Manhattan, Kansas never lacks things to do! As we head into 2024, we made a list of 24 things you must do this year.
1. TAKE A PHOTO IN FRONT OF OUR MANY MURALS
Manhattan has several “instagrammable” murals located all around town. Check out our 2024 visitors guide for a complete mural map! Find your favorite, snap a picture, and tag @visitmhk!
2. HIKE THE KONZA
Appreciate the gorgeous views of the Flint Hills while hiking the Konza. This trail offers a 2-, 4-, or 6-mile course.
3. NIGHTLIFE – THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOING ON IN AGGIEVILLE AFTER HOURS!
Home to over 30 different bars and restaurants whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks or staying out all night, Aggieville has a place for you.
P.S. As you are winding down your night, check out one of the late food stops located in the 'Ville, like The Varsity Truck located in the alley behind Varsity Donuts. The Varsity Truck is your late-night destination for hand-dipped corn dogs, the famous Mac ‘N Cheese Grilled Cheese (try it with bacon and sriracha!), bacon bombs, and of course fresh, hot donuts. We’re open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from 9:00pm ‘til 2:30am.
4. SHOP LOCAL AT OUR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Relish the history and charm of Manhattan by strolling the streets of the historic downtown district. If you’re gonna hang around for a while, hotels, restaurants, coffeehouses, bars, shopping and dozens of other outlets await your arrival.
5. BROWSE THE MARIANNA-KISTLER BEACH MUSEUM OF ART ON CAMPUS
The Beach Museum has provided Manhattan with an outstanding display of local art for over 25 years. They feature over 10,000 pieces of art in all different types of art mediums. Each piece emphasizes art of Kansas and the surrounding region.
6. GO PADDLING
Adventure is here in Manhattan! Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddling Manhattan has several options for you. For experienced paddlers head out to the Kansas River for novice paddlers opt for Tuttle Creek River Pond.
7. TRY THE CHIPOTLE RASPBERRY BLACK BEAN DIP FROM TACO LUCHA OR SO LONG SALOON
Any true townie or K-State alum can tell you that the raspberry black bean dip is a Manhattan staple. It can only be found at two of our favorite local spots, Taco Lucha or So Long Saloon. Pair it with a Nancy for the complete experience.
8. WALK ON THE WATER AT PILLSBURY CROSSING
Fishing, hiking and canoeing are just a few of the ways one can enjoy the 59-acre wildlife area and hub for hanging out. Pillsbury Crossing sports a 50-foot wide and four-foot-tall waterfall.
9. GRAB A LOCAL BREW AT MANHATTAN BREWING COMPANY
Local just tastes better so try one of Manhattan Brewing Company’s local brews like the fan favorite Townie!
10. GAIN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE AT RILEY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Changing exhibits showcase manuscripts, letters, photographs, diaries and other records of abolitionists’ establishment of Manhattan.
11. RIDE A BIKE DOWN THE LINEAR PARK TRAIL
Whether you’re up for a muddy, rocky uphill climb or a less challenging outing, run or bike completely around Manhattan on a number of trailheads passing through an engaging combination of urban and country scenery.
12. ENJOY LIVE MUSIC
BYOLC (bring your own lawn chair) and kick back in The Little Apple’s® City Park as performers from around the country spend summer evenings performing at the free concert series, Arts in the Park. Generally running weekends, June through August. Or catch a nationally touring band at The Hat located in Aggieville!
13. GO TO THE BEACH ... (BUT NEVER LEAVE KS)
Located in Aggieville this little dive bar's coastal atmosphere takes you straight from Kansas to the beach! Trying one of Mojo's Beach Bar's sharknados is a must while crawling through the 'Ville.
14. WATCH THE SUNSET OVER TUTTLE CREEK LAKE
Tuttle Creek Lake is located 5 miles north of Manhattan. With plenty of overlook spots, the lake makes the perfect place to watch the sunset over Manhattan.
15. EXPERIENCE K-STATE TAILGATES
Pack the Bill for one of K-State Football’s home games this fall. Be sure to come out early and tailgate for the complete Caturday experience.
16. STROLL THROUGH THE K-STATE GARDENS
Soak in a kaleidoscopic swirl of colors, scents, sights and sounds in this on-campus gem, where you can take a peaceful walk through the butterfly garden, sit back and relax or bring your children to teach them about plants.
17. LEARN HOW TO AUCTIONEER AT THE FLINT HILLS DISCOVERY CENTER
Put your fast-talking skills to the test and explore the many exhibits within the Flint Hills Discovery Center including Voices of the Flint Hills.
18. THREE WORDS: MAPLE. BACON. DONUT.
Stop by Varsity Donuts in Aggieville for a Maple Bacon Donut. While you’re in the once pharmacy now donut shop play a round of Ping Pong or practice your favorite tunes on the piano.
19. PET A GOAT AT A & H FARM
A & H Farm is located just minutes south of town and has hundreds of different fun experiences from the largest petting zoo in Kansas to their grain bin bar! Pet some of their friendly animals or take a trip down their 50' slide.
20. CALL HALL ICE CREAM
Some of the best ice cream in Manhattan, Kansas you must try this K-State gem. They have 2 locations on K-State’s campus. Call Hall Dairy Bar is located at 1530 North Mid-Campus Drive and Call Hall at the Union is located at 142 Kansas State Student Union.
21. FIND YOUR NEXT DREAM RIDE AT MIDWEST DREAM CAR COLLECTION
Home to over 70 different unique vehicles and the only museum in Kansas with a self-serving beer wall. Midwest Dream Car Collection is a must!
22. GO FISHING AT ANNEBERG PARK
Jerry Dishman Lake is in Anneberg Park on the west side of town. This is a small lake perfect for a short afternoon of fishing fun.
23. SHOP AT MANHATTAN TOWN CENTER
Home to over 50 different shops there’s something for everyone here. Plus be sure to grab a delicious cinnamon roll from Mrs. Powell’s while you’re there.
24. VISIT THE NEW MUSEUM OF ART + LIGHT
Opening in October of 2024, the Museum of Art + Light was conceived as the first museum in the world to showcase immersive experiences, its permanent collection, and emerging artistic expression from inception--the MoA+L welcomes and challenges its visitors to engage, to question, and be informed by various artistic processes. Featuring exhibitions, permanent collections, a digital gallery and more, the museum will have it all for you to explore!
Comment below which one you're doing first!
