Manhattan, nestled in Kansas’ Flint Hills, has a good blend of culture and natural beauty.
By Joan Elliott

Culture and New York City are synonymous. But 1,300 miles away in the northern section of Kansas’ Flint Hills, Manhattan is a cultural center in its own right. The city of 52,000 is known as “The Little Apple,” and visitors will find plenty to do in this hub of visual and performing arts.

Above: The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art houses KSU’s permanent collections. Joan Elliott photo Below: While visiting Manhattan, take time to enjoy the natural beautiful of the Konza Prairie. Kansas Travel and Tourismphoto

A classy college town

Home to Kansas State University, Manhattan offers art galleries, theatrical productions and art classes for children and adults. Check out the Strecker-Nelson Art Gallery, the oldest commercial gallery in Kansas. Locals say the meaning of art is being brought back to Kansas in this five-room gallery. Owner Jay Nelson confirms that his focus is on regionalism as most of the gallery’s artists–roughly 10 at a time–live within a day’s drive. Opening receptions held at the beginning of each artist’s show typically draw about 300 people.
“It’s not in our best interest to try to outdo New York City,” says Nelson. “We’re true to our own art, which is personal and about the Midwest.”

The supermarket turned art center, the MAC (Manhattan Arts Center) leaves little doubt that food for the spirit is as important as food for the body. The center sponsors and coordinates touring performances, exhibits and guest artists to the city, with many Kansas State University students and local residents taking part in theater productions. Classes range from cartooning and clay to mosaics and music.

Visit around the winter holidays (early November through Dec. 26) for the Wrap It Up Exhibit & Sale. A wide selection of original artwork is offered for sale with prices ranging from $5 to $100. Some locals do all their holiday shopping there, according to MAC administrative assistant Vesta Sargent.

Manhattan was blessed when financier Ross Beach gave the lead gift for a museum to house significant visual art of Kansas and the region. It was donated in honor of his wife, Marianna Kistler Beach, in celebration of their 50th anniversary, and was built on the site at Kansas State University where they exchanged their first kiss. The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art opened in 1996 with five galleries dedicated to permanent collections. It expanded to include three more galleries for temporary collections.

The McCain Auditorium and Nichols Theater, also located on the Kansas State campus, offer everything from ballet to jazz, comedy and classics.

Appealing Midwestern charm

Manhattan’s cultural offerings do not detract from its small-town charm and surrounding natural beauty. The pristine, tall grasses of the Konza Prairie Biological Station seem to mimic the graceful movements of ballet. You may catch a spring burns–a show in itself–that enhances plant growth. Enjoy the prairie’s beauty at the scenic overlook as you exit Kansas Highway 177 and head to downtown Manhattan.

Manhattan is currently gearing up for its annual blowout event, the Affiliated Foods Midwest Country Stampede, from June 25–28 at Tuttle Creek State Park. This year’s headliner is Tim McGraw. He’ll share the spotlight with Dierks Bentley, Phil Vassar and a dozen other country music entertainers. Don’t delay if you hope to attend. This event attracts more than 150,000 and sells out quickly. Call (800) 795-8091 or visit www.countrystampede.com for tickets.

The summer concert and performance series, Arts in the Park, will move to the Sunset Zoological Park this year as construction at City Park continues. The series kicks off on July 31.

Joan Elliott is a contributor from Lake Sherwood, Mo.