Best Things to Do in Manhattan, KS

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Manhattan is a small city in northeast Kansas on the Big Blue and Kansas rivers. The city was founded in the 1850s as a “free state” town by settlers from the New England Emigrant Aid Company and is home to Kansas State University, so a large number of students give it a lively college town vibe. 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 Konza Prairie Biological Station. Also known as “The Little Apple”, Manhattan is located in Riley County of Kansas. Being home to Kansas State University, the city has a college town vibe. Other than the obvious, the city has so much to offer to its visitors. With a charming downtown, you are definitely going to have a fun time in the city. If you are planning your next visit to Manhattan, here are some of the best things to do in Manhattan, Kansas.

Best Things to Do in Manhattan, KS

Riley County Historical Museum

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Riley County Historical Museum was established in 1914. Presenting its well-organized and well-preserved collection of archives, documents and objects to illustrate the history of Riley County, the collection comprises more than 70,000 objects, 5000 cubic ft. of archives and manuscripts material, 4500 monographic tiles, 300 periodical tiles and 7000 images. The museum has an array of history inside it, ranging from as small as a tax token to as big as the Hartford House. Research can be conducted in the museum after reservations or appointments and donations are always welcomed. The museum also offers various tours for visitors.

Konza Prairie Biological Station

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Located in Flint Hills, the Biological Station serves as a preservation area for the local tallgrass prairie. The Kansas State University which is the co-owner of the land uses it as a research field for its Division of Biology. The land is also owned by The Nature Conservancy. The Konza Prairie Biological Station has also been enlisted as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is also named in the Long Term Ecological Research Network. It comprises claypan, shrubs, forest, and riparian communities and has a continental climate. Visitors are allowed only to a portion of land through three loopy and inbuilt hiking tracks.

K-State Garden Fountains

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With a huge variety of flowers, the K – State Garden Fountains is an ideal and dreamy location for many major events like weddings and receptions. Furthermore, it is a haven for photographers as they will leave for home with the gift of exemplary images, no matter if they are in the backdrop or mainframe. The breathtaking views of the garden promote perfect trails for romantic walks and people who are looking for some peace of mind. Another reason to visit the garden is the free entry and free parking it offers to its visitors. The garden runs open from the month of March to that of November on Saturday and Sunday. It opens at dawn and is closed by 10 pm.

Manhattan Hill

Best Things to Do in Manhattan

This hill is a must-visit on your trip to the town. What awaits you here is the scenic view of the town. It is also an ideal track for those who love hiking.  The area is filled with small tracks and hidden spots adding to its mysteries. A concrete pad can be spotted in the park, which earlier served as a water storage tank for the people of the city.

Discover the Flint Hills

Best Things to Do in Manhattan

While The Big Apple has Central Park, The Little Apple has the Flint Hills. Atop these rolling hills full of flinty limestone and smooth shale sits the largest remaining area of unplowed tallgrass prairie in North America. In town, you can visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center, an interactive science museum that explains the uniqueness of the Flint Hills. Or, you can go beyond the city limits and discover the Flint Hills first hand by hiking the 2.6 mile (4.2 km) Konza Prairie Nature Trail.

Linear Park Trail

Best Things to Do in Manhattan

One of the best ways of exploring historic Manhattan, Kansas, is to hop on the Linear 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.