SURROUNDING REGIONS

from Manhattan Visitor's Guide - 2023

by Sunflower Publishing

ARTS

JUNCTION CITY

Home to the Buffalo Soldier Memorial,

Civil War Monument

and Kansas Vietnam Memorial, Junction City is located at the confluence of the Smoky Hill River and Republican River, 20 minutes west of Manhattan on I-70.

WAMEGO

Learn about the Land of Oz at the Oz Museum or enjoy one of the small town’s many festivals. Experience the largest

Independence Day

Celebration in the Midwest, all in Wamego, 15 minutes east of Manhattan.

ABILENE

Boyhood home, presidential library, museum and burial place honoring the 34th President of

the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower

is 40 minutes west of Manhattan, on I-70.

COUNCIL GROVE

There are 24 nationallyregistered historical sites in this community, 40 minutes south of Manhattan on Kansas Highway 177. Delight in great food at The Hays House, and enjoy small-town shopping.

REGIONAL VISITS

PAXICO

Antique stores abound in this tiny town 20 minutes east of Manhattan off I-70. You’ll see many preserved Victorian-era buildings. In September, Paxico hosts the annual Blues Festival.

COTTONWOOD FALLS

Located one hour south of Manhattan on Kansas Highway 177, find Kansas’ oldest operating Chase Count courthouse, the Grand Central Hotel and Restaurant and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

FORT RILEY

Ten minutes west of Manhattan, Fort Riley is home to the 1st Infantry Division called “The Big Red One.” 1ID is the U.S. Army’s oldest division created during World War I. Visitors must present photo ID.

MARYSVILLE

An hour north of Manhattan is Pony Express Home Station No. 1, the first stop on the legendary run. Visitors enjoy the Doll House Museum’s collection of antique and modern toys.

CLAY CENTER

This small town in north-central Kansas, just 35 miles from the Tuttle Creek Lake area of Manhattan, is known as the geographic midpoint between New York City and Los Angeles. With their wide range of vibrant murals, there’s plenty to see and experience in Clay Center.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY

Find the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church, Alma Creamery, a family-run cheese plant and Volland store with Midwest-inspired art exhibits 10-30 minutes east of Manhattan.

WAKEFIELD

Located 35 minutes west of Manhattan, this town is located on the banks of Milford Lake offering outdoor activities including great fishing, birding and boating.