Nestled in the heart of the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas, Manhattan offers an abundance of entertainment, from sports and recreation to live entertainment and art exhibits. Visitors can learn about the history of the heartland; explore the Konza Prairie and the area's rolling landscape; take in an exciting K-State Wildcat game; shop in one of the city's many shopping districts; dine on almost any flavor of cuisine; play a round of golf; or, for the outdoor sports enthusiast, visit the beautiful Tuttle Creek Lake. The area's hunting and fishing opportunities are endless. Whatever your interests, you are bound to enjoy your visit to the city known as The Little Apple®. Best Western Manhattan Kansas.
Things to do in Manhattan
Blaine Thomas Musical Museum
This museum offers group tours by appointment only. Located at 1515 Fair Lane. Call 785-537-2010 for more information.
Colbert Hills Golf Course
5200 Colbert Hills Drive Call 785-776-6475 for more information.
Custer Hill Golf Course
5202 Normandy Drive, Fort Riley Call 785-784-6000 for more information.
Fort Riley
Named after Major General Bennett C. Riley, Fort Riley was established in 1853 as a military post to protect the Oregon-California and Santa Fe trails. Today, it remains an active duty post and continues to play an important role in the defense of our nation and the training of our soldiers. Many of its historical points of interest are open to the public. Located 8 miles west of Manhattan on K-18.
Goodnow House
This state historic site features the unique 1861 stone farmhouse that was the home of Isaac Goodnow, a founder of Manhattan and Kansas State University, and a leader in the free state movement. 2301 Claflin Rd. Call 785-565-6490 for more information.
K-State Gardens
K-State's Botanical Gardens nurture a wide variety of plant life from banana and vegetable plants to various species of roses and day lilies. The gardens also feature a butterfly exhibit. Located just north of Claflin Road on Denison Ave. Call 785-532-1397 for more information.
Kansas State Athletics
The Kansas State Wildcats dominate the sports scene in Manhattan. The university's nationally ranked teams compete in football, men and women's basketball, volleyball, baseball, golf, rowing, tennis, cross-country, and track and field. Call 800-221-CATS for more information.
Kansas State University
As the oldest land grant university under the Morrill Act, K-State opened its doors in 1863. The university brings an abundance of academic, research, cultural, recreational, and Big XII athletic resources to Manhattan. Kansas State enrolls nearly 23,000 students in nine colleges on its picturesque campus. Call 785-532-6011 for more information.
Konza Prairie Biological Station
An 8,600-acre tallgrass prairie preserve and field research station owned by The Nature Conservancy and Kansas State University. A self-guided nature trail is open to the public from daily; trail guides are available at the entrance. The Konza Prairie Scenic Overlook is on K-177, five miles south of Manhattan. Call 785-587-0441 for more information.
Manhattan Arts Center
Manhattan's arts scene is fostered by the Manhattan Arts Center. The center brings theatrical productions, Birdhouse and Jazz music concerts, gallery exhibitions and art classes to the community. Call 785-537-4420 for more information.
McCain Auditorium
Located on the K-State campus, McCain hosts a variety of exceptional artists and attractions each year, from ballet to Broadway, jazz to chamber music, and comedy to classic theatre. The Nicols Theatre, also on campus, also features numerous theatre and dance productions. Call 785-532-6428 for more information.
Milford Lake and State Park
At nearly 16,000 acres, Milford Lake is the largest blue water lake in Kansas. Its close proximity to Junction City makes it a popular recreation area for swimming, boating, camping, fishing, and hiking. Three swimming beaches are located on the lake. The park features several hiking and equestrian trails, a wildlife viewing tower, a number of campgrounds for both primitive and utility camping, a public 18-hole golf course, and two full-service marinas. Special events are often hosted by the park. The lake is about a 30-minute drive west of Manhattan. Call 785-238-3014 for more information.
Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2
Located approximately four miles northeast of Manhattan, "Pott 2" is a 75-acre scenic fishing lake. Species that populate the lake include crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and walleyes. Facilities include a boat ramp and primitive campsites.
Randolph State Park Equestrian and Hiking Trails
Located in the 200-acre park, the well-marked trails cover 14.75 miles and are divided in two by U.S. Hwy 16. Randolph South is the commonly used trail head and camping area. Access Randolph North by crossing the highway at the entrance gate and following the trail under the bridge that spans Tuttle Creek Lake.
Riley County Historical Museum
The Riley County Historical Museum covers local history from frontier days to modern day. Adjacent to the museum is the Hartford house, a restored cabin brought to Manhattan by early settlers in 1855 on a steamboat. 2309 Claflin Rd. Call 785-565-6490 for more information.
Stagg Hill Golf Club
West Hwy. 18, 4441 Ft. Riley Blvd. Call 785-539-1041 for more information.
Sunset Zoo
Overlooking the beautiful Flint Hills, the AZA-accredited Sunset Zoo offers the opportunity to get a close-up look at a wide variety of animals from all around the world. A gift shop and concession stand are open seasonally. Located at 2333 Oak St. Call 785-587-APES for more information.
The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
The Beach Museum is a 5,000 square-foot facility that houses K-State's permanent art collection, consisting of approximately 1,400 works of art. Located on the K-State campus. Call 785-532-7718 for more information.
Tuttle Creek State Park/Lake
Five miles north of Manhattan lies Tuttle Creek Lake, the state's second largest body of water. The lake area features 12,000 acres of water and 100 miles of wooded shoreline. The 16,000 acres of park land that surround the lake have been enhanced to benefit wildlife; turkey, white-tailed deer, quail, pheasant and waterfowl are common species. Popular activities at the lake and in the park include fishing, hunting, boating, camping, hiking, picnicking, and outdoor sports. Facilities include a full service marina, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, beaches, boat ramps, utility hookups, picnic tables, a disc golf course, and areas for the off-road vehicle enthusiast. Call 785-539-7941 for more information.
Wildcat Creek Sports Center
800 Anneberg Circle Call 785-539-7529 for more information.
Wolf House Museum
The Wolf House Museum is housed in an 1868 limestone dwelling and was used as a private residence and boarding house. The museum is furnished with 19th century period furniture. 630 Fremont Call 785-565-6490 for more information.