Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau

How did Manhattan get The Little Apple® nickname?: Among the first settlers to Manhattan were pioneers with the backing of New York investors, who insisted settlers call their new community “Manhattan”. When the “Big Apple” nickname was dusted off for a 1970s NYC tourism campaign, a short while later Manhattan KS sought The Little Apple® moniker, circa 1977. The recognition is used to promote Manhattan as a tourism destination and north-central Kansas hub for conventions, economic development, industrial advancement and trade.

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Manhattan, KS

1. How did Manhattan get The Little Apple® nickname?: Among the first settlers to Manhattan were pioneers with the backing of New York investors, who insisted settlers call their new community “Manhattan”. When the “Big Apple” nickname was dusted off for a 1970s NYC tourism campaign, a short while later Manhattan KS sought The Little Apple® moniker, circa 1977. The recognition is used to promote Manhattan as a tourism destination and north-central Kansas hub for conventions, economic development, industrial advancement and trade.

2. Who's the tall fella in City Park?: That's our old pal Johnny Kaw ... the one-and-only, scythe-wielding Johnny Kaw, livin' large! The pioneer spirit of Kansas lives large with this gigantic 25-foot statue of the formidable farmer. The legend was created by Kansas State University horticulture professor George Filinger for the 1955 city centennial; with the statue erected in the park a decade later (1966). Join the Johnny Kaw Club to assist refurbishment efforts and create a plaza around the statue.

There are so many, but we'll steer you to five, and the amazing K-Staters on campus can take over from there:

1) Beach Museum of Art, SE part of campus (14th & Anderson)

2) Hale Library and the glorious aesthetics of the main campus library

3) K-State Student Union, recently renovated student space looks practically new

4) The Gardens, horticulture display garden building to a 19-acre garden shrine

5) Call Hall; what's a visit to K-State without grabbing some ice cream? Find it between Dole and Weber halls toward the campus' north end.

Don't forget your selfie in front of Anderson Hall, the picturesque castle near the center of campus.

There are quite a few of them. We'll get you started with these:

1) Flint Hills Discovery Center, tribute to native limestone and tallgrass prairieland, interactive exhibits

2) Kansas State University, fast-tracked to become top-50 public research university by 2025

3) Konza Prairie, 8,600-acre preserve of native tallgrass prairie in Kansas Flint Hills (3 hiking trails)

4) Tuttle Creek, Home to Country Stampede, the Midwest's biggest country music festival, biking/hiking trails, boating and water activities

5) Sunset Zoo, voted state's best with a dizzying degree of dazzling attractions.

5. I typically travel with my best friend, aka my dog. What are the accommodations?: You'll find pet-friendly lodging at Holiday Inn at the Campus, Four Points by Sheraton, Best Western, Candlewood Suites, Quality Inn & Suites, Motel 6, Parkwood Inn and Suites, and Super 8. Check with your hotel destination to determine that locale's policy. Also, AJ's Pizza, Bluestem Bistro and Porter's in Aggieville are among the restaurants that allow pets.

6. I'm hungry! Where do I go for unique dining?: You have come to the right place! Manhattan is well known for its eclectic selection of unique dining destinations, and all carry a certain "dramatic flair" for incomparable culinary settings. The Little Apple® dishes up big servings of delectable dishes, whether it's Poyntz panache, awesome Aggieville hot spots or Westloop luminosity, MHK knows how to make magic on a dinner plate.
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7. I hear Fort Riley has great military museums; how can I get onto post?: First of all, yes, it does! Unfortunately, Fort Riley museums are closed for renovations until 2020. When the museums return, learn how General George Custer, Buffalo Soldiers and the Big Red One have made Fort Riley a very notable military installation for nearly 170 years (Jackie Robinson served at Fort Riley). Visitors without DOD ID require temporary Fort Riley access pass/badge, obtained at Visitor Control Center (Henry Drive near Marshall Air Field, accessed just off Interstate 70). For pre-approval, email usarmy.riley.imcom-central.mbx.des-vcc@mail.mil. Fort Riley requires additional ID for visitors with Minnesota, Missouri and Washington driver’s licenses.
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8. Manhattan trails ... where do I access to run/bike?: We've got you covered to find more than a dozen running/walking trails. Manhattan is a biking friendly community with great access and ample bike lanes. With a major university, there's also no shortage of students that find jogging access at City Park and many more beautiful locations. Use this list to get you started.
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9. Love to paddle! Where do I put in my kayak or canoe?: Paddle on the Kansas River or Tuttle Creek Reservoir's river pond area just 5 miles north of Manhattan. Those are the main areas to paddle in close proximity to MHK. Many of the smaller streams run through private property, so make measured judgments or seek authorization.
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10. Does Manhattan have unique laws to be aware?: Primarily, know that Manhattan has a "hands-free-driving" ordinance, so you may use electronic devices only if you maintain two-hands-on-the-wheel driving. Plus, smoking is prohibited in all public places, to include restaurant establishments. Lastly, if you're out enjoying nightlife and especially in Aggieville, open container laws are enforced. You may not carry adult beverages into the street. Legal drinking age limit is 21 for all alcohol, which can be purchased in liquor stores (grocery-store sales limited to beer sales and have a lower alcohol content).