Welcome to Manhattan, Kansas: Your Guide to Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, and More!
Are you thinking about moving to Manhattan, KS? If so, let me be the first to welcome you to our wonderful community! Nestled in the beautiful Flint Hills and bordered by the Konza Prairie, the Big Blue River, Tuttle Creek, and Fort Riley, Manhattan is home to over 55,000+ residents. Whether you're a local or a newcomer, you’ll find that Manhattan’s unique blend of college town energy and small-town charm makes it a fantastic place to live.
Shopping in Manhattan, KS
Manhattan offers a diverse shopping experience, from locally-owned boutiques to big-box stores. Our charming Downtown is filled with a delightful mix of clothing stores, home decor shops, and kitchen goods. Most of these stores are locally owned and operated, providing a unique and personalized shopping experience.
For a mix of local businesses and larger retailers, head to the Westloop Shopping Center. Here, you'll find Manhattan Appliance and Sleep Source, Eat the Frog Fitness, Marshall's, JoAnn's, and Dillon's. Plaza De' Maria on the East Side off HWY 24 features stores like Ross, Old Navy, 5 Below, and Academy Sports. The Third Street Development area includes Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, Burlington Coat Factory, and various restaurants.
The Manhattan Town Center, centrally located between Downtown and HWY 24, offers a combination of national chain stores and local merchants. You will also find the IMAX and movie theater adjacent to the Manhattan Town Center and Downtown Manhattan, KS!
Events in Manhattan, KS
One thing is for sure: Manhattan, KS loves to celebrate! You will enjoy parades for almost everything, from the Mayor's Lights Holiday Parade to St. Patrick's Day, and the very honored tradition, the Veteran's Day Parade!
Beginning Thanksgiving Day and running through the holidays, you can enjoy the Festival of Lights in Manhattan, KS! This event draws thousands of people every year, with many families making it their Thanksgiving Day tradition to head down to Blue Earth Plaza and watch Santa fly into town just to light our tree!
When summer hits, things don't slow down, especially on July 4th! You will find activities from Junction City, KS to Wamego, KS that will pack your Independence Day schedule! In fact, Junction City holds the largest multi-day festival in the State of Kansas, and Wamego, KS is known as Boomtown, the largest fireworks display in Kansas!
Arts and Entertainment in Manhattan, KS
Manhattan is rich in arts and entertainment. The McCain Performing Arts Center at Kansas State University hosts Broadway musicals, plays, and concerts throughout the year. The City of Manhattan's Arts in the Park series offers summer performances in the Larry Norvell Band Shell at Manhattan City Park.
The Manhattan Arts Center features theater productions, music performances, art galleries, and educational programs. The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art on the KSU campus, locally known as the Beach Museum, is free and showcases traveling exhibits and regional artwork. Downtown Manhattan also hosts several art galleries, including SNW Gallery, 409 Gallery, and the upcoming Museum of Art and Light.
The town has a growing number of murals throughout the community! Many of the murals are made possible through donations, but some are created by locals or painted by a local group! You can find a list of the murals here, and many are walkable in Downtown!
We also have a few museums that are a little more unique, like the Midwest Dream Car Collection and the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The Midwest Dream Car Collection has a little something for everyone! Their rotating 65 car collection ranges from cars built in 1886 to those built present day! The Flint Hills Discovery Center showcases the history of the region and provides information about the Flint Hills region. Coming soon to Downtown Manhattan, the Museum of Art and Light will be open and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Dining in Manhattan, KS
Manhattan is a food lover’s paradise. The town offers a variety of dining options, from traditional fare to small plates. Start your day at popular breakfast spots like The Chef, Early Edition, and Parkside Station. For lunch and dinner, explore the vibrant food scene in Aggieville and Downtown Manhattan, which features indoor and outdoor seating options, including rooftop dining.
Manhattan’s growing number of food trucks serves diverse cuisines, including Indian, Greek, Mexican, and BBQ. You can find several food trucks at Food Truck Corner, located at the intersection of NWY 24 and Green Valley Rd.
Outdoor Activities in Manhattan, KS
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Manhattan. The area offers several hiking trails, particularly in the picturesque Flint Hills and Konza Prairie, where you can immerse yourself in undisturbed nature. Kayaking opportunities abound along the Big Blue River, the Kansas River, Tuttle Creek, and Milford Lake. The city also features extensive walking and biking trails, providing easy access throughout the community, including residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Sports in Manhattan, KS
If you're a sports fan, you’ll appreciate the vibrant athletic culture in Manhattan. Kansas State University (KSU) sports are a big part of the community, with residents passionately supporting the Wildcats. Home football games draw over 50,000+ fans, turning tailgating into a day-long celebration. KSU sports also include a world-class Track and Field team, baseball at Tointon Family Stadium, girls' soccer, volleyball, and various club teams like softball and the KSU rodeo.
I hope you enjoy and explore our vibrant shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor activities that make this community a fantastic place to call home. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out or follow me on social media. I’m happy to help you make the most of your new adventure in Manhattan, Kansas.
