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Riley County Historical Museum, Manhattan, KS
MuseumsHistory BuffFreeRainy-Day Pick

Riley County Historical Museum

2309 Claflin Rd · Manhattan, KS

Why you should go…

The official history museum of Riley County cares for a collection of more than 85,000 objects. Two permanent galleries trace the county's story from prehistoric times to the present, and a temporary gallery opens a new exhibit each year. On the grounds you can also tour the Goodnow House State Historic Site, the Old Randolph Jail and the Hartford House, a prefabricated house brought to Manhattan by steamboat in 1855.

  • #history museum
  • #local history
  • #kansas history
  • #free museum

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Riley County Historical Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Free

    K-State Gardens

    Free

    Free horticultural display gardens on the K-State campus with roses, irises, daylilies and native and adaptive plantings.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Manhattan Running Company

    Free

    Get fitted for running shoes with a digital foot scan and video gait analysis, or join a group run in Manhattan.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Kansas State University

    Free

    The main campus of Kansas's first public university, with guided tours from the Berney Family Welcome Center.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Midwest Dream Car Collection

    Under $25

    A car museum showing classic, exotic and performance cars, from a 1937 LaSalle to a 1966 Mustang once owned by Cher.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Free

    Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art

    Free

    Kansas State's free art museum, showing regional painters like John Steuart Curry and Birger Sandzen beside traveling shows.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Wolf House Museum

    Free

    An 1868 limestone boarding house furnished as an 1880s home, with a restored parlor, dining room and bedrooms.

    1.7 mi awayMore like this