Unique Date Ideas Near Fort Riley for a Romantic Getaway

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Looking for a little weekend romance in the Flint Hills? Sometimes you just need a break from the routine at Fort Riley or around Manhattan. By the time Friday rolls around, we’re ready to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and do something different. The Flint Hills are peaceful, with open skies, quiet towns, and spots that feel made for a simple getaway. From antique shops to pretty trails and cozy hotels, here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a weekend together.

Romantic Things to Do Near Fort Riley

Weekend Romance in the Flint Hills

The Flint Hills outside of Fort Riley have amazing panoramic views of the native grasses and flowers. The flatlands of Kansas are one few remaining places in America where the tallgrass prairie still flourishes. There are more than 800 different wildflowers in Kansas. As a result, the rolling hills have made the Flint Hills famous for their romantic charms.

Spend an afternoon on the hiking trails, enjoying nature at its best. Subsequently, every season is beautiful. The colors of the sky, the transition of the plant life, and the sounds of the prairie animals will transport you back in time. Imagine the entire sky waking or falling asleep under the wide-open above oceans of tall grasses.

Great Plains Theatre

Abilene non-profit, offering a range of entertainment for the whole family, from comedians to magicians, from comedians and magicians to chart-topping musicians and Pulitzer-winning Broadway hits, Great Plains Theatre has something for everyone.

Alma

The Loft at the Volland Store

The Volland Store opened in 1913 in the small railroad town of Volland. It quickly became the social and cultural hub for the surrounding ranching community. Today, the former general store has a new life as an art gallery and event center—once again welcoming locals and visitors alike.

Tucked in a scenic Flint Hills valley, the Store offers award-winning art and warm conversation. Join the artists, writers, scientists, and poets who continue to inspire and connect this vibrant community.

Baldwin City Depot

Kansas Belle Dinner Train

There are few things more romantic than getaways via train. The Kansas Belle Dinner Train is a nostalgic trip back to the 1940s. The three-hour trip gives you both a chance to enjoy a lovely dinner as you experience the beautiful scenery on the 22-mile round trip. The train departs from the Baldwin City Depot, about 90 minutes from Fort Riley and Manhattan, Kansas.

Chase County

Symphony in the Plains

Symphony in the Flint Hills is held every second full weekend in June. It features presentations and performances designed to entertain and enlighten in a private ranch setting. The event takes place on one of the last remaining expanses of tallgrass prairie in the world.

It includes food, prairie walks, covered wagon rides, story circles and poetry, inspirational talks, an art exhibit and auction, and stargazing. The evening culminates with a spectacular sunset concert by the Kansas City Symphony.

The 2019 theme, Ad Astra, celebrated the changing of our North Star and the constellations. Romantic getaways near Fort Riley offer a chance to leave the military behind.

Cottonwood Falls

Clover Cliff Ranch Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy panoramic views during a romantic getaway under the covered veranda at Clover Cliff Ranch Bed and Breakfast. Choose from several accommodations, including guest rooms, private houses, and a secluded cabin. Each space features period furnishings paired with modern amenities.

Grand Grill at the Grand Central Hotel

Find the perfect gift at one of the many unique stores and galleries in downtown Cottonwood Falls. Then enjoy an intimate dinner at the award-winning Grand Grill at the Grand Central Hotel. The Grand Central Hotel offers the ideal setting for a weekend romance in the Flint Hills.

El Dorado

2nd Chance Antiques and More

El Dorado is an antique lover’s paradise. There are so many shops to explore during a romantic weekend. You can spend an entire day looking for the perfect home decor, vintage outfit, or piece of jewelry. El Dorado offers a chance for romance just outside the main gate of Fort Riley.

Manhattan

Frank Anneberg Park / Twin Oaks Sports Complex

I love a good walk, and the trail around Frank Anneberg Park is a great place to get in your steps, feed the ducks, or go fishing. The flowers and trees change with the seasons, offering a beautiful backdrop for a picnic or a lovely place to watch the sunset near Fort Riley.

Peabody

Flint Hills Gypsies

There’s nothing more romantic than searching for hidden treasure. If you’re into funky, unique, or unusual, this is the place. Flint Hills Gypsies features a huge selection of antiques and artwork created by local artists. You’re bound to find something you’ll both treasure for years to come.

St. Mary’s

Shakespeare Under the Stars

Shakespeare Under the Stars is a small-town, outdoor theater and village festival. Every September, volunteers transform the woods between Junction City and Lawrence into a Shakespearean village. This year’s play was The Merchant of Venice. The festival included more than 50 booths, crafts, games, and food. The pub alone entertained more than 6,000 people over two romantic weekends.

Wichita

The Ambassador Hotel

We love getting spoiled and spoiling each other at a nice hotel. In Wichita, the place to stay is the Ambassador Hotel. The city offers many accommodations, but I love this boutique-style hotel for its location near nightlife and its thoughtful amenities. It helps that it’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and offers a substantial military discount. Don’t forget to check out the sexy speakeasy in the basement when you visit. It strikes the perfect balance of luxury, intimacy, and convenience for romantic getaways.

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