How to Spend 48 Hours in Manhattan, Kansas

We used to live in Manhattan, Kansas, and now we often visit Malik at Kansas State University. Although “The Little Apple” is very familiar to us, we always try to find something new to do together when we visit. My son, Malik, is a senior accounting major at Kansas State University, and every trip to see him is an adventure. From exploring his campus to diving into the local charm of this vibrant college town, I’ve come to love our visits. Here’s how I spent my latest weekend with Malik and why I think Manhattan is a must-visit for any parent.

Table of Contents

• Things to do in Manhattan, Kansas
• Start with Kansas State University
• Walk Through Aggieville
• Try Axe Throwing or Visit the Escape Room
• Ride ATVs in Tuttle Creek ORV Area
• Conclusion: Making Memories with Malik

Start with Kansas State University

The first stop is always Kansas State University. Malik loves showing me around his campus, and I’ve become quite the fan of K-State’s school spirit. This time, we strolled through the iconic Berney Family Welcome Center and popped into the Beach Museum of Art to check out some regional art.

We even caught a football game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, and let me tell you, the energy was electric! The games can be pretty expensive, at $160, but it’s fun to experience at least once. But it is a good thing to do if you visit Manhattan, Kansas. By the way, if Malik wasn’t so set on accounting, I’d swear he’d make a great tour guide.

Walk Through Aggieville

No visit to Manhattan is complete without a trip to Aggieville, the heart of the town’s social scene. Malik took me to Bluestem Bistro for coffee, and later we grabbed brunch at The Chef, a local favorite that’s always buzzing. Of course, we couldn’t skip Varsity Donuts. Their gourmet donuts are incredible, and Malik swears by their late-night offerings. Aggieville can get pretty crowded, and there is limited parking at night. Our favorite hotel is the Courtyard Marriott, which is within walking distance.

Try Axe Throwing or Visit the Escape Room

For a little friendly competition, we booked a session at Manhattan Axe Throwing. Neither of us had done it before, and let’s just say Malik’s aim was much better than mine! Afterward, we headed to Locked Manhattan Escape Room. We teamed up to solve puzzles in a themed escape challenge, and (not to brag) we escaped with time to spare. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance for both—these places are popular!

Ride ATVs in Tuttle Creek ORV Area

Malik knows I’m always up for some outdoor fun, so we headed to the Tuttle Creek Off-Road Vehicle Area. This 310-acre park is an ATV lover’s dream, with rugged trails and amazing views of the Flint Hills. Malik rented an ATV from Flint Hills Powersports, and we spent the afternoon riding through the trails. It was such a blast—and a great way to see the stunning Kansas landscape.

Conclusion: Making Memories with Malik

Every trip to see Malik in Manhattan reminds me how special these visits are. From cheering at a Wildcats game to tackling an escape room and enjoying donuts together, each moment adds to the memories we’ll always cherish. If you have a college kid at K-State (or just want a fun weekend getaway), Manhattan has so much to offer. We ended our weekend with a scenic Sunday brunch at Colbert Hills Golf Course, enjoying great food and breathtaking views of the Flint Hills. I’m already counting down the days until my next visit!

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