Manhattan Area Museums

The amazing Sunset Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Manhattan, Kansas ... indeed, in all of Northeast Kansas. The Sunset Zoo continues to garner acclaim for its interesting exhibits and the marvelous way in which it maintains animals that are residents of the zoo. Sunset Zoo has created a unique fusion that brings humans together with animals in the most natural settings possible.

The Sunset Zoo is open 360 days a year. Guests to the zoo can enjoy either guided tours of the exhibitions or can take self guided tours at their leisure.

Special programming for children abounds at Sunset Zoo, including education programs, sleep-over opportunities and birthday parties at the zoo. Sunset Zoo continues to emphasize its educational programs, not only for children but for people of all ages as well.

The Friends of the Sunset Zoo remains one of the most active community groups in all of Manhattan. Not only do the Friends support the efforts of the zoo, the Friends come together throughout the year to enjoy special events at the zoo itself.

Konza Prairie Biological Station

The Konza Prairie Biological Station was founded in 1971 by Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. The Station was created in order to afford researchers the opportunity to engage in ecological research in the tall grass prairie region that encompasses Manhattan, Kansas. The Station is operated by the KSU Division of Biology and has become a tourist attraction, a beloved respite for locals as well as a valuable research center.

The Station itself physically is located in the Flint Hills and has a threefold purpose:

ecological researchers
education
prairie conservation

The Konza Prairie is home to hundreds of different species of plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. In addition to the flora and fauna that make up the Station, there are ecologically blended facilities for research investigations, meetings, workshops and other educational functions.

Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

The Beach Museum of Art opened its doors in the Fall of 1996. Since its inauguration, the Beach Museum has offered a wide array of different exhibitions and educational opportunities. The Beach Museum is also dedicated to collecting art that is reflective of the region itself. Presently, the Beach Museum is home to nearly 5,000 pieces of art.

The Beach Museum is located on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. A 15,000 square feet expansion of the Museum is expected to be completed within the next two years.

Wonder Workshop Children's Museum

Located in downtown Manhattan, Kansas, the Wonder Workshop Children's Museum was founded to promote the education of children in the arts, sciences and humanities. These educational programs are undertaken utilizing a hands on approach to learning.

Perhaps equally important to the educational and learning goals of the Children's Museum is the fact that many of these programs are designed to involve both children and their parents. As the Children's Museum notes in its own informational materials: “Our hands-on-activities instill a desire for life long learning, recognizing our cultural diversity and fostering creative potential.”

Goodnow House Museum & State Historical Site

Goodnow House Museum is one of the most interesting and visited historical venues in Manhattan, Kansas, and in the Northeast Kansas region. Goodnow House Museum was the home of Isaac Goodnow and his family. Goodnow was a leader in the Free State Movement before and during the Civil War. He also was one of the founders of both Manhattan, Kansas and of the school that eventually would become Kansas State University.

Located on Claflin Road in Manhattan, the unique stone farmhouse is home to a museum with interesting permanent exhibits. Moreover, educational programming is offered at the museum the year around. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Goodnow has a keen interest in nature, which is reflected in hundreds of the objects and exhibits that are maintained at the museum to this very day. Kansas history – particularly the history before and during the Civil War when the state more often than not was referred to as “Bledding Kansas” -- comes to life at the museum.

Riley County Historical Museum and Hartford House

The Riley County Historical Museum, also located in Manhattan, Kansas, is a tremendous repository of artifacts and objects recounting the history of the Sunflower State. On the grounds of the museum one can also find Hartford House and the Randolph Jail, two structures that are as interesting as they are educational.

The museum is also home to the Seaton Research Library, one of the most important historical research centers in all of Kansas.

Kansas State University Gardens

For those people who love the out of doors, who appreciate the splendor of plants, flowers and gardens, the Kansas State University Gardens are a must-see venue. The Gardens are dedicated to providing “excellence in gardening education.”

The Gardens are a horticulture display that has been created by the students at KSU for educational and learning purposes. The community as a whole gets the benefit of being able to visit and take in some of the most beautiful gardens and plant life to be found anywhere. The Gardens are a privately funded project that are located on the campus of KSU in Manhattan, Kansas. Once the gardens are fully completed they will encompass nineteen acres.

Kansas State University Insect Zoo

The Kansas State University Insect Zoo opened in 1999 and is maintained in an old dairy barn that is located on the campus of KSU in Manhattan, Kansas. The Insect Zoo features innumerable exhibits of insects and related critters in their natural settings.