Manhattan

Manhattan is a college town in northeastern Kansas, home to Kansas State University (K-State). Known as the "Little Apple," it is situated in the Flint Hills region where the Kansas and Big Blue Rivers converge. The city has a vibrant downtown, a strong arts and dining scene, and easy access to the tallgrass prairie landscape that makes the Flint Hills unique. With a population of about 55,000 (2020), Manhattan offers the amenities of a university town — live music, sports, restaurants, and cultural events — in a setting surrounded by rolling prairie.

The climate features hot summers and cold winters, with spring and fall being the most pleasant seasons. The city is accessible via US-24, K-177, and I-70 (Exit 307). The Konza Prairie, one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems, is just south of the city.

By Plane

Manhattan Municipal Airport (MHK IATA). American Eagle Airlines offers five daily flights to both Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth, with connections beyond. Hertz and Enterprise car rental are available. KCI Road Runner shuttle service runs from Manhattan to Kansas City International Airport with stops in Lawrence and Topeka, typically $40-80 per trip.

By Car / Road

Manhattan is accessible via US-24 (east-west), K-177 (north-south), and I-70 Exit 307 (approximately 15 miles south). Driving from Kansas City takes about 1 hour 45 minutes (115 miles). From Topeka, it is about 55 miles west, roughly 1 hour.

By taxi: Taxi4Less (locally owned) and Yellow Cab Taxi serve the area.

By bus: ATA Bus, +1 785-537-6345, toll-free +1 877-551-6345. The Bluemont and Candlewood buses run hourly from 6AM until 8PM Monday through Saturday year-round.

• Aggieville — The entertainment district near K-State campus, with bars, restaurants, and shops.

• Kansas State University — +1 785-532-6011. Including Hale Library, the university's main research library.

• Flint Hills Discovery Center — Interactive museum celebrating the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

• Konza Prairie Biological Station — Managed by Kansas State University as a research natural area. A 13-square-mile tallgrass prairie with hiking trails (Nature Trail 2.5-mile loop; Kings Creek Loop 4.4 miles; Godwin Hill Loop 6.0 miles). Camping not allowed. South of Manhattan via McDowell Creek Road.

• Konza Prairie — Hiking the tallgrass prairie trails. Travel 6.3 miles south of K-177 on McDowell Creek Road, or from I-70 Exit 307 north 4.9 miles on McDowell Creek Road (Riley County 901).

• Sunset Zoo — 2333 Oak Street, +1 785-587-2737. Open 360 days a year. Apr–Oct 9:30AM-5PM, Nov–Mar Noon-5PM. Adults $4, Children (3-12) $2, under 2 free.

• Fishing at Anneberg Park — Frank Anneberg Park has softball fields, soccer fields, shelters, grills, playground, Jerry Dishman Fishing Lake (limit 3 fish per species per day), and a 1.6-mile trail.

• Big D's Burger Shack — 2024 Tuttle Creek Blvd, +1 785-410-4991.
• The Cozy Inn — 1109 Moro St, +1 785-302-7766. A local institution.
• Doughboys Pizza — 702 North 11th St (in Aggieville), +1 785-770-3333.
• Cox Bros BBQ — Barbecue.
• Little Apple Brewing Company — 1110 Westloop, +1 785-539-5500.
• Whiskey Creek Steakhouse — 200 Manhattan Town Center, +1 785-776-7300.

Manhattan's bar scene is concentrated in the Aggieville district near K-State. Notable spots include Aggie Lounge, Auntie Mae's, So Long Saloon (1130 Moro St, +1 785-537-9292), KatHouse, Kite's Sport Bar, and Long Horn Saloon.

• Budget: Econo Lodge, Motel 6, Super Motel 8.
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn, Days Inn.

• Manhattan Town Center — Just off the K-177 exit, +1 785-539-3500, [email protected]. 70 specialty stores and Dillard's, JC Penney, and IMAX theatre.

• Topeka (55 miles east, ~1 hr) — Kansas state capital.
• Kansas City (115 miles east, ~1 hr 45 min) — Major metro area with BBQ, sports, and culture.
• Abilene (50 miles west, ~50 min) — Eisenhower Presidential Library.
• Salina (55 miles northwest, ~1 hr) — Rolling Hills Zoo.
• Junction City (20 miles west, ~25 min) — Gateway to Fort Riley.