Manhattan

Manhattan is the administrative seat of Riley County in northeastern Kansas, located on the banks of the Kansas River at an elevation of 311 meters (1,020 feet). The city combines government offices with business districts and residential areas that stretch from the historic downtown to the surrounding hills.

Settlers founded the town in 1855 at a spot where the Kansas River offered a natural passage through the prairie. The arrival of the railroad in the 1860s transformed the small settlement into a center for trade and education in the region.

The city hosts Kansas State University, whose campus has shaped life here for more than 150 years. Students and faculty give the streets a lively rhythm, especially on Wildcats game days when purple colors appear on every corner.

Visitors can walk easily through the compact downtown, where most municipal facilities and shops are concentrated. The community offers an online portal where travelers can find information about public facilities and local services.

The town operates a joint court system with the university, rare in the US and handling practical matters for students and residents under one roof. This collaboration between municipality and campus simplifies many everyday administrative processes for all involved.

Location: Riley County

Inception: 1855

Elevation above the sea: 311 m

Website: https://cityofmhk.com

GPS coordinates: 39.19000,-96.58667

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:09