Kansas Cities: Manhattan

By Kristen Vermeire

Friday, October 9, 2009

City: Manhattan

Nickname: The Little Apple, Manhappenin’

County: Riley

Location: Northeast Kansas

Distance from Lawrence: 85 miles or one hour and 25 minutes driving time

Founded: 1855 as a new territory for Free Staters

Population: 50,000

Destinations: Manhattan is home to Kansas State University. Popular destinations include Tuttle Creek Lake, a 15,000 acre state park, and Aggieville, a downtown district home to restaurants, bars and live entertainment. The Beach Museum of Art, located on the KSU campus, provides students and Manhattan residents with the opportunity to view rare exhibits; current exhibits include “Recreating Oz in Comics” and “Robert J. Lang: Insect Origami.” Every summer, Country Stampede, a three-day festival, takes place in Manhattan; acts for June 2010 include Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert.

Interesting Fact: Manhattan was recently listed as one of the “Top Ten Places to Retire Young” by CNN’s Money Magazine and also among the “Best Places to Live” in 2008.

Why did you decide to go to the University of Kansas when Manhattan is in your hometown?

David Bowden, senior.

“K-State is just a little too close to home; Lawrence seemed to have a lot more going on. I like the atmosphere and political engagement, there’s culture here.”

Chris Martin, senior.

“Manhattan is great, but I needed a change. Lawrence has a really relaxed atmosphere and Mass Street always has something going on. You can find any scene you’re looking for.”

Chelsea Johnson, sophomore.

“Mostly, I didn’t want to be out and run into parents or friends I had known a long time, even if I was just running errands. It’s much more diverse here and there’s so much more to do.”

Alexa Backman, freshman.

“I thought K-State was too small and wanted to go to a bigger school. My family and I have always been huge KU fans and my parents weren’t originally from Manhattan. I really like the feel of Lawrence better than Manhattan; it’s just so different.”

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