THINGS TO DO

1. Humans have lived in the Flint Hills for more than 13,000 years. 2. Just 4% of North America’s tallgrass prairie remains and the largest piece is in the Flint Hills. 3. Grasses in the Flint Hills can grow 10-feet tall, and roots may extend 15feet into the soil.

4. The Flint Hills were formed over 250 million years ago when shallow seas covered the region. Fossils show signs of sea and plant life from this era in the limestone. 5. Manhattan is known for its white stone buildings made of the region’s native Cottonwood Limestone. Built in 1879, Anderson Hall on the Kansas State University campus and the Riley County Courthouse on Poyntz, completed in 1906, are two magnificent examples. 6. Folk hero Johnny Kaw carved the Kansas River with his scythe and whipped all challengers in feats of daring and strength. A 25-foot tall statue of Johnny Kaw towers above Manhattan’s City Park.

Celebrate the story of life in the Flint Hills at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Blowing winds. Glowing wildfires. Stampeding bison. Colorful wildflowers. The Flint Hills Discovery Center is 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits located in downtown Manhattan that truly has something for everyone.

Stroll through our exhibit galleries to learn about the unique tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the special role humans play in its management. See ancient fossils, prehistoric tools, and modern ranching gear as you uncover the hidden history of this region.

Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the prairie re-created with stunning authenticity in the 4-D immersive theater experience, Tallgrass Prairie: Tides of Time. Or take a stroll through the Prairie Garden Terrace and Trail to see beautifully landscaped native prairie grasses and wildflowers. Explore the new Prairie Playscape hands-on exhibit for kids. Design a model railway, build a stone fence, jump on a saddle, crawl through the prairie climber – this brand-new space combines science and culture to inspire young minds and encourages kids to explore the wonder of the Flint Hills.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a must-see attraction for visitors to our beautiful region. Get off the highway and experience all the Flint Hills has to offer.

Manhattan’s award-winning Sunset Zoo features all your favorite animals from an amur leopard to a giant anteater. The brand new Expedition Asia experience adds a world class experience to rediscover tigers, sloth bears and leopards. Special events include Party for the Planet, Earth Day, Water Safari and SPOOKtacular, a familyfriendly Halloween event.

Custom cars, muscle cars, exotics and classics are all on display at the Midwest Dream Car Collection, the region’s largest collection of fine automobiles. Established in 2019, the museum has more than 65 vehicles on display, with the collection revolving constantly. Enjoy the lecture and program series, or secure the venue for an unforgettable private event.

Kansas State University’s Botanical Gardens, located at the iconic Dairy Barn on the north side of the K-State campus, is home to native flowers and a vast collection of Flint Hills favorites, including irises, peonies and roses. Spend hours exploring the beautifully curated grounds, featuring rest spots, statues and fountains. Visit the Insect Zoo in the historic Dairy Barn. Interactive displays showcase the sights, sounds and smells of your favorite creepy crawlies, including Amazonian insects, bees and an assortment of tarantulas and spiders.

You’ll love the challenge of participating in one of six themed puzzle rooms at Locked, Manhattan’s escape room getaway. Immerse yourself and your friends in The Dinner Party, or will you be one of the few who master the Exit Strategy? Whether it’s a night of team-building, date night, or family fun, Locked is labeled “challenging and fun” by its guests.

Axe-throwing venues are sweeping the nation, and Manhattan offers two of them. Manhatchet, located Downtown and Axe to Grind in Aggieville, have multiple lanes for a night of friendly competition. Enjoy drinks, appetizers and friendly competition in one of the nation’s hottest sports!

Golfers of all levels discover challenges at Manhattan’s public golf courses. Rolling fairways and well-manicured greens welcome players to Colbert Hills, ranked since its opening in 2000 by Golf Digest as the best public course in Kansas. Wide fairways showcase stunning Flint Hills views. Colbert Hills hosts a tournament yearly for golfers competing to earn a spot on the prestigious PGA Tour.

Former PGA pro and K-State alum, Jim Colbert, was instrumental in the course design. Located on the northwest side of town, Jim Colbert says a good hamburger is a hallmark of every good golf course clubhouse.

Stagg Hill Golf Club flanks the Kansas River and demands precision shot-making. Be ready for tricky dogleg holes and tight fairways lined with towering oaks and cottonwoods on this beautiful, 80-year-old course. The scenic 9-hole course at Wildcat Golf and Fitness also features mini golf.

Located 12 miles south of Junction City, Kansas

Lodging & dining, canoes, zipline, high and low ropes courses, horses, biking and hiking trails, shooting sports AND MUCH MORE!