Manhattan Travel Guide

Explore the Flint Hills in the heart of Kansas with our comprehensive travel guide to Manhattan with culture, food, attractions, safety, transportation, and more.


Introduction to Manhattan

Located in the heart of Flint Hills and Great Plains of Kansas, Manhattan is a beautiful city with a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and friendly people. Home to Kansas State University, this college town boasts a vibrant atmosphere and plenty to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a place to relax, Manhattan has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Manhattan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kansas State University Campus
  • Flint Hills Discovery Center
  • The Wolf House Museum
  • Riley County Historical Museum
  • Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Natural Attractions of Manhattan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Konza Prairie Biological Station
  • Linear Trail
  • Tuttle Creek Lake
  • Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area
  • Wildcat Creek

Hiking/Biking Routes of Manhattan

  • Konza Prairie - Located south of Manhattan, Konza Prairie offers breathtaking views of Flint Hills and miles of hiking trails.
  • Linear Trail - A scenic biking and hiking trail along the Kansas River with beautiful views.
  • Tuttle Creek Bike Trail - A 12.5-mile trail providing cyclists with stunning views of the Tuttle Creek Lake and surrounding hills.

Best Things to Do in Manhattan: Activities and Tours

  • Flint Hills Discovery Center - An interactive museum showcasing the natural and cultural history of the Flint Hills region.
  • Sunset Zoo - A family-friendly zoo with over 300 animals, including tigers, bears, and monkeys.
  • Manhattan Arts Center - A performing arts center showcasing local and national talent.
  • Manhattan Farmer’s Market - A weekly market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
  • Tuttle Creek State Park - A popular spot for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking.
  • RiverWalk Trail - A scenic trail along the Kansas River with beautiful river views and historical markers.
  • Manhattan City Park - A central park in the heart of the city with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Manhattan

Day Activity
1 Visit Flint Hills Discovery Center and Manhattan Arts Center
2 Explore Kansas State University Campus and Wolf House Museum
3 Hike or bike in Konza Prairie Biological Station or Tuttle Creek Bike Trail
4 Visit Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and Riley County Historical Museum
5 Enjoy the Sunset Zoo and Manhattan Farmer’s Market
6 Have a picnic at Manhattan City Park and stroll on RiverWalk Trail
7 Relax at Tuttle Creek State Park with fishing, boating, or hiking

Food and Drink Scene of Manhattan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kansas-style BBQ - Try some delicious BBQ ribs, brisket, and burnt ends at Cox Bros. BBQ.
  • Waffles - The Chef Cafe serves up some of the best waffles in town with a variety of toppings.
  • Fried chicken - The Purple Pig serves up some mouth-watering fried chicken with homemade sides.
  • Kolaches - Try some of the best Kolaches at Varsity Donuts, a local favorite.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer - Tallgrass Brewing Company offers a variety of locally brewed beers that are a must-try.
  • Kansas Wines - Oz Winery and Liquid Art Winery offer fantastic views and locally produced wines.
  • Coffee - Bluestem Bistro serves up fantastic coffee that is a local favorite.

Where to Stay in Manhattan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan - Located near the downtown area, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and great amenities.
  • The Bluemont Hotel - Located next to Kansas State University Campus, this hotel offers stylish rooms and great views of the city.
  • Anderson Bed & Breakfast - A Victorian-style bed and breakfast overlooking a beautiful garden.
  • College GuestHouse - Located near downtown, this guesthouse offers budget accommodation for travelers.

What to Buy in Manhattan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Flint Hills Memorabilia - Purchase unique souvenirs from Flint Hills Discovery Center’s gift shop.
  • Local Artwork - Manhattan Arts Center offers a variety of locally produced artwork that makes for a great souvenir.
  • Kansas Wines - Visit Oz Winery and Liquid Art Winery to get local wines that make for unique gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Manhattan

Manhattan is a college town with a rich cultural heritage. Kansans are known for their warm hospitality, and visitors will find the same welcoming atmosphere in Manhattan. The city takes pride in preserving the natural beauty of the Flint Hills and offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Best Time to Visit Manhattan

The best time to visit Manhattan is from May to October when the weather is pleasant and conducive for outdoor activities. The summer months are popular for tourism, but the Autumn months offer colorful foliage and comfortable weather. Winters are cold, but Manhattan offers many indoor activities to keep travelers entertained.

Do’s and Don’ts of Manhattan

Do:

  • Visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center and Konza Prairie Biological Station to learn about the natural and cultural history of Flint Hills.
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of Tuttle Creek Lake and Kansas River.
  • Try local cuisine, including Kansas-style BBQ and fried chicken.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage any natural or historical sites.
  • Don’t drink and drive, as it is illegal in Kansas State.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to the local culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Manhattan

Manhattan is a safe city, and travelers should not feel any unease while visiting. However, it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night.

Health in Manhattan

Manhattan has several hospitals and medical clinics, offering prompt medical assistance in case of an emergency.

Getting to Manhattan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Manhattan

The nearest airports to Manhattan are:

  • Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) - Located just 10 miles from the downtown, it serves direct flights to Dallas and Denver.
  • Kansas City International Airport (MCI) - Located nearly 135 miles west of Manhattan, it serves a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Manhattan

  • Greyhound Bus station is located in Junction City, about 17 miles from Manhattan.

Other Options

Manhattan has many car rental options available at several rental companies.

How to Get Around in Manhattan

Manhattan has a good public transport system with several bus routes that cover the city. Taxis are also readily available for hire, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from Manhattan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kansas City - About two hours from Manhattan, Kansas City offers world-famous barbecue and jazz music history.
  • Lawrence - Known for its history and alternative culture, Lawrence is just an hour away from Manhattan.
  • Topeka - About an hour from Manhattan, Topeka is home to several historical and cultural landmarks worth exploring.

Conclusion

Manhattan is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage and many natural attractions that make it a perfect destination for a getaway. Visitors can enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and beautiful scenery. With this comprehensive travel guide to Manhattan, you can plan an unforgettable trip filled with adventure and exploration.