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Tucked away in Manhattan, Kansas, the Riley County Historical Museum feels like stepping into a time capsule of heartland life. From dusty farm tools to vintage photos and oral histories passed down through generations, every exhibit whispers stories of resilience, community, and quiet pride. No flashy displays—just raw, real memories of how people built a future from the plains. This isn’t history on a screen; it’s heritage you can almost touch.
Everything you need to know about Riley County Historical Museum
Near the Riley County Historical Museum in Manhattan, Kansas, Holiday Inn Manhattan is a top choice, located just 1.5 km away with free parking and an indoor pool. The rooms feature modern amenities, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for travelers exploring local history. The hotel is steps from local restaurants and cafes, offering authentic American cuisine. Guests can easily walk to the museum to explore exhibits on early agriculture, railroad development, and community life in the region. Additionally, the front desk provides travel assistance and local guides to help plan your visit.
Convenience: The hotel’s location ensures a 10-minute walk or short drive to the museum. Public buses run nearby, and bike rentals are available for eco-friendly exploration of surrounding attractions.
The easiest way from downtown Manhattan to the Riley County Historical Museum is via the Manhattan Transit System bus line 3, which stops directly at the museum and runs every 30 minutes with a journey time of about 8 minutes. For more flexibility, use Bike Share Manhattan—bikes are available near the museum’s entrance and can be rented for a low fee. A ride takes approximately 10 minutes through scenic university district routes. Alternatively, driving takes only 5 minutes from downtown, passing by Kansas State University’s campus and offering views of the surrounding academic neighborhood. Clear signage guides visitors to the museum’s entrance.
Accessibility: Whether using public transit, biking, or driving, access is straightforward and suitable for all types of travelers.
The Riley County Historical Museum features unique collections including 19th-century farming tools, original railway car fragments, and Native American cultural artifacts. One highlight is the 1872 Manhattan Railway Locomotive Model, meticulously reconstructed to reflect early transportation methods. Interactive digital walls allow visitors to explore community history through touch-screen technology. Each spring, the museum hosts the Heritage Rebirth Day, featuring live demonstrations of traditional crafts, vintage clothing, and nostalgic games that recreate the town’s past atmosphere. The museum also operates an educational center offering guided tours and workshops for school groups.
Unique Experience: Engage in immersive historical storytelling that brings to life the pioneer era and community evolution of central Kansas—ideal for families and history enthusiasts.
In Manhattan, beyond visiting the Riley County Historical Museum, join the Old Town Walking Tour, led by expert guides who showcase 19th-century architecture such as original stone homes and century-old churches. Discover how residents lived and how building styles evolved over time. Another standout experience is the Farm Day Adventure, where guests participate in hands-on activities like planting crops, milking cows, and learning traditional farming techniques at a museum-affiliated rural farm. Family-friendly packages include child-sized gear and activity kits. All experiences come with a detailed guidebook and commemorative badge.
Immersive Learning: These programs blend education and fun, offering deep insight into the rural heritage and pioneer spirit of central Kansas.
See what other travelers say about Riley County Historical Museum
Staying at this Holiday Inn was an absolute delight! The room was spotless and impeccably clean, with a fresh, welcoming atmosphere the moment I walked in. The bed was incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep—exactly what you need after a long day exploring Manhattan. Located right near the campus, it’s super convenient for getting around by subway, and there are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout my stay, making check-in and check-out a breeze. What really stood out was the incredible value for money—this level of comfort and cleanliness at such a reasonable rate is hard to beat. I’d definitely book here again on my next trip to Manhattan.
Staying at Bluemont Hotel was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to Midtown and Times Square, making it super convenient for exploring Manhattan. The room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. Even the breakfast was a highlight: fresh, delicious, and varied, with great coffee that kicked off the day perfectly. Despite being in the heart of the city, the hotel remains quiet and peaceful, which is a rare gem. If you're looking for a stylish, well-located, and genuinely welcoming stay in Manhattan, this is the place.
The price is a bit higher, but everything else justifies it. The hotel is modern, clean, and well-maintained with excellent service throughout. The breakfast spread is impressive—lots of variety including continental, local favorites, and healthy options. I especially appreciated the free parking right at the front door, which made arriving and leaving so much easier, whether driving or using public transit. Location in Manhattan is fantastic—convenient for exploring the city. Definitely worth it for the comfort and convenience. Would stay again without hesitation.
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manhattan was an absolute delight. The hotel is incredibly close to Kansas State University—just a short walk or quick drive away, making it perfect for students, faculty, or visiting families. There’s plenty of free parking, which is a huge plus when traveling with a car. The pool and splash pad are fantastic—clean, well-maintained, and just the right size for relaxing after a long day. I especially loved spending time by the water, letting the kids play while I caught up on some reading in the sun. The room itself was spotless, spacious, and very comfortable. The bed was cozy, the air conditioning worked perfectly, and even the toiletries felt high-end. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed. From check-in to checkout, the service was friendly and efficient. This place truly delivers on comfort, convenience, and value—definitely a top choice if you're in Manhattan, KS.
The staff here went above and beyond! I had to switch hotels last minute because my air conditioning broke, and I was stressed out when I arrived at the Marriott. But from the moment I walked in, the team was incredibly helpful—assisting with my luggage, getting me settled quickly, and making the whole transition stress-free. Their professionalism and warmth made all the difference. The room was clean, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring Manhattan. I’ve never felt more welcomed at a hotel. This is now my go-to choice whenever I visit the city—absolutely fantastic and highly recommended!
Staying at Moore House Bed and Breakfast was an absolute delight from start to finish. Tim, our host, welcomed us with genuine warmth and went above and beyond to share local tips and helpful information—his hospitality made us feel right at home. We arrived a bit later than planned, but the room was ready and waiting, perfectly clean and cozy, making it easy to settle in for a restful night. The next morning, we woke up to a delicious, thoughtfully prepared breakfast that set the tone for a wonderful day. The entire experience felt personal and authentic—exactly what you hope for when choosing a B&B. My only regret? Not arriving earlier or staying longer to truly soak in the charm of this lovely place. If you're looking for a quiet, welcoming retreat in Manhattan with top-notch service and comfort, this is it. I’ll definitely be back—and I highly recommend Moore House to anyone seeking a memorable, heartfelt stay.
My sister and I were on a cross-country road trip and she had her heart set on staying in Manhattan. We stumbled upon Anderson B&B through the platform and ended up having an unforgettable one-night stay. The room was spacious and incredibly comfortable—perfect for unwinding after a long drive. We took a leisurely walk into town for dinner and loved how close everything was. Breakfast was absolutely outstanding—fresh, delicious, and served with warm hospitality. Sitting down with Phil and Dawn to chat over coffee felt like catching up with old friends. Their kindness and attention to detail made the whole experience special. I’d book here again in a heartbeat—highly recommend!
Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manhattan for a wedding, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The staff were incredibly friendly—especially the front desk agent on Friday, February 24th during the daytime. Though I didn’t catch her name, she had blonde hair and was so welcoming and efficient. The gentleman who managed breakfast was outstanding—he made sure the buffet was always well-stocked and never ran out of anything. It’s clear the management takes pride in their service. The hotel itself was spotless, comfortable, and well-maintained throughout our stay. Located just minutes from the ceremony venue, it was super convenient to get around by subway or on foot. Overall, a fantastic choice for both business and leisure travelers. Highly recommend this property for its great value and warm hospitality.
Had a wonderful stay at the Fairfield Inn Manhattan! The location is unbeatable—just steps away from major attractions and public transit, making it super easy to explore the city. The room was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a great night's sleep. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, diverse, and delicious, easily one of the best I’ve had at a hotel. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly and helpful service, making us feel welcome from check-in to checkout. Overall, this was a fantastic experience, and I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Manhattan.
The location was perfect for exploring some fantastic local restaurants—everything was just a short walk away. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and were always friendly and helpful. From check-in to checkout, the service was excellent. Clean, well-maintained rooms with a great vibe, and the overall experience was top-notch. Definitely recommend this hotel if you're looking for a convenient, welcoming place to stay in Manhattan.
I always choose this hotel whenever I'm in Manhattan—it's become my go-to spot for both work and comfort. The room is spacious and thoughtfully designed, perfect for business travelers who need a productive environment. The Wi-Fi is blazing fast and reliable, making video calls and remote work seamless. I appreciate how well the space is set up with plenty of outlets and a comfortable desk area. Plus, being centrally located makes exploring the city easy—just a short walk to subway lines and major attractions. It’s not just convenient; it’s consistently excellent. I’ll definitely be back.
The location couldn't be better—just a quick walk from some fantastic dining options, and I stumbled upon a Thai restaurant nearby that was absolutely incredible. The food was fresh, flavorful, and well-priced, making it a perfect match for a great stay. Parkwood Inn & Suites offers a comfortable, quiet atmosphere with friendly staff, and the overall experience was top-notch. If you're looking for convenience, comfort, and quality without the high price tag, this hotel is a real winner.
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