Discover the charm of the “Little Apple” in Manhattan, Kansas! Not only is this community the home of Kansas State University, but it also sits at the gateway to the stunning Flint Hills.
Located along the Kansas I-70 corridor, Manhattan is an easy stop on a road trip across Kansas or a worthy destination for a weekend getaway. From world-class art museums and beautiful outdoor spaces to delicious dining experiences and quirky roadside attractions, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover here.
Keep reading to discover offbeat things to do in Manhattan, Kansas, plus plenty of unique places to eat and drink during your stay.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Kansas I-70 Association. However, all opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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Offbeat Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas
Find Inspiration at the Museum of Art + Light
I absolutely adore an art museum and the Museum of Art + Light is one of the most unique I’ve ever visited. Opened in late 2024, this unique museum was conceived as the first of its kind to combine contemporary art with immersive experiences and digital technology.
In addition to more traditional gallery spaces, the Museum of Art + Light is also home to Mezmereyz, an immersive experience gallery that takes you inside the artwork in new and exciting ways. During my visit, this gallery had an exhibit called “Renoir: A Luminous Evolution,” which featured many works by the French impressionist painter.
In addition to temporary exhibitions, the museum also has a unique permanent collection of contemporary art, digital pieces and even NFTs. As a fan of traditional art museums, I really enjoyed exploring this space and seeing what a museum reimagined for the 21st century could look like.
Museum of Art + Light, 316 Pierre Street in Manhattan, Kansas
Shop Around Aggieville
There’s no better place to explore local shops than in Manhattan’s Aggieville district. With more than 100 local shops, restaurants and bars, this bustling area on the edge of the Kansas State University campus is a lively place to visit, no matter the time of day.
On your next visit to Manhattan, be sure to check out a few of my favorite shops including:
- ACME local (1223 1/2 Moro Street in Manhattan, KS): If you’re in search of a Kansas or Manhattan-themed souvenir, ACME local is the place to visit. This local print shop creates everything from stickers and mugs to T-shirts and other apparel, all boasting some true Midwest pride. As one of their T-shirts reads: “Kansas: It’s not that bad!”
- The Dusty Bookshelf (700 N. Manhattan Avenue in Manhattan, KS): Book lovers will be delighted by a stop to The Dusty Bookshelf. This indie bookstore has been around since 1898 when it served as a hub for students at the Kansas State Agricultural College (which would later become K State). While the shop has had a number of different homes over the years, its cozy charm and incredible selection endure.
- Little Apple Vintage Shop (622 N. Manhattan Avenue in Manhattan, KS): Browse a beautifully-curated collection of vintage clothing at Little Apple Vintage Shop. From apparel repping your favorite team to pieces for a special occasion, this charming shop has got it all.
Learn About the Local Landscape at the Flint Hills Discovery Center
As you head further west into Kansas, you’ll notice the landscape beginning to change. Get acquainted with the local topography with a visit to the Flint Hills Discovery Center. This interactive museum takes visitors inside the history and ecology of the Flint Hills to discover how the land informed the communities that exist today.
Learn about the history of the tallgrass prairie and what defines this unique type of ecosystem. Especially if you’re visiting with kids, this hands-on approach to learning about local science and culture is a must-visit! Don’t miss the museum’s outdoor Prairie Garden Terrace & Trail to see some of the area’s native flora up close.
Flint Hills Discovery Center, 315 S. 3rd Street in Manhattan, Kansas
Meet Johnny Kaw
Do you know the legend of Johnny Kaw? For those unfamiliar, Johnny Kaw is essentially the Kansan counterpart to Paul Bunyan. This fictional settler was created by 1955 by Kansas State University horticulture Professor George Filinger in honor of the city’s centennial.
His stories of Johnny Kaw were first printed in the city newspaper, The Manhattan Mercury, alongside drawings done by fellow professor Elmer Tomasch. In these stories, Filinger wrote about how Johnny Kaw formed Kansas’ landscape and geography, digging out the Kansas River Valley, planting wheat, inventing sunflowers and growing giant potatoes.
The legend of Johnny Kaw persisted and in 1966, a 24-foot-tall of the legendary hero was built and installed in Manhattan City Park. While Johnny Kaw never gained the notoriety of other Midwest giants, you can still find him towering over the Kansas Flint Hills when you visit Manhattan.
Johnny Kaw, Manhattan City Park, 1220 Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, Kansas
Explore Konza Prairie Biological Station
Opt outside and discover the magic of the Flint Hills for yourself at Konza Prairie Biological Station. Owned jointly by The Nature Conservancy and Kansas State University, this 3,487-hectare native tallgrass prairie preserve is beautiful place to experience the magic of this ecosystem for yourself.
Located less than 15 minutes southwest of downtown Manhattan, Konza Prairie is a convenient place to enjoy the outdoors without traveling too far from town. While the site serves as a private field research station, there are a number of nature trails that are publicly accessible through the preserve.
All three of the trails begin at the same trailhead and start with a quiet walk through lowland gallery forest. From there, I recommend following the Nature Trail, which is a 2.6-mile loop that takes you through the native tallgrass prairie and up limestone ledges for incredible views of the Flint Hills and the Kansas River Valley. Keep in mind that this trail does have some steep steps and uneven footing along the way.
Konza Prairie Biological Station, 100 Konza Prairie Lane in Manhattan, Kansas
Plan Your Own Brewery Tour
Taste your way around town with visits to some of Manhattan’s popular breweries. Whether you’re looking for relaxing patio vibe or a place to meet up with friends, these spots are worth adding to your itinerary:
- Aggieville Brewing Company (612 Pillsbury Drive in Manhattan, KS): Overlooking downtown Manhattan, this popular brewery is a great spot to unwind after a busy day of exploring. During the warmer months, snag a spot on their sprawling patio and enjoy a pint alongside some great food options.
- Manhattan Brewing Company (406 Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, KS): Located in the heart of downtown, Manhattan Brewing Company is a bustling local spot that takes its craft beer seriously.
- Tallgrass Tap House (320 Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, KS): Named one of the Best Beer Bars in the country by USA Today, Tallgrass Tap House offers creative craft beer alongside elevated pub fare in a sprawling 11,000-square-foot space.
See the Big “Manhattan” Up Close
As you drive into the city, you may notice a giant “Manhattan” and “KS” built into the hillside in the distance. Built in 1927 by the Manhattan Kiwanis Club, the letters in the “Manhattan” sign are each 30 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. These iconic letters are enduring symbols of the Little Apple and make for some fun photo ops.
But how can you see to this scenic spot up close? Head to the Bluemont Scenic Overlook just north of downtown for a great view of Manhattan and a closer look at this iconic piece of public art.
Bluemont Scenic Overlook, 1200 Bluemont Scenic Drive in Manhattan, Kansas
Discover Offbeat Gems Along I-70
Driving along the Kansas I-70 corridor? There are plenty of places worth pulling over along the way! Discover unexpected museums, roadside attractions, epic eateries, unique places to stay and so much more.
Unique Places to Eat & Drink in Manhattan, Kansas
The Chef Cafe
Fans of the HBO series Somebody Somewhere might recognize The Chef Cafe from its many cameos on the series. But this Manhattan institution has been a local favorite since the 1940s. While the original iteration of this beloved breakfast spot closed in 1986, a group of friends came together to reopen it in 2008. Based on its popularity, it seems like The Chef never left.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, be prepared to wait for a table at this cozy neighborhood cafe. You’ll find all the breakfast classics here with a creative twist (like an entire menu section of Eggs Benedict) or two. Don’t skip the breakfast cocktails, which are a staple of The Chef’s weekend brunch tradition.
The Chef Cafe, 111 S. 4th Street in Manhattan, Kansas
Bootsies
Located just steps from the Kansas State University campus in Aggieville, Bootsies is the perfect spot to grab a meal with a group or belly up to the bar solo. This eclectic spot focuses on oven-fired foods, shareable appetizers and a playful selection of cocktails.
While Bootsies serves a variety of appetizers, pizzas and entrees, the start of the menu is its “Po’Zo” sandwiches. These unique handheld options are Bootsies’ version of the traditional Italian Panuozzo Napoletano, a folded sandwich made using fresh oven-fired flatbreads, with a zesty Mediterranean twist. I ordered the Lemon Chicken Po’Zo’ and haven’t stopped thinking about it (or the accompanying paprika honey chips) even weeks later.
Bootsies, 1227 Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, Kansas
Bourbon & Baker
Midwest dining traditions meet Southern charm at Bourbon & Baker. This local eatery serves a delicious array of regionally-inspired small plates and full entrees alongside an extensive Bourbon menu and bevy of creative cocktails. And don’t forget about the bakery portion of this local staple! The bakery creates a variety of cakes in custom sizes for special order alongside cupcakes and dessert specials for this popular local spot.
Bourbon & Baker, 312 Poyntz Avenue in Manhattan, Kansas
Radina’s Bakehouse
What better way to start your day than with freshly baked breads and pastries? In Manhattan, Radina’s Bakehouse is the place to do just that. This locally-owned bakery and cafe opened in 2001 and has since expanded to a number of locations around Manhattan.
In all of them, you’ll find freshly-roasted coffee alongside homemade breads of all sorts. During my recent visit to Manhattan, I couldn’t resist grabbing a still-warm baguette to go along with my morning coffee and it was an excellent way to start a busy day of exploring.
Radina’s Bakehouse, 227 Blue Earth Place, #111, in Manhattan, Kansas
Where to Stay in Manhattan, Kansas
You’ll find no shortage of places to stay in Manhattan, Kansas. From chain hotels to short-term rentals, this college town has it all. Whether you’re looking for an easy stay near Kansas State University or a walkable retreat near downtown, this welcoming community has plenty of great accommodations.
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I would love to hear from you! What are your favorite offbeat things to do in Manhattan, Kansas?
