitors. They’re also a hands-on learning lab for Kansas State students across different programs.
You can stroll through four plant collections and three specialty gardens during your visit.
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