The Little Apple: 10 Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas - Mariah Haberman (2024)

Travel

  • November 19, 2023

The Little Apple: 10 Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas - Mariah Haberman (1)

Nestled in the heart of the Sunflower State, Manhattan, Kansas, offers a delightful blend of college town charm and Midwestern hospitality. I talked my proud Jayhawk of a husband into venturing with me to Wildcat territory for a fun weekend–just two hours west of Kansas City.

We checked into our room at the Hilton Garden Inn and spent three busy days exploring Manhattan, Kansas. Here’s my top 10 list of things to do in this vibrant city:

The Little Apple: 10 Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas - Mariah Haberman (2)

  1. Roam Kansas State University campus:
    While in Manhattan, I’d start things off by getting to know the city’s crown jewel: Kansas State University. Wander through the iconic campus, taking in the beautiful architecture and absorbing all that Royal Purple energy.

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2. Tour the Flint Hills Discovery Center:

Dive into the rich natural and cultural history of the Flint Hills at the Discovery Center. Interactive exhibits and engaging displays make this a must-visit for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

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3. Indulge in a half-dozen at Varsity Donuts:

Eric and I are big donut people. So when Varsity Donuts popped up on my list of recommendations, we were all in. The interior is darling and the donuts are fun: from “Party Girl” and K-Stater” to Oreo, Fruity Pebble and Red Velvet. Perfect for a morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.

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4. Grab a cup of ‘jo at Arrow Coffee Company:

“Best coffee in ____” is one of my most common Google searches. A city’s coffee scene tells me just about everything I need to know. And Manhattan does not disappoint in the caffeine arena. Google led me to Arrow Coffee Co–known for their artisanal coffee and bright, inviting atmosphere, this local favorite is the ideal spot to kickstart your Manhattan adventure.

My recommendation: the lavender mocha.

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5. Savor an evening at Bourbon & Baker:

Indulge in a truly culinary experience at Bourbon & Baker, a gastropub with a tapas-style twist, blending Southern and Midwestern influences. Eric and I ordered a number of small plates, including cornbread sliders, deviled eggs, shakshuka, and Brussels sprouts—paired, of course, with a carefully curated bourbon flight. Each dish exceeded our expectations, making this a standout meal during our visit to Manhattan.

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6. Explore automotive history at the Midwest Dream Car Collection:

Regardless of your level of “car nut,” a visit to the Midwest Dream Car Collection is a must. Eric and I were so impressed (special thanks to Executive Director Chris Gergeni for the super insightful tour!). You’ll delight in a captivating display of classic and rare cars, offering a unique glimpse into the evolution of automotive design across the decades.

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7. Have lunch at Taco Lucha Mexican Restaurant:

Savor the flavors of Mexico at Taco Lucha. With an extensive menu of creative and delicious tacos, this spot is perfect for a midday meal that combines bold tastes and a lively atmosphere. Our recommendations: el mexicano, buffalo chicken and carnitas tacos.

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8. Embark on an animal adventure at Sunset Zoo:

Immerse yourself in the wonders of wildlife at Sunset Zoo, a family-friendly spot boasting a diverse array of animals and exhibits. Eric and I found this to be the most engaging zoo experience to date. (And we visit a lot of zoos…) The wild cats stole the show without a doubt, a fitting highlight given we were in the heart of Wildcat territory!

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9. Enjoy a flight at Tallgrass Tap House:

Spotted: two Jayhawk fans at a K-State bar…

Fully embracing the spirited local showdown between KU and K-State, Eric and I took our seats downtown at Tallgrass Tap House to catch the game. We cheered on our team (silently) among a sea of purple and silver. We lost 🙁 But all was not lost! We drowned our sorrows in a delightful flight of craft brews, turning another Jayhawks Football defeat into a victory for our taste buds.

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10. Take in the nightlife at Aggieville:

It just isn’t a trip to Manhattan without a night out at the iconic Aggieville. This historic district offers an array of bars and restaurants, providing the perfect setting to cap off your Manhattan adventure. Our favorite? So Long Saloon for some raspberry black bean dip and a couple of Nancies!

From university vibes to culinary delights and wildlife adventures, this vibrant city has a little something for everyone. Manhattan, Kansas: you’ve officially stolen the hearts of these little Jayhawks’ hearts!

Thank you so much to Marcia Rozell at Visit Manhattan for hosting Eric and me!

mariahhaberman

Mariah Haberman is a lifestyle influencer and digital creator based in Kansas City.

She covers a wide variety of topics on Life with Mariah from solo travel ideas to how to kill it at your career.

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The Little Apple: 10 Things to Do in Manhattan, Kansas - Mariah Haberman (2024)

FAQs

What is special about Manhattan, Kansas? ›

Manhattan is home to Kansas State University, the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Konza Prairie, Tuttle Creek Lake, Sunset Zoo, and Kansas's #1 Public Golf Course, Colbert Hills.

What city is known as the Little Apple? ›

Known as the Little Apple, Manhattan is nestled in the heart of the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas. First settled in 1855, Manhattan was incorporated in 1857 and now encompasses approximately 18 square miles.

Is Manhattan, Kansas rural or urban? ›

Manhattan, KS Urban Area.

What county is Manhattan Kansas in? ›

Manhattan is a city in and the county seat of Riley County, Kansas, U.S., although the city extends into Pottawatomie County. It is located in northeastern Kansas at the junction of the Kansas River and Big Blue River.

Why is Manhattan, Kansas called the Little Apple? ›

Nicknamed "The Little Apple" as a play on New York City's "Big Apple", Manhattan City is the county seat of Riley County and was founded in the 1850s. More information about the City of Manhattan government offices and services can be found utilizing the links below.

Why is Manhattan famous for? ›

Manhattan hosts three of the world's top 10 most-visited tourist attractions: Times Square, Central Park, and Grand Central Terminal.

What is the name of the little apple? ›

The name "manzanita" is derived from the Spanish word meaning "little apple" in reference to the berry which appears on the tree in late summer. The berries have traditionally been used by indigenous people as a food source.

Which US city is known as Big Apple? ›

New York City: the Big Apple

New York City is known by many nicknames—such as “the City that Never Sleeps” or “Gotham”—but the most popular one is probably “the Big Apple.” How did this nickname come about?

What city is called Mini apple? ›

The name Minneapolis, like most “Minne” named places, is derived from the Dakota Sioux name for water.

Is it expensive to live in Manhattan, Kansas? ›

Manhattan, Kansas's cost of living is 5% lower than the national average.

Is Manhattan, KS a nice place to live? ›

Manhattan is a town in Kansas with a population of 54,287. Manhattan is in Riley County and is one of the best places to live in Kansas. Living in Manhattan offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Manhattan there are a lot of bars and parks.

What is the nickname of Manhattan Kansas? ›

Symbolism. The apple rising out of the hillside symbolizes the city's progress and development as a land of opportunity, and recognizes Manhattan's nickname as "The Little Apple."

What is the race population in Manhattan Kansas? ›

Manhattan, KS is home to a population of 54.3k people, from which 94.3% are citizens. As of 2022, 7.75% of Manhattan, KS residents were born outside of the country (4.21k people). In 2022, there were 14.8 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (41.5k people) in Manhattan, KS than any other race or ethnicity.

What is the best neighborhood in Manhattan Kansas? ›

Some of the best neighborhoods in or around Manhattan, Kansas are Grand Mere, South Manhattan and East Park. Consider buying or renting a home in one of these popular neighborhoods. Is this area right for me?

What is the population of Manhattan Kansas in 2024? ›

Manhattan Place of Birth
YearPopulationGrowth Rate
202453,523-0.3%
202353,682-0.24%
202253,812-1.12%
202154,423
5 more rows

What is special in Manhattan? ›

Dominated by some of the world's most iconic skyscrapers, here you'll find globally famous attractions like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. You've got some of the best restaurants in New York.

What are 5 interesting facts about Manhattan? ›

Key Takeaways:
  • 01The Most Populous Borough.
  • 02The Island of Many Names.
  • 03The Home of Wall Street.
  • 04The Birthplace of Hip-Hop.
  • 05The Statue of Liberty Calls Manhattan Home.
  • 06The Central Park Oasis.
  • 07The World's Most Famous New Year's Celebration.
  • 08The High Line Park.

Is Manhattan, Kansas a nice place to live? ›

Manhattan is a town in Kansas with a population of 54,287. Manhattan is in Riley County and is one of the best places to live in Kansas. Living in Manhattan offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Manhattan there are a lot of bars and parks.

Why is Manhattan, Kansas called that? ›

New York investors in the land company played a substantial role in naming Manhattan for the new town. A new town of Boston was already established where the Hartford was grounded, and Bostonians liked the new arrivals. Once convinced to stay, the town became Manhattan at the newcomer's gracious request.

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