Skip to main content
DESTINATION

Manhattan

The city is nestled in the Flint Hills, so named for their bands of limestone and flint. The region, which remains largely untouched by the plow, includes the Konza Prairie. The Flint Hills are the largest remnants of tallgrass prairie on the continent; uncut or ungrazed, the native bluestem grasses can grow 8 feet high. A self-guiding hiking trail is open daily dawn to dusk and offers views of the tallgrass and limestone geology; a $2 trail fee is charged. No bikes or pets are allowed on the trail.

Kansas State Agricultural College, now Kansas State University, opened its doors in 1863; it was one of the first land-grant colleges in the nation. Tours of the more than 24,000-student campus are offered; phone (785) 532-6011.

Forty-five-acre City Park, on Poyntz Avenue between 11th and 14th streets, includes a pioneer log cabin, swimming pool, rose garden and a 30-foot statue of Johnny Kaw, a mythical Kansas wheat farmer. Tuttle Creek State Park offers 13,350 acres for sports, hunting and recreation, while Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2 offers 247 acres.

In late June, country music fans flock to Tuttle Creek State Park for the Country Stampede , a 4-day music festival featuring big-name country-music stars as well as food, shopping opportunities and exhibits.

Visitor Centers

Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau 501 Poyntz Ave. Manhattan, KS 66502. Phone:(785)776-8829 or (800)759-0134

Shopping

Manhattan Town Center, at Third and Poyntz avenues, features Dillard's and JCPenney. Aggieville, near the Kansas State campus, is a mix of bars, restaurants and shops located within a six-square-block area that is the state’s first dedicated shopping district.

Things to Do

Flint Hills Discovery Center

Kansas State University Insect Zoo

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

Riley County Historical Museum

Sunset Zoological Park

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP