Sunset Zoo (ci.manhattan.ks.us/SunsetZoo) located on the west side of downtown Manhattan features animals, food and activities for all ages. Animal exhibit areas include the Australian walkabout, African forest trail, trails of South America, Kansas plains and the Asian Forest Trail. Visitors can participate in daily learning programs as well as information sessions throughout the day where they can interact with a specific animal. The zoo has several events throughout the year, including Halloween, as well as it rents out areas to the public for events.
Tuttle Creek State Park (kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations/Tuttle-Creek) offers 12,500 acres of land with many recreational opportunities. Visitors have access to several camping areas with full hookup and primitive sites. The park features a swimming beach, boat launch and fishing piers on a river pond. There are numerous hiking and walking trails located throughout the wilderness area, as well as several day-use areas for picnics and gatherings. Other amenities include a shooting range, disc golf course, horseshoe pits and an equestrian trail.
Manhattan Town Center (manhattantowncenter.com) is an expansive indoor shopping center within downtown Manhattan. It features a wealth of stores ranging from clothing to specialty food stores. The mall has a large indoor atrium sitting area with water fountain as well as a large food court where patrons choose from a la carte and sit-down restaurants. There are also a few large chain restaurants attached to the mall, including Applebee’s and Old Chicago.
Kansas State University is a large public university within Manhattan, Kansas. It offers several entertainment venues open to the public as well as a bookstore and dining area. Visitors can watch sporting events depending on the time of year, including football, basketball, baseball and tennis. It has an auditorium where the public can view performances by the school's own theater company or by one of the many traveling shows visiting throughout the year. It also holds other events as well, including musicians, comedians and public speakers.
