Why go there

Nestled in the Flint Hills, Manhattan is home to Kansas State University, with its varied athletic and cultural offerings. Nearby Tuttle Creek Lake offers outdoor recreational opportunities. Known as “The Little Apple,” there are many restaurant and shopping opportunities. Fort Riley is Kansas’ largest Army post, and it’s home to various historic sites, including the state’s first territorial capital. Some recreational opportunities, including a golf course, are also on the post.

What to do there

In Manhattan, all summer there are free Arts in the Park events in City Park, where participants can bring lawn chairs and enjoy music. Kansas State University also offers cultural opportunities like the Strecker-Nelson art gallery and its Beach Museum of Art.

Must see

Fort Riley’s fall Apple Days festival includes historic re-enactments, along with hands-on activities and equipment displays. The fall festival also features hand-made apple pies available for purchase.

For the kids

Several activities can occupy kids at Manhattan’s City Park. A new city pool and splash park recently opened in the city. It sits near an accredited zoo.

Pocketbook friendly

Fort Riley offers a self-guided walking tour of the post, with up-close looks at the U.S. Cavalry Museum, 19th century buildings, the 1st Infantry Division Museum, historic Custer House officers’ quarters, the post cemetery and more.

Online/Twitter/Facebook

Check out local sites of interest at www.visitmanhattanks.org and www.riley.army.mil.

Save this date

Country Stampede, a large outdoor festival, runs from June 24-27 this year at Tuttle Creek State Park. Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert headline a series of country music acts that will draw thousands to the city.