Flint Hills Discovery Center Reviews

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a wonderful museum experience with something for everyone!! Changing exhibits make it a place to visit over and over.

The museum was very nice, but the effect would be so much better if it was located in the prairie a few miles south. It just didn't seem right going outside to the overlook and seeing the city of Manhattan instead of the prairie that we learned so much about.

The highlight of the visit was the film "Tallgrass Prairie:Tides of Time". This was by far the best film we have seen in a museum. The screen was extremely wide, putting you right in the middle of the prairie. The effects of blowing wind, smoke, and even snow made this a film to watch more than once.

Kids obviously love this museum with all the interactive displays, but it is fun for adults too. It definitely would deserve a 5 star rating if the location was outside the city.

A nice exhibit. Gives some history about the area, but mostly from an agricultural standpoint. The small children's area was a corner with a climbing toy and a few assorted arts and crafts - not much for my 3 and 2 year old to do. I think it's a little pricey for what you get, but visit it once, and you've had a good experience.

Excellent set up overall. A lot of reading is required to really understand. Movie was great. Don't forget to go up to the top floor.

The Breakfast with Santa activity was great! The kids had a lot of fun making tree ornaments, decorating gingerbread cookies, making snow, and of course meeting Santa. The kids got to talk to Santa, and the pictures were beautiful. Customer service at the Discovery Center is the best, everybody is super friendly. We are definitely coming back next year!!

The 4D movie was my favorite. I think it's education and informative. I also appreciated the art gallery.

If you are looking for the opportunity to learn more about the Flint Hills region while you are in Manhattan, this is the place to visit. The museum is very interactive and is a great place to take young children and science-lovers, but people of all ages and interests will be intrigued!

This place is a wonderful spot to educate yourself about Kansas and to enrich your mind. We learned about the grass fires and how they help the environment.

This is excellent for families and ALL ages. It is just the right size, so those who don't love museums don't get antsy. DO NOT SKIP THE MOVIE! It is very creative and a great overview. I guess you call it 4-D, with wind and temperature ...and...well, I won't spoil it for you. GREAT place. Talk to the staff, they are knowledgeable. Nice gift shop too

My husband and I loved visiting. I could only concentrate for an hour and a half- wish we could have had lunch and returned as we did not cover it all.

We first visited this trip in the frigid Kansas winter and were relieved to have an indoor activity that was educational and fun for our children. They especially enjoyed the theater experience and asked to watch the film several times! The exhibits are informative, and educational. This would make for an excellent field trip and would be an excellent daytime activity for homeschool groups. If you have small children, they will enjoy the upstairs where there is room to play and learn! -Visited when they first opened

Lots of reading here. Very informative. Never been to kansas and we loved going through Flint Hill. Beautiful. Thus museum helped us a lot. Go see the 15 minute movie. Very informative. The effects are nice. Just browsed through the kids area on the 2nd floor and there are lots of things for them to do. The AC is on so I would bring a hoodie or something to wear. Very nice.

Has a wonderful interactive display about the prairies for the kiddies (including a movie with visual/surroundsound/special effects) and if they get bored, they can go upstairs and learn more about (the physics of) college football!

This museum is great to learn about the Flint Hills in and around Manhattan. It does not take too long to go through, but there is a lot of information. When we went they told us we could look around, then go to lunch, and then come back after to finish or look around again. This option makes it great to fill up most of a saturday.

We went as a couple and did not have kids with us and we really enjoyed the movie that they show and it was worth our $7 admission in my opinion but bottom floor was not very interesting only because it was mostly reading and the upper floor was about the kids. They did look like they were having fun and the most tparents were taking videos of their kids.

My kids loved the dinosaur exhibit. We all wished there were more hands on activities for the kids. We hope to see more kid friendly exhibits in the near future!

It was great to see such an interesting exhibit in a small city. The location is ideal to learn about the tallgrass prairie, since you can just drive a few miles south and see the real thing. It is very informative about the prairie and there is also some history.
The movie about the prairie was wonderful.

Recommended by a friend in Wichita and the whole family enjoyed the displays and special effects video presentations

The Flint Hills Discovery Center attempted to too do much and failed to match other area attractions. They tried a mix of nature, science, art, and history but excel at none. The feel is more like a visitor center than a discovery center.

It is a bit pricy for a family ($26 for two kids under seven and two adults). I can take my kids to the K-State Insect Zoo and get a guided tour for much less with a better hands-on science experience.

The building is clean and modern with close parking. Still, things seemed very tight. We went on a Saturday but when a special event room let out, it started to feel cramped.

The exhibits are text heavy and certainly are not for kids under 10. For a discovery center, this doesn’t work well. You can get a lot of the same information from Wikipedia and a good book on the Flint Hills or KS plains. If you interested in KS history, I'd recommend Kansas Museum of History instead.

They promote “interactive” exhibits is but clicking a video play button doesn’t qualify. A couple of the videos were nice but others were opinion pieces, which were over-produced, scripted, and with an obvious political slant. They have a horse saddle with some rope/knots which the kids liked and a small model train you could start (again pushing a button).

There is a nice kids' indoor play area, but nothing you couldn’t get at a playground. The Kansas Children's Discovery Center in Topeka is a much better and does a lot better job for kids under 10. Don’t go here expecting a lot of hands of experience for kids.

If you are going to have a museum about the Tallgrass prairie, you need living grass. The exposed dry roots were interesting but to experience the natural beauty head out to the Konza Prairie just outside of town for free.

There is an art display, which is nice but small. If you are looking for art, I’d recommend the Beach Museum of Art at K-State, Strecker-Nelson Gallery or Manhattan Arts Center.

You can get a better experience by visiting other places around the area individually. I suppose if you are short on time or you have done everything else in the area, it might be OK - once. But I won’t be recommending it to any new visitors, visiting family, or taking my family back again for the price.

Not too far off the highway so we decided to check it out and it was so worth it! Very educational, interactive for the entire family, the movie was so cool and it wasn’t expensive to get in! We would definitely come back! Our 9 year old son especially loved the dinosaur exhibit! Thank you! Beautiful area all around!

There's a permanent exhibition on the first floor about Kansas (history, environment, etc). There's always a kids interactive exhibit upstairs (fun for adults, too!) that matches the current exhibit on the second floor. Cute gift shop. Would be nice to have a sandwich shop for interior/exterior rooftop dining. There are tables set up, but no place to get food. I recommend the annual pass. Pays for itself in a couple of visits.

My husband and I have been wanting to check this place out for over a year now, and today we just got in the car and drove there. It was a bit smaller than I anticipated, but is very, very well done. We learned a lot and we would have loved to have some little ones along to enjoy the kids stuff. If you go, do not miss the movie they show. The movie presentation on the Flint Hills was worth the price of admission, all by itself. It was my favorite part. I recommend the Flint Hills Discovery Center for anyone interested in the area.

I got to visit the Discovery Center last spring with my daughter's class. Great displays about the Flint Hills Region as well as temporary exhibits. You can eat a picnic lunch in the beautiful lobby or on the balcony on the east side.

From permanent to the visiting exhibits this educational welcome facility is the perfect gateway to the city of Manhattan, nestled in the northern Flint Hills region of Kansas.

It is a very interesting place where you can learn about the Flint Hills and western life in Kansas, and at the same time have a nice area for kids to play and have fun. If you live in Manhattan, KS and have small kids, a annual membership will save you money. Great place and very well maintained.

This is a great place to visit while in Manhattan; especially if you have children. We did not. Hiwever, we enjoyed it very much. It's a really neat discovery /learning center.

My 13 year old son and I did enjoy reading about the history and formation of the Flint Hills. The admission price is way to high. We were only here for maybe an hour. There were some nice views from the top deck. I would have loved to see more about our animals and dinosaurs that roamed our great state. This place was mostly about how wind, water, etc formed the hills. There was a little about Indians, and crops. We drove out here from KC not just for this place, but on a journey to learn more about Kansas. I would not go here again.

The Discovery Center had two floors of exhibits, including interactive children's section, honoring the Big Red One (the Army's First Infantry). They had a special day where all active duty military, veterans, and family members could come in free. It was a wonderful event with demonstrations, inclusion of Ft. Riley's USO, and an outdoor physical fitness challenge (think bouncy castle for adult military training). Great insight and fun.

This facility features world class exhibits about the Flint Hills region of the prairie. Here you can learn about the plants and animals in this North American habitat. Learn how ranchers today Native Americans historically managed the prairie. Great childrens' area, too. Lots of learning play that my 5-year-old granddaughter loved!

I enjoy educational displays do was impressed to learn new things about the Flint Hills. I didn't realize blue stem grass grows that deep through the rocks. Great for entire family.

The building is appealing and new.and the displays are informative. If you're in town, it's one of the things you should see.

We buy the annual membership and take the grandchildren. They love the activity tables and play with many other children. Love to see the kids get up and dance in the snow during the movie. They are still to young to get a lot from the history and some displays. The train, auctioneering and magnet puzzles are enjoyed every visit.

Reading some of other reviews, we didn't know what to expect. But we were VERY happy with our visit. It is true they have quite a bit to read in the displays, but that just makes it appealing to adults as much as the hands on displays are good for kids. This place is chock full of information and you can learn quite a bit on a very broad range of topics pertaining to the Flint Hills.

The interactive movie was excellent too. It has interesting special effects such as when the wind blew in the movie, they had simulated wind in the theater. Snow too! It snowed IN the theater! Kids would have loved that one!

We did it in about 2 hours, but for 9 bucks, it was a great visit. Highly recommended

A mere 8 miles off of Interstate 70 in the town of Manhattan, KS, this discovery center could be so much more. It has a nice little kid's section for the real little ones, with a few interactive things for them to do. It's interesting for those of us who live in the Flint Hills, on the prairie to see how this eco-system works, but for the price, I would say that most people are not going to exit off of I-70 to make the trip to this place. I know we wouldn't have, were it not right here. We went once and when we were there they had volunteers, I believe, walking around and trying to help people with head phones and such. The building is nice but I believe that Manhattan thought it would bring in a lot of extra income, which it has not. I would say if you are on I-70 traveling, go to the Discovery Center in Topeka or the St. Louis Zoo, or the Indianapolis Children's Discovery Center, which is totally awesome. Manhattan, make it more interesting, or you aren't going to be able to maintain it.

The area is beautiful and we really enjoyed the FHDC. At first I thought it was a little pricey but it was worth it. Educational and fun!

Great place to kill a few hours. So much stuff to see and do. It's our favorite rainy day activity or when we're looking to beta the Kansas heat

Our second trip to the center still took us 2 hours to get through. Make sure you do the 4D movie that is shown right behind the counter. Also go all the way up and out on the terrace for the view.

We had a great visit with my family whose age ranged from 11 to 64. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more though, the kids or us old folks 😉. It was great to learn all about the state of Kansas, which I had never visited before. The Davinci exhibit was also extremely enlightening and led to one of the most intellectual conversations I have ever had with my 11 year old.
Unforgettable!

I really enjoyed my visit to the Flint Hills Discovery Center. I thought it was well done, and informative. The movie is an experience for the senses. I learned a lot about the Flint Hills that I have always loved traveling through.

There is a lot of good, educational information at the center. If you have small children, the hands on area is great. Even if you're an adult, hands on is fun.

finally a grand place for you and your family to discover diffrent things to see.i would love to invite you all to visit this place soon.

We went to there Flint Hills Discovery Center with our 2 and 5 year old. It's probably best for kids 4 - 10 years old. The film that they show on the 1st floor is very well done and my kids had a ton of fun with the dinosaur exhibit and interactive activities on the 2nd floor. We spent about two hours here and it made for a good afternoon.

The discovery center explains several aspects of the Flint Hills, such as ecology, wildlife, native americans, and agriculture. The area with the xhibits is rather small, and there is a lot of reading. I did not read everything, but I still learned quite a bit. Upstairs, there is a play center for kids. I would say this place is worth a visit if traveling through the area.

This is a fairly new attraction but will only get better with time. The building and grounds are well landscaped with a fun spray park for kids. The first level includes exhibits about the history, geography ad biology of the Flint Hills that will be most interesting to older children or adults. The section to listen to voices of the Flint Hills was particularly interesting. As others have mentioned, the film alone is worth the price of admission and is a must-see for all ages. The second level has some great activities for older and younger kids. We really enjoyed the gift shop, picking up some unique Kansas products and art.

If you're not from this area, you're likely not going to know about the Flint Hills, its history or significance to the farming and food supply to our country. The exhibits are really well done and after seeing everything it gives you a great appreciation for people and the land.

The second floor also houses an art exhibit which is excellent as well.

There is obvious and justified pride in what takes place in the Flint Hills. It extends to the Kansas State campus where agricultural and veterinary science a large part of what is offered at this university.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center adds another dimension to what is otherwise a typical college town. It is well worth the time and admission to pay it a visit.

Just a wonderful place to go and learn about all sorts of things about Kansas flora and fauna. Has lots of interactive things for the kids ...

Scavenger hunt was awesome. Kept my 2 boys engaged and gained alot of knowledge. The different root displays was my favorite. Staff was amazing and very knowledgeable!

A beautiful building to serve a beautiful biome. Learn everything you didn't know about the tallgrass prairie in one visit, but the effects, play area and exhibits will keep you coming back again and again.

I loved the displays depicting the Flint Hills and also loved the little train that is all set up to be operated by my grandchildren! Also, really enjoyed the theater production that includes snow falling from the ceiling, while depicting the history of the area. Also, my grandchildren enjoyed the play areas and learning areas on the upper level.

This is really a great little museum. Their permanent exhibit is interesting and informative, giving insight into what makes the Flint Hills a unique place.They also run field trips for adults that are VERY reasonably priced and fun. The upstairs area has some children's activities and they also have a rotating exhibit. All in all, I think the Flint Hills Discovery Center adds a lot to Manhattan. Definitely check it out!

Very nice place with interesting exhibits! We had a catered meal and it was a very nice atmosphere! We had fun going through the exhibits and interacting with them!

There is so much to learn about the Flint Hills that most of us miss out on. But the Disvovery Center brings them together in a fun and engaging way. From Native Americans and cowboys to ecology and history, just don't miss the movie!!!

Visitors to eastern Kansas should stop to see the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, just eight miles north of Interstate 70 on Kansas Highway 177. First-time visitors should be certain to see the video on the Flint Hills. I see it again almost every time I go there. The FHDC has both permanent and temporary exhibits, so there are benefits to returning several times a year. Admission fees are reasonable and it is possible to purchase annual memberships. The FHDC has reciprocal arrangements with dozens of other institutions across the country. A couple of years ago my wife and I enjoyed using our FHDC membership cards for admission to a fine science museum in Miami FL. Near the FHDC in Manhattan are a park called the Blue Earth Plaza, hotels, restaurants, a coffee shop, a downtown mall, and more.

We enjoyed visiting this clean and new museum. There are activities for young children (a lot) and there are things for older children. Adults will also enjoy the museum. GO SEE THE SHOW!!!! It is really amazing!

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a great addition to Manhattan. It teaches about the Flint Hills grasslands, including natural history and how the American Indians worked the land and wildlife. One recommendation - just after paying the entry fee ($9 for adults with discounts for children and military and educators) there is a movie theater to the left. Many times these films are cheesy - NOT this one. The movie alone is worth the price of entry. Overall, while my six year old enjoyed it, likely older children will retain more information at the end of the day. There is an exterior patio on the third floor that provides a nice view of Manhattan.

the displays are amazing and the kids discovery well, seemed a bit light on the discovery part. the movie was spectacular, with 4d effects. there were really nice displays, but not mich for kids to do. we spent and hour there. that was about it. the water display next door was actually a lot more exciting for my six year olds. it was a beautiful water park across the road.

Visited on a Saturday. Great relaxed yet informational visit. Learned alot about the area in a fun non-rushed atmosphere. Highly recommend for adults as well as children. Theater effects were phenomenal.

Our experience with the Breakfast with Santa event was excellent. My seven year old daughter had a blast! There were Discover Center employees all over the place offering help with whatever we needed. We never had to go searching for someone to find out where to find a certain activity, etc. They were so gracious. It was a Christmas experience to remember!
Thank you and Merry Christmas to all of the Discovery Center staff!

This museum is very kid friendly with all kinds of hands on activities for them. The displays about issues relating to the prairie are well done. They have a gift shop.

You must see the into film! It is 15 minutes and very high quality and immersive experience. The museum is beautiful, extremely clean and well-maintained. There was something for people of all ages. If you want to understand this land and prairie biology and history, this is a must visit!

Many positives about this place. Nice architecture. Good displays for pre-Middle School children. Next to mall for shopping. Okay just for a stop if you are in Manhattan. Wouldn't make it a destination trip.

A marvelous and very beautiful space. Tons of information, as well as plenty of kid-friendly spaces and exhibits. Highly recommend (and afterward take a tour on the scenic highway!)

I took my parents here when they came to stay from England. It was a fantastic place to show them the details of the area and they loved the video (I won’t spoil anything). We also found the place incredibly accessible- my Mum is in a wheelchair.

The staff are incredibly friendly & welcoming.

For what you have to pay, I would expect many more/better exhibits. The hands on exhibit is fun but only entertaining for under an hour.

I went here on a visit to manhattan. I spent a couple hours reading the information and learning. Very interesting. Fun for young and old.

This museum is so well thought out. Interactive displays, easy to read texts and images. Our kids ages 10-16 learned so much. Our favorite exhibits were the multisensory movie, the early settlers and cowboy wall, the underground insect and animal room, the upstairs interactive room, and the overall design of the building. After our tour the kids went outside to play in the park water features.

Don't pass this up you will be pleasantly surprised!

We had a good time.... Spent a couple hours there!! Kids all had fun, price was good. Nice place to get out of the heat!

Visited there on the eve of my son-in-laws deployment from Ft. Riley. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Will look forward to visiting again when our entire family welcomes our soldier home.

I grew up in this area so I was not planning to be impressed, but I was. There is a large range of interestingly and interactive information about the Flint hills. It would be great for locals, out of towners and international visitors. Modern architecture, clean and well staffed. 🌟🌟🌟

Came for business, saw this place and had to check it out. Was overwhelmed with how much information there was to take it. Great place for learning.

One of the nicest museums I've been to in a long time! LOVE the orientation film. Displays are interactive, so kids enjoy as well. Great store for gifts, etc. too.

Okay, so if you're used to more grandiose, big city museums, you might be a little underwhelmed if you have the same expectations, this place is on a smaller scale, but don't let that stop you. It was a nice visit, my husband and I enjoyed it and learned a lot (loved the interactive film room), and if you too want to learn more about this area of Kansas, the Flint Hills and its diverse history, this is the spot and makes for a nice family outing. They also seem to have changing featured exhibits (seasonally maybe?) upstairs, we caught their Ice Age one, so keep an eye out for what they might have featured. Overall, fun and informative for all ages. Recommend.

This was my family and I's first time to the Flint Hill Discovery Center. It was a fun 2 hours of time. The neighborhood was very nice with many shops and restaurants nearby. The kids enjoyed the play area on the 2nd floor. This building also has a terrace at the top with a great view of the city. The terrace is available for parties/meetings.

This fairly new building is striking, both in its outward appearance and the delight of its contents. The design of the building is a wonderful blend of modern and local: its engineering is cutting-edge, but its materials are limestone, the rock that marks a local building as part of the history of this place.

There's an "immersive" movie just inside the entrance, and it's something you have to see. I've taken grandparents, adults, and small children to it, and every single person has loved it. In fact, my own children insist on seeing it every time we go to the FHDC, and they never get tired of it.

There's also a clever playground inside and a separate play area with lots of big cushions for the smallest children.

In between, they have a place to draw, color, and build things.

The rotating collection has always been interesting, too: at one point, there was a collection of local art, and right now there's an interactive display about football.

The permanent collection is made up of displays about the flora and fauna of the Flint Hills, and the presentation is so bright and intuitive that you have a great time learning about the strange grasses here.

I'm also really impressed that one of the things they've built into the museum is controversy. They like to foreground people of the Hills making arguments about things that an outsider would assume we all agree about, especially things about how to maintain and grow the natural beauty of the plains. My son and I get really invested in these arguments while we're there, and it's great to see smart arguments being made by people with whom you disagree as well as people with whom you agree.

People of every age group enjoy the FHDC. It's a beautiful, well laid-out, interactive place to explore.

Beautiful building. Great displays of the Konza Prairie Preserve. Located close to coffee shop, hotel and downtown Manhattan.

Ok, I'm a homer who lives in Manhattan. But I never visited this place until today, and brother, was I impressed. Tasteful displays, and a great--great--4-D theater. Staff is competent and friendly, and there are several rooms with cool stuff for kids to do all manner of things; parents can chill as the urchins to their 'thang. I don't yet know whether there is a café kind of place for adults to kick back for a snack and perhaps even an adult beverage. There should be such a place (a great venue like this in Tulsa, Ok that caters to adults as well as kids has such a revenue generator).
Whatever...modest but tasteful, fun, and what you should expect in a university town. My wife and I purchased annual memberships, so we shall return. Tax dollars, OK, but well spent for a change!

The Discovery Center offers trips to various locations in the area. Today was a gallery tour in Kansas City, MO and an outdoor Discovery center in the same area. The Buttonwood Gallery had artwork for sale supporting the Konza Prairie. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art offered a variety of upcoming artists’ work on display and a wonderful lunch venue. Each location had someone to provide an overview of the site. These bus tours are an excellent value and provide new experiences each time. The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a wonderful venue for all ages and interests. Highly recommend a visit and a bus tour when available.

The tall grass prairie is the topic of this center...I recommend viewing the imax type movie that lasted about fifteen minutes Before you go through the center. You will appreciate the displays much more after the movie. Nice family trip....

Family trip here and it was great. Great information to gain and more than history to experience.

The facility was beautiful, clean, and not a boring or wasteful activity in the building.

We took our grand children and it was a wonderful place for them. Great interactive displays, plenty for kids to do and many interesting things for adults as well. Well worth the time and money.

If you, or your youngsters, have ANY interest in Mammoths, Saber-tooth Cats, etc, who roamed North America during the Ice Age --- this is a WONDERFUL exhibit to visit at the Center. It's only on display until mid-September 2014, so don't delay. Definitely worth the trip!

One of my favorite things was the film before going into the facility - it was wonderful, and usually I begrudgingly sit through those thing! Everything is very interactive and I could have spent much longer there.

The Discovery Center's best attraction is the interactive film shown near the entrance. It's really well done and has some nice cinematography.

The rest of the museum is nice and has a nice play area upstairs for children. It doesn't take long to go through and has some nice interactive and touchable items.

Some parts of it would likely be boring for small kids, but that's true for most museums.

What is very nice about the museum is the programs that they host for kids. If you're planning to stay a while, be sure to check out what is available - camps, craft fairs, and other activities in conjunction with the zoo.

I will say that this was a great place to have a kid's birthday party (inexpensive, interactive, great room, party planner, snacks, etc.). I'm not too into the history piece, so that part was just okay.

Spent 3 hours on a Friday and it was time well invested. The exhibits are well done and the interactives were educational and not gimmicks. Check out the theatre and give yourself a couple of hours to explore. Looking at their calendar of events it would appear that they reach out to a broad audience.

Clean, affordable educational entertainment for all ages. Every few months, they change the upstairs theme adding to the excitement for the kiddos.

GO IN!! This venue has its staple of information that is constant, but the ongoing events are well worth the visit. The Flint HIlls Region is an ecosystem that most don't know about. Well worth the time!!

I think it's a great museum and you will learn a lot about the Flint Hills, how they work, and why they're so special. However, it's not for small kids. There's a lot of reading and the only kid-friendly area is a toy zone that's almost an afterthought. I'd recommend only kids 9+.

Educational about why the area is called the Flint Hills,,,good movie shown on the Flint Hills.
Don't miss the view from the 3rd floor terrace overlooking Manhattan. Art Exhibit was enjoyable also.

I visited here for a mid-afternoon break. The person at the desk answered my questions and off I went. The museum is on two levels. I found the displays about the grasses of the prairies very interesting. A film that show periodically gave good info about why grasses are burned in the springtime. The upper level was child oriented which is good. We need for youngsters to be going to museums.

We had are wedding here and it is a beautiful location, staff was super helpful and accommodating to all are needs, and are family was complimenting us all night on what a beautiful place we chose. Would recommend this venue to everyone not just for weddings but any party's or a fun visit.

Learn about the unique ecosystem of the tall grass prairie. The Flint Hills Discovery Center has a beautiful introductory movie with special effects like snow that thrill the children. Learn about the history of the Indians and Cowboys in the Flint Hills. It educational, but don't tell the kids, they will think it's fun.

Our family of 5 (children ages 9, 7, and 3) stopped here and had a great time. There are a lot of interactive pieces to the visit, a nice show about the cycle of life on the prairie, and even a play area for the little ones. My husband, 9-year-old, and I enjoyed the reading that went with so many of the exhibits, but it was a bit much for the 7 and 3 year old (I whisked them away quickly to the terrace and 2nd floor play area). Definitely full of a wealth of incredible information and is well put together for a family adventure.

Very well thought out exhibits, quite a bit of hands on activities. Great place with or without kids.

I highly recommend viewing the film about the Flint Hills that runs in the "interactive" theatre. Be ready for some surprises. The film runs about 20-minutes and sets the stage for a majestic adventure into the ecosystem of the Flint Hills and the culture of its settlers. But you don't have to view the movie before you begin experiencing the museum. I especially enjoyed the tunnel walk-through that recreates a walk under the prairie. Here visitors can view the staggering root structures of prairie grasses displayed in glass tubes. This mock underground display also has examples of animals that live beneath the prairie. In the settler section on the first floor, the 10-year-old loved practicing to be a cattle auctioneer. The second floor educational children's exhibit kept the kids busy while we adults visited an excellent art exhibit in the gallery, Painters of the Flint Hills. I plan to visit again to discover even more about the beautiful Flint Hills and hopefully view more art.

I heard about the FHDC for a long time but never able to go. My fiancée and I finally were able to go up there. I didn't know what was really in it, but had looked a little on the website. I was truly amazed. Come to this museum if you WANT to learn about an ecosystem and the culture of the people living on it. It is truly spectacular. The movie they show was awesome as well. Some say that that is the only thing worth it. I highly disagree. If you truly want to understand this region and the people in it, then this is the place to be. It is very well done.

I have led tour groups visiting Manhattan Kansas since the Flint Hills Discover Center opened. Even after 13 years, every time I visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center I am thoroughly impressed by its multifaceted appeal. The center offers a dynamic exploration of the unique ecosystem and rich history of the Flint Hills region. Its interactive exhibits and educational programs are particularly noteworthy, providing an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the immersive theater presentation vividly brings to life the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a treasure trove of knowledge and an exemplary model of how to educate and inspire the public about environmental conservation.

Great movie! Wonderful displays interesting educational exhibits. Really liked the underground forrest room which showed the root structure of the prairie grasses. The upper level lookout was cool as well as the water play area across the street. Make sure you go down highway 177 and check out the prarie scenic overlook-kind of brings it all together. Another true Kansas treasure!

We took our daughter and granddaughter (2 1/2 years) for a few hours and we all thoroughly enjoyed our time. Lots of very interesting facts and interactive displays.

Just a beautiful space. Our military unit has a ball there and it was PERFECT! Staff is always friendly there.

Check out the displays and gift shop. Wonderful staff. Located an easy walking distance from downtown and the mall.

I have traveled THROUGH the Flint Hills for years, but only on I-70. Because I was going to be in this area for about 24 hours before going on to my next destination, I decided to check out the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Every part of this museum was a pleasant surprise. The is building is beautiful, the exhibits are exceptionally planned and executed. For both adults and children.
Fantastic job Little Apple!

I was pretty disappointed by this place. The admission was high and it was a very quick trip, even with kids. It is in a great location.

We had a great couple hours here! It was so interactive for all of us with lots of unique little displays and things to do! Loved the children's play area upstairs! Kids didn't want to leave :) Loved the In the Dark exhibit and learned so much about Flint Hills!

I took my almost-3-year-old grandson to the center & I think we had a pretty good time! Brody was not too thrilled with the part of the exhibition that was mostly dark but loved the rest of the facility. He especially enjoyed the miniature train that disappeared into a wall and came back out again! We spent quite a long time in the gift shop and I appreciated it that the staff did not seem overly concerned that B touched pretty much every item in the gift shop at least twice! We have been outside before so did not linger as the library was our next destination.PS: As much as B was not fond of the dark display, he was not afraid of the simulated thunderstorm!

Great movie, sound, special effects presentation on the Konza Prairie and Flint Hills. If you have kids don't miss the water play area across the street.

We took a day trip from the Kansas City area to Manhattan after reading about this wonderful attraction and are glad we did. Chock full of information, very creatively displayed and shared, outstanding intermersive films (2), one on the history and importance of the Flint Hills and another on superpowers of insects. Things to see, read, do ( such as trying to keep up with an auctioneer). We enjoyed all of our almost three hour visit and would highly recommend this, but I would not expect younger children to understand the lower level, which is where we spent the majority of our time. On the second floor are things for younger children, which looked interesting. This is a museum worthy of any major city and you will not be sorry you came.

We were in Manhattan for another event. We live 2 1/2 hours away. Hubby was one of the original workers that built the place, but never got to see it completed. Took the kids to see what dad worked on. They had fun. Lots of interactive things for the kids to do. Lots of KS history. Must see the short movie (beware of the thunder, scared the crap out of my 3 year old, but the snow fall made up for it cause she loved that part).

It's a small venue with impressive science about the prarie grasses, native flora and the Flint Hills area. Lots of hands on activities for kids, and a beautiful new venue.

Make sure to not skip the movie next to the front desk. It is a short informational video on the Flint Hills and it is worth the 15 minutes. My girls loved it and so did I! It is not a large museum, but it is packed full of information for kids. If you are members of any other museums, make sure to ask about discounts. We received 3 free admittance tickets because we were members of Exploration Place in Wichita. This is definitely a place geared more for kids. We would go back.

Between the graduation ceremonies of the different schools at KSU a large group (9) of us went to visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center. There are a number of good exhibits in this hall, but the 10 minute 4 D movie is a definite highlight. So are some of the exhibits, which vary from total natural history (flora & fauna of the Flint Hills) to the human history (both natives and settlers) of this underrated part of the country. The upper floor is given over to children's activities, which didn't pertain to us, but we could still marvel over the giant collared lizard statue. The gift shop is well stocked - with field guides (less expensive) and clothing (pricier) predominating.

Fascinating hands-on introduction to the unique geographical area known as the Flint Hills. New, clean, interesting video and sound effects heighten your experience. Special installations and exhibits change every few months. Also a great place for gatherings and meetings with indoor and outdoor areas.

I enjoy the many exhibits and events at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The building is beautiful and is adjacent to the Blue Earth Plaza. A great place to bring your children. Also in the Plaza are Radina's Bakehouse where they serve fresh baked breads and the best coffees. A wine and cheese shop next to Radina's is fun to visit.

If you are driving down I-70 you miss out on the beauty of the Flint Hills and the Prairie. Stop by the Flint Hills Discovery Center to learn about the prairies, the history, and the ecology of the Flint Hills. A great stop for the kids, but also interesting for adults and teens. The Discovery Center is very professionally designed, well stocked with information and displays, and also adjacent to downtown Manhattan which has numerous restaurants for a good travel break.

I would highly recommend a visit to the Flint Hills Discovery Center to help you understand the importance of our vanishing prairies and the Flint Hills, in particular. There are exhibits about prairies, in general, the Flint Hills area, and the historical importance of the area. There is a nice little children's area, too. Definitely recommend viewing the film -- it's a multisensory experience well worth the short time it takes to view it. The exhibits are very detailed and prone to information overload, but you can browse them and still get enough information to understand. The museum doesn't have a cohesive theme/story, but it provides bits and pieces of many stories relating to the prairies. Definitely worth a stop before touring the Flint Hills.

Great little museum on the plains regarding the local landscape. There is an earthcache here if you do geocaching as a hobby. The movie presentation is fantastic!

Great place to learn about this unique area of the country. The exhibits are well done and several offer hands-on experiences. Loved the introductory film. Lots of kids activities, but fun for the entire family.

Flint Hills Discovery Center is a great place to take the little ones. Adults will have just as much fun discovering and learning about the Flint Hills. You do not need to worry about raising your voice to the kiddos to keep their hands off, in fact they are encouraged to touch and explore! The center always has a new interactive room to see and experience. Get your childlike inquizitiveness ready and dive in!

We try to visit here often! I wish the pricing was a little less. Everytime js enjoyable, everyone is polite and on their game about history!

Flint hills discovery centre is a very interactive museum that provides good history of the region. Well worth a visit if in Manhattan.

That this place specializes the way it does is terrific. Look, "tall-grass prairie" is not really exciting except to people like me who love it as an eco-system and something akin to pure grassland ocean. A ton of people will get bored to tears by endless land; I don't. I've always believed that where there is less there's almost always more.

There's no better single place to learn the basics about tall-grass prairie than the Flint Hills Discovery Center. There's plenty of interactive stuff to keep the kids occupied, but you don't get the sense that the whole place is set up to entertain eight-year-olds. It's a beautiful Center that tells the story it has to tell with wisdom and grace. If you're going to do the Flint Hills at all--and they aren't for everyone--then start here--start at the Discovery Center.

We visited the center for a personal event but it was opened to enjoy the displays. The second floor is full of great interactive lessons for kids to explore. I did not have much opportunity to look around the first floor but what I saw was very well presented.
The building is quite lovely and for our event, it was perfect.

Great museum to learn about the flint hills and the tall grass prairie that surrounds Manhattan. Lots of stuff for kids to do and see. Interesting exhibits and facts for the adults too. Definitely worth a stop.

This is a great place to visit with children or honestly any age. Exhibits are well done and informative but not so much that it gets boring. The view of Manhattan from the top of the stairs is great. Don't forget to check out the 4D movie, it is the grandkid's favorite part!

A very beautiful facility and very informative....a good experience for all ages!
We didn't know Kansas had so much to offer.

This is a first rate place to visit. Something for everyone! Kids love it as well as adults. If you haven't been there, make it a point to do so. Very reasonable entertainment.

A very cool place to visit with the entire family. You have to visit the theater! Weather you are a seasoned adult or you have young children, there are things here to check out. It is worth the price of admission.

We spent a good three hours here and with with a 1, 9, & 12 year old! Movie was very well done and the displays were suburb. The kids loved the innovation area where they got hands-out time with experiments. The views from the terrace are great too. Nice afternoon stop!

Looking for some interesting visit in little apple, you should then visit the discover center .. interesting stuff and nice
although seems expensive for a small center in small city

We've gone twice now with the grandkids, in my mind it's just not up to the level of anything worth what was paid for the place. If you want nice air conditioning and the building to yourself, I suppose. We thought it was pretty boring and not worth the money. The exhibits just aren't that interesting.

Educational site about the flint hills land and peoples. Also section on army 1st infantry division. Kids enjoyed it, as did I. Took about 90-120 minutes. Interactive sections plus a play area for little kids. Nice venue.

This is a fun place to visit. My 4 yr. old grandson really likes the little theater where they show the "magic of the Flint Hills". Nice gift shop plus you get a discount on things you buy if you have the annual membership. The outdoor water area for kids ( has picnic tables, canopy shades and nice back ground music) is great!

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is interesting and fun for all ages. There is a play and discover section geared for ages 2-middle school. The movie keeps the interest of all who visit. Heck for special deals---I believe Thursday you pay one fee and can leave and return later in the day. They have an outdoor water sprinkle area for kids to cool off in and picnic tables! Great fun! There are several restaurants nearby.

This is a relatively new attraction in Manhattan and even if you're just passing through on I-70, you should take the time to stop by and see the fascinating exhibits. I grew up in Kansas (and thought I knew my area history) but this museum proved how little I knew of the Flint Hills area, including the complex ecosystem that thrives in the area. A highlight of the visit was the 20-25 minute movie that gives you an incredible sensory experience not only watching the video but experiencing what the wind (and even snow) feel like at the seasons progress. Extremely educational for school age types, the exhibits provide many questions posted throughout the museum that allows the viewer to select an answer and find out how good their knowledge is. If you're within 50 miles of the place you should stop by.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center was an unexpected plus to a recent trip to Manhattan. My wife and I had some time to ourselves while in Manhattan one afternoon, stopped by the center. It is a beautiful structure inside, and outside. Our first experience upon entering (and paying), was to view the included movie. I don't want to be a 'spoiler', so I will just it is a full sensory experience, and say you have to go to it. The remainder of the exhibits are entertaining and informative. And although I thought I new everything about the Flint Hills, having graduated from K-State with an agricultural degree...I found many, many things to keep my interest and appreciation for the great plains.

It was an engaging atmosphere that yields imagination. Children love it and it makes a good spot to bring the family.

On top of being our first time at the Discovery Center, this was also one of my first excursions out in my wheelchair (something I need to utilize when my Congestive Heart Failure makes it difficult to get around). My husband and I were so pleased I could easily access most exhibits--we could not get from the third floor of the gardens down to the lower levels--and enjoyed our time learning about the Flint Hills. Helpful docents, interactive exhibits, and beautiful gardens make this a wonderful afternoon for learners of any age and ability.

If you are in town, this a must see. It's located in a beautiful building, has lots of interactive educational displays, artifacts, and even a great gift shop.
We watched the surround sound show about the Flint Hills and that was a great experience as well.

Well worth the visit.

Very educational and entertaining. Don't miss the intro movie. Also, check with the ticket counter- they are partners with many museums. We got in free with our Denver Museum of Nature and Science membership.

Great place to educate kid's and adults about Kansas. Recommended for all ages. Easy access, pretty grounds and area.

Our family visited twice over the Christmas holiday. We had visitors from 1 year to 80 who all had a great time. The architecture is wonderful, the kid's area is a lot of fun, and most exhibits are interactive. The 4D movie is a highlight. Try your hand at being an auctioneer.
We love living and working in the Flint Hills and are happy that the Discovery Center helps share this with others.

Decent first floor local history and wildlife. Would be best for kids over five. Second floor "dinosaur" stuff was not worth it. It is basically just a video game where you are the dinosaur. If you have some extra time go, but I wouldn't go out of the way to make a trip just for this.

This is a very nice museum. The movie was an all senses experience and very well done. We really enjoyed the prairie chicken exhibit. In fact, we decided to get a one year membership so that we can go back and catch all of the things we didn't have time to see in our first 2 hour visit. There are many hands on exhibits and a variety of fun ways to learn. We live in the area and had never been here before and were sorry we had been missing out on this wonderful museum. There is something here for everyone and it is very nicely maintained.

Excellent presentation of the ecosystem of the Kansas prairie and the interaction of human settlement in it. Theater presentation includes feel and smell as well as video, might be intense for pre-schoolers. The hands-on area has activities for all ages.

This is a great venue. Their memberships are worth it, especially because of the reciprocal museum benefits. We have gotten our money's worth time and time again. My kids especially loved the interactive effect of the movie.

Discovery Center is a fun, interactive center that shows you all about the prairie. The video is 3-D and interactive. Come and be surprised about all you can learn about the prairie in Kansas.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center should be a 'must see' while in Manhattan Kansas. Enough said, visit this excellent facility and you will not be disappointed!

This is a good museum to see and to learn about the natural history and the people history of the Flint Hills. The price is a little steep, but still good to see. Lots of hands on stuff for the entire family.

My sister took us to this new attraction in Manhattan. It was a most enjoyable and informative experience. There is an excellent short movie included in the entrance fee.

I grant the Flint Hills, if you did not grow up in the area, may not be a thrill a minute but the ecology of the area is fascinating and this place does a very good job of explaining it.

Well worth the short detour from the interstate highway to stop in Manhattan to see the exhibit which explains the geography and vegetation you have been driving through.

A really good way to experience the Flint Hills and the tall grass prairie. Look up into the dome above and you can see the clouds forming and in a little while the lightning flashes followed by thunder and then you hear the rain falling, the skies open a finally the red glow of a sunset. The movie is a must see. There is history, fire and wind.

The movie was awesome with snow falling and wind blowing and the fake smoke makes for an awesome interactive tell of the flint hills life, lots of really neat displays also, overall worth the admission price !!!

Loved finding this treasure! The short movie was super with smoke effects and snow and wind. The museum is not very large, but we had a great time and learned some about the area.

This center is busting at the seams with information on the ecology and history of the flint hills region.and it is presented in a manner that is equal parts informative and engaging. The children's section is great and has a wide range of hands activities for kids of every age. I highly recommend a visit to the discovery center while you're in Manhattan.

I came here for a wedding, it was the most beautiful and entertaining wedding that I've been to. I would highly suggest it as a venue. It's also a fun place to visit without other events. There is a lot to do in the area.

Highly recommend the Discovery Center as a day trip to Manhattan, or for the locals. Interesting prairie dioramas and an always changing main exhibit.

Picture was obviously taken prior to entering the building.
My sister had I traveled over an hour with our families to go to the Flint Hills Discovery Center. The kids were eagerly anticipating a fun and interactive experience, I was looking forward to sharing my lifelong love of the Flint shills with them. Unfortunately we were stopped at the door and not allowed to enter because we don’t wear face diapers. The city of Manhattan had mandated this ridiculous policy in their city-owned buildings. Meanwhile the rest of the town is without masks in every venue and restaurant we experienced. How is this helpful? Our day was ruined and we won’t be going back to Flint Hills Discovery Center after this disappointing endeavor.

We love it so much we bought a family pass for the year. It's very educational, but also fun for the kids. There's a nice play area upstairs with a room that holds whatever exibit they're doing, and then the rest of the play area with a slide, puzzles, toys, dressup, etc. Perfect place to go when you want out of the house and the weather isn't nice.

Well curated. Top notch exhibits. The 25 minute movie is Disney quality complete with wind, lightening and snow. $ 9 for an adult ticket may sound pricey but it is well worth it. One of my favorite diversions in Manhattan.

This is a fabulous place to learn about the awesome Flint Hills in the awesome Flint Hills. The special exhibits are always interesting (the dinosaur one now is great for kids AND adults. Interactive aspects of the dino exhibit include finding fossils in a sandbox full of rice, dressing up in dino costumes (only small ones, though, darn it), and dino puppets and a puppet theater for hours of creative and loud activity. Excellent little gift shop. And Radina's bakeshop a block away has great coffee and fresh bread you can eat at a picnic table outside the museum. Try the chocolate cherry or whole wheat bread!

Need to go on one of their community free days (otherwise it is pricey)- they also bring other organizations in to help out which makes it really worthwhile!

The two story, 35,000 square foot Discovery Center opened in April of 2012 and has six permanent areas on the first floor and an area for changing exhibits on the second floor (elevator provided). There are interactive exhibits, exhibits with lots or reading, a special area for kids, and a theater showing the 15 minute film "Tides of Time" which has great special effects and should not be missed. Because there is so much to see and do, I would allow a minimum of an hour and a half to two hours for a first visit.

I particularly enjoyed the second area "Blowing Winds in a Tallgrass Prairie" which had detailed exhibits on the flora and fauna in the area and "Voices of the Flint Hills", the sixth area, where there were benches and you could sit and choose
from many options and hear from people who lived in and appreciated the area.

I was one of very few visitors on a cold and rainy day, and the docent was most helpful in helping me maximize what I saw. The map they give you was confusing to me. If you get hungry, there is no food available, so you must leave and reenter once you have eaten. Overall, I enjoyed my visit, learned a great deal, and would stop again when in the area.

As a grandmother of a toddler, the Flint Hills discovery Center can be visited again and again. Their permanent collections are interesting. They also have collections that travel through the area. I appreciate their engaging children's zone upstairs.
Having the Center next to a splash park and a great coffee shop are pluses one rarely finds in larger cities.
Manhattan keeps going in a great direction!

felt very new, and like a lot of work and presentation went into this facility... a bit geared to the younger educational crowd, just a perfect choice for an elementary school field trip! was a lot more about the grass lands and a little about pioneering heritage, and not much at all about Indian history and heritage given the overwhelming Native American history and influence in the Flint Hills area. About 2 hours will give you the full experience as an adult, and maybe 3-4 as a child. as with most things in this area, very reasonably priced and very accommodating toward Military/Veterans. I personally went into this not knowing exactly what to expect and maybe that's my fault for not knowing this attraction is really ideally geared to elementary to middle school kids... my personal rating is a 3, however had I been there with the purpose to take my younger aged kids on an outing during summer vacation it would certainly have been 4 or 5.

The exhibits have very small print that is above the height for kids to read even if they could. There is absolutely no mention of all the fossils found in the Flint Hills and surrounding areas ( perhaps another attempt to play down the existence of dinosaurs by certain Kansans?). The displays are more concerned with the pH of soil than the flora and fauna of the prairie (who besides agronomy majors really care about the pH in different soil layers?) There is a very small kids section that is more a play area than a learning area. There is an art gallery room that would have been better suited to an education exhibit since the room is HUGE and only has wall art and small sculptures. Outside the center, I overheard some kids at the water spray park ask their parents if they could go to the Discovery Center. The parents said, "No, that's more a place for grandma and grandpa. You guys wouldn't like it." Can't get more honest than that. Manhattan missed a huge opportunity to have a great family-oriented science-based hands-on facility that people would be willing to pay $26 for a family of 4 to visit. Instead they have a place for older patrons interested in farming and ranching that will not reap a large profit in the long-term.

The displays are fabulous to observe. To see the roots of the grasses in Kansas and have it explained why we have to burn just like happened back in the old days. The displays of the wild flowers an then go outside in the summer and actually see the plants on the upper deck. The change of the special displays are always great topics and very well done. Great gift shop for Kansas books and items.

The hands-on center made learning about the Kansas Flint Hills fun and interesting. My children enjoyed the variety of displays as well as the informative intro video.

Te discovery center presents both the natural history of the Flint HIlls but also the story of thee people who settled it. A great place for young and not do young like.

This place is not only a great place to share with your children as well as adults. Challenge yourself too! A great place to visit!

Great place to visit. The kids loved the interaction of the center! Very educational! Worth the visit!

We took our grandchildren along with my parents to the discovery center last week. Everyone had a grand time. The kids (ages 3 and 5) LOVED the hands on dinosaur exhibit. Pushing buttons and hearing sounds is always a big hit. They then spent well over an hour in the children's play area. Our grandson loved the train and magformers the most. Our granddaughter loved dressing like a doctor, coloring and hanging her pictures and making dinner for us with the play dish set. Seemed like there is something for everyone. Watching the train go round and round downstairs was a big hit as well.

On our drive through Kansas, we were so impressed with the Flint Hills that I decided to visit the Discovery Center to learn more. The museum building is beautiful, and the displays were fascinating - covering history back to the Native Americans, geology, plants (particularly the above-and-below-ground grass plants), animals and frontier settlements. Lots of interactive features for kids as well as separate activity rooms.

The Discovery Center really added to my enjoyment and understanding of the area, and the staff and volunteers were super-friendly.

As a local, I've been meaning to get to the Flint Hills Discovery Center, but have managed to fail at that mission ever since it opened. My wife and I finally got there and were very impressed with everything from the layout to the expansive exhibits to the landscaping. I really hope that some more interesting businesses or venues open up in this area of Manhattan as it would be a very cool place to hang out, grab a cup of coffee or go see an event.

If you are visiting you will enjoy the interactive movie (included, 20 min), the exhibits about the natur eof the area. If you are local you can enjoy the nice playground. It will take you perhaps 2 hours to visit the whole thing. I not that large really.

My family and I had a wonderful time here. I found this place on Tripadvisor and it had great reviews. We were not disappointed at all and actually quiet surprised from the 4d theater to the mobile exhibit it was a wonderful trip! This place was also relatively inexpensive costing me only about $22 for two adults and two kids. We will go here again soon!

quite a bit of knowledge and interesting displays to set the stage for the trip to the Flint Hills. Good movie. The only thing is kids sort of running wild in the centre and also the exhibits need a bit more cohesiveness - lots of stuff there, but needs a little bit better integrations.

We visited with my brother and sister-in-law and spent a most wonderful morning exploring this incredibly informative museum. We learned more than we ever expected regarding the Flint Hills area of Kansas and gained a new respect for the land that we live on. Many of the exhibits are hands on and/or have a video presentation. There are two floors to explore and even if you've never thought of visiting this museum, you won't be disappointed.

On our way home from our biennial trip to visit relatives in Kansas, we took a detour to visit the center. My wife was born in Manhattan and she spent her childhood in the Flint Hills, so she wanted to see what it was like. Our experience was well worth the stop and the price of admission. What we had intended to be a quick look turned into an in-depth one. We spent two hours and we could easily have stayed longer. The film is one of the best we've seen in a visitors' center or museum anywhere. The exhibits were fascinating to both a native Kansan and a non-Kansan. There was interactivity to keep visitors engaged without being gimmicky or childish. (There is a children's area that we skipped as we had none.) We also looked at the special Ice Age exhibit and enjoyed that also (and I childishly kept pushing the button to make the saber-tooth cat growl).
The building itself is attractive in its use of native stone and plants. What made our visit especially rewarding was the friendliness and helpfulness of the employees and volunteers. We were greeted when we entered and everyone took personal pride in the center as they explained the exhibit areas and looked for us when the film was about to begin so we wouldn't miss it. We would rank the center among the top attractions in the country, and combined with the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, it is a destination in and of itself.

The building is spectacular. We really enjoyed the roof-top terrace. The play area for children is wonderful as are all the hands-on exhibits. We went there especially for the dinosaur exhibit. It was a fun learning experience.

This place was so much more than I imagined. It was so much fun for me and my daughters (ages 1 and 8). I highly recommend visiting the Discovery Center.

I had the opportunity to visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, KS recently and found it to be both fascinating and educational with something for all ages. It offers the opportunity to learn about this unique area of our country, of which a large area is in Kansas. Learn about what the beautiful Flint Hills are, their formation,their changing seasons, the struggles of early settlers and much more. The Flint Hills are our only remaining tall grass prairie in the U.S. Exhibits well done, beautiful building and price of admission quite reasonable. Plan to stay at least two hours or more.

If you've looked at the Kansas Flint Hills as just empty space, you owe yourself a visit to FHDC in Manhattan, Kansas. A fairly new attraction, it tells the story of this center section of the state in ways that appeal to both adults and children. Lots of hands on exhibits of different kinds, ie big things you can crawl on or through, connect by wire plug ins, crank or flip up, as well as touchscreens keep kids interested, and adults can join in as we did when we took our granddaughters. Adults are not left out with some unique exhibits such as trying your hand (voice) at being an auctioneer. The theater presentation is a must with it's surprise special effects as it tell the social, economic, historical, and ecological story of this area. Personally enjoyable to me was a walk around the outside of the facility with its native plantings; such variety and beauty often overlooked. Before you leave visit the interactive fountain park across the street!

The immersion theater is really neat, and so is the weather dome in the main area. The rest is only semi interesting. I would also say its more for kids. There are a lot of them running around playing in there.

Wonderful Science Museum. Be sure to watch the 15-minute video about the flint hills prairie. And visit Konza Prairie Biological Station.

Spend about 2 hours in this facility. Traveling exhibits are a plus and make the experience worth adding to your itinerary. We enjoy the 2nd floor area for kids. Views from the top floor and outdoor patio are breathtaking!

Children and adults will have a great time interacting with multi-sensory exhibits, special visiting exhibits of excellent quality, and the well-educated docents. The science, history, geography, and sociology are accurate and guided by real experts in their fields, and they are presented in a way that promotes hands-on, play-with, audio-visual engagement, and many genuine natural and man-made artifacts from the Flint Hills Region, from prehistoric times to the present day. During the summer the adjacent Blue Earth Plaza provides a fun splash park for whole-family cooling off.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is an incredibly collection of exhibits explaining the Flint Hills, and the film, is the most amazing combination of photography, scientific explanations, music, and special effects!

I was in town visiting my son and he suggested we check this out. As a Kansas history teacher for 19 years, I was impressed. Lots of hands-on displays, great video clips, sound effect, and visual effects. It would be a great place to take your kids to learn more about our beloved state.

Really enjoyed the informative and well organized displays at the Discovery Center, ranging from geology and history to cattle and wildflowers and all about the prairie. The special 4-D film was also well worth the time. After visiting here we drove south of town to a couple prairie areas and having learned so much about the Flint Hills from the displays really enhanced our trip. Highly recommend spending a couple hours here!

We visited Manhattan Kansas because I graduated from Kansas State College over 45 years ago and because my niece and her husband own a restaurant we wanted to go to. The Discovery Center was an added bonus. I grew up near the Flint Hills but didn't know much about the history and science of the area. Both my husband and I enjoyed the exhibits and the movie. If you are going to be in the area, this little museum is worth a spending a couple of hours in.

When you come to Manhattan this center gives you history and places to visit while in the area. It very well laid out and informative and entertaining.

Loved all the exhibits, had a great time with my granddaughter!! Would definitely try this again in the future.

this is sort of a science center which has various displays on the ecology of the flint hills etc. it is worth a visit.

A lovely facility with plenty to keep children’s interest and adults too. We watched the intro movie last and that was actually the 9 year old’s favorite part. Lots of hands on for the kids. It is a remarkable facility not far off the interstate. Well worth a visit.

Excellent exhibits. Went there to kill some time and was very impressed. Pretty surprising to find a place of this quality in a rural town. It's not the Louvre but it is worth a look.

We visited on a Saturday. There were very few people there. The exhibits were very well done. This would be a great place for kids.

Most of the displays involve a lot of reading. The "kid-friendly" displays were not working. There is a children's section that looked like it would be fun. I know they are still working on parts of the center, so hopefully improvements are coming. Neat gift shop, though!

Very good displays showing the rich nature and diverse ecosystem of The Flint Hills. Very family friendly attraction that also is right next to a green space with fountains that children of all ages can enjoy.

I love this place. Not your average museum. The discovery center provides interactive ways to learn about the Flint Hills region and the Konza Prairie. This is a great place for locals that want to try something new, or anyone that is in town for a weekend and unfamiliar with the area. It's not huge, but can offer a good afternoon of entertainment!

What a great place to visit! The movie is awesome! Love the always changing displays! Fun and interesting learning experience for all ages!

Great for kids. There is a large play area if the kids are not too interested in the museum and history. They have a section with rotating exhibits so there is something new to see every couple of months.

I enjoyed the opening film with effects and all displays were extremely thorough. Worth a visit for children and adults.

I have been here multiple times with kids agent from 3-16. It has something for all ages to learn and enjoy including adults. The exhibits rotate and I have never caught a bad one. The theater room and coinciding show are amazing. The special effects with the movie (but not not part of the movie, no spoilers so find out) are phenomenal. I will go again!

While the Discovery Center is a great place to visit, we were disappointed with the Be the Dinosaur exhibit.
This was mainly video games that were about walking around looking for food and water.

Excellent natural history museum - a "find" for families with young children due to all the interactive exhibits that can fascinate young and old alike. The museum emphasizes the Tallgrass Prairie area of Kansas and the midwest (of which Kansas is smack in the middle). This visit we really enjoyed the "Sands of Time" video (the theater usually has at least 1 or 2 15-20 minute videos) which did an excellent job of explaining the origin of the "tall grasses" native to the area, how it affected the various populations (native Americans, animals, participants in the great Western expansion, etc.) that have inhabited the area and how important it is to the ecological balance of the world. The special effects (fog, snow, wind, etc. ) in the theater are amazing.

Take your kids but go along for the tour - you'll enjoy it and the price is very affordable.

This place presents a lot of history of the Flint Hills and Grassland Prairie of Kansas. The interactive displays are concise and interesting. The staff will give you a lot of personal attention and are very knowledgeable and passionate about the Flint Hills. We were well rewarded by our visit.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a high point in Manhattan. Great 3D film, fun activities for young kids, wonderful exhibits.

Very nice attraction. Lots if history and information. The short movie is a good place to stat and we really enjoyed it, the few special effects were an added bonus. Parking was convenient, the price was reasonable, and the staff was helpful and friendly.

Rotating special exhibits means it can be different every time one goes. A hike through the Flint Hills south of Manhattan BEFORE is my recommendation. Then you can get a sense of what is underground the area where you just stood! Check for the schedule of their guest lecturers, too.

This is a fun place to spend a couple of hours while in Manhattan. The movie at the beginning was my children's favorite part of the museum. They have lots of hands-on exhibits that explain what the Flint Hills are and how they are being preserved. I would recommend a visit while in Manhattan.

Very informative place to learn about the Flint Hills area. They offer two short films - one about different insects in the area and one about the area itself which is an interactive film where you can actually see snowflakes fall in the theater, feel wind blowing, and feel the heat from a fire. There is a big play area for children to interact with as well as one for adults. There are many other exhibits, a small gift shop and an outdoor terrace with lots of growing plants and places to sit. There is an admission fee.

As relative newcomers to Kansas, this seemed like a great place to learn more about he Flint Hills and prairie history. Since it is spring break in Kansas, there were lots of children enjoying the interactive displays which were extremely well done. The movie about the Flint Hills was very informative. I have gained a new appreciation for this area and the rejuvenation that fire can provide.

After living in Kansas my whole life I didn't remember a lot of the information as to where the flint hills started at - I would highly recommend this place!

Seems to be lots to do. It is more for kids, but we enjoyed it. Really interesting information about the flint hills. If you live there you should visit once.

Didn't know what to expect but we were quite happy that we stopped. The theater is not an IMAX but has a large screen, sound and special effects. The movie was interesting and informative. Afterward we browsed through the interactive exhibits on the first floor. The second floor was closed to prepare for an upcoming exhibit. We did take the elevator to the 3rd floor observation deck, quite a view. I almost wished I was 4-6 years old when this was built, I would have had a blast looking through all of cool things to learn.

This a beautiful building, I enjoyed the interactive film regarding the Flint Hills. A very beautiful representation of the Prairie that I no idea was the most endangered ECO system in the world. If you have children this is the perfect exhibit for you to see while visiting Manhattan. Many interactive exhibits for children. If you plan to see the Konza Prairie while visiting, see this exhibit first. Very informative.

This is the best example of Kansas and especially the Flint Hills history I have ever seen and I grew up here with my fore fathers being the first settlers. It is one of the best Discovery Centers I have ever visited. Don't rush through, it's a real gem....

I came here with my family and we loved the experience. There are so many exhibits and very child friendly. The top level had an interactive story book exhibit that I recommend to any teacher teaching the young learner to visit.

It's a sharp new LEED building with a lot to tell about the prairies that used to be everywhere and now are only small strips. An alien landscape well worth discovering.

I had low expectations for the Flint Hills Discovery Center. In fact, the only reason that I went to it was because I got in free with a conference event. But I was really impressed with the presentation of the history and ecology of the Flint Hills at this museum. It really opened my eyes to the landscape surrounding Manhattan, KS and made me appreciate it much more. There is a variety of exhibits that will satisfy all age levels. The film is very well done and the tactile effects of wind, heat, and snow that they include with the film presentation added to the experience of the film. It didn't feel like just another short documentary you see at most museums/visitor centers.

Not just for kids, they have very good info about the Kansas prairie, very good short movie that has great side affects. They also have a kids area.

This was the closest thing to do spare of the moment one weekend. Our 4 yr old loved it. Exploring and interacting with the exhibits. She really loved the play room. It is a small building so there isn’t much to do Some of the interactive activities range for different age groups. It is located near a splash pad, so during the summer you can bring your swim suit and continue your day.

Great combination of history, biology, general science and entertrainment for all ages. Be sure to enjoy the theatre before touring the exhibits. Plan to take the time read and discuss the exhibits to really appreciate the knowledge that is available. Plan to spend almost all of your time on the first floor unless you have small children.

I'd also encourage you to drive south out of Manhattan after visiting the center and enjoy a drive in the Flint HIlls.

It was too cloudy and cool one to swim in the lake one morning, so we took our boys to the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Great find! They had a great movie talking about the Flint Hills, lots of interactive exhibits, and a great children's area on the 2nd floor, with brain teasers, dress up, slides, and a train table. My kids could have stayed all day!

Don't forget to check out the splash park across the street from the Center! Also a must-do!

We discovered this center from a Manhattan KS brochure. Staff member met us at the door and staff was very helpful throughout. The video gave a good overview of the tallgrass prairie preserved in the Flint Hills region - it even had snow, smoke & wind to experience. The exhibits explain the interaction of various elements in the prairie cycle of life, human effect of the prairie, along with settlement, industries & geology. While we're familiar w/ prairie, we still learned a lot from the visit.

Take the time, take the kids and tour this beautiful museum. One can spend a couple of hours easily.

Lots of information on the ecology of the plains and on the history of Manhattan and the environment. Interesting presentations, some interactive. Allow at least 2 to 4 hours, even come in the morning, leave for lunch, then come back in the afternoon on the same ticket. In 2014, ticket prices are $9 each for adults (18-64) with lower prices for seniors, military and students.

The movie was very informative about the grasslands. The first floor has pictures, a few artifacts and lots to read if you want to learn about the Flint Hills. The second floor is for kids. It was funny because I specifically asked if this was a kids museum and was told the 1st and 2nd floor were for adults. The third floor has meeting rooms and business offices. I guest we should have brought our briefcase.

Took my kids in March and had a great time! Very interesting display of Kansas history and hands on activities!

I took my grandchildren to Flint hills Discovery Center as a field trip. We learned about the grasses of the prairie and why the ranchers burn off the grass every year. We saw amazing displays of insects and animals that can be found on the prairie. The best part, and don't miss this, was the movie in the awesome, see, hear, and feel theater. I won't tell you about the movie. I wouldn't want to spoil your surprise.

I went in to the Flint Hills Discovery Center with low expectations. I'd seen too many small-town museums and science centers that were pretty cheesy and/or letdowns. The Flint Hills Discovery Center is not the kind of Washington, D.C., New York or San Francisco-level place, but it is very much worth the visit.

Besides, it is clean, the docents are helpful, and it is well organized. Architecturally, it is well-thought out and attractive. If you get a chance, go upstairs and see the beautiful meeting space.

If you'll take the time to study the exhibits, you won't go away disappointed.

I really enjoy the Discovery Center. It's very interesting and has something for both kids and adults.

Excellent information about the Flint Hills, Tall Grass Prairie Regions and Blue River Dam. Very well laid out with loads of information. Nice little store and the staff were exceptionally helpful. Great 15 minute movie with awesome special effects. Highly recommend a visit.

As one drives through the Flint Hills, the majesty of the prairie seeps into your soul. But one never fully understands the history, the geology, the people, the animals, the birds or the life style there until one visits the Flint Hills Discovery Center. One visit is not enough, there are so many things to learn about this beautiful part of our country. And the volunteers have the knowledge to answer your questions and are very friendly. The changing exhibits allow children and adults to enjoy many different experiences. The film is sure to capture the interest of the young and old alike. Be sure to put the Flint Hills Discovery Center on your list of places to visit. You won't be disappointed.

We were back in Manhattan for a visit after having lived here for 10 years quite some time ago. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon and pretty much nothing was open. This discovery Center was new since we lived here so we decided to check it out. It’s a beautiful building located in a newly developed part of downtown. We loved the tall grass prairie when we lived here so the topic was of interest to us. That being said, the actual display area in the museum was quite small and the entire second floor was really set up for small children. We were four adults and we could’ve honestly seen everything to see in this museum in probably half an hour. The 15 minute film was pleasant - it included some fun features like smoke seeping into the theater during scenes of burning the Prairie on the screen. Unfortunately, that smoke also leaves a kind of funky smell that permeates this amphitheater from when you first come in. I probably would not return to this museum unless I had a couple of small children in tow.

We had a yearlong pass during 2015. We visited with our three children a few times. The entire upstairs is a children's area (except for the room with the rotating exhibit.) There is so much for them to do up there: games, hands on exhibits, books, toys, a slide, and even a small area for toddlers to move and play.
The movie is magical. I have seen it 4 times and I still get tears in my eyes when....well, I won't give it away. =)
The information is great and varied. There is a lot to know about the prairie landscape and the history here. It was very meaningful to come as a Kansas resident.

More than expected, really a lot to experience and see. Would highly recommend if you are in the area and have a few hours to spend. We spent several hours and enjoyed every minute. If you are a Kansan you ought to visit, may surprise you.

We have known of the Flint Hills Discovery Center for some time and finally had the opportunity to visit. There are great interactive displays to fascinate children and adults alike. Learn about the people of the land, the animals and the plant life. They have a neat underground display. Go to the second floor and gaze down upon the map of the Flint Hills that is built as part of the floor on the first level. There is a movie inside the theater there you can watch as well.

There are also temporary displays from time to time. We were fortunate enough to catch the dinosaur exhibit while it was there. Very informative and interesting. The exhibit included fossilized T-Rex teeth and various dino bones. The kids loved the displays that played sounds it is believed dinosaurs made.

Well worth a day trip or a stop if you are in the area.

Excellent way to learn about the the flora and fauna of Kansas. A must see when visiting Kansas. Our friends found it very interesting and are now filled with fun facts about Kansas.

Lift the lids, press the buttons. See lightning start a prairie fire, watch the model train cruise through town, learn the different prairie grasses, see what's in bloom on the third floor, tie a knot, learn to read brands, do the scavenger hunt or find answers to questions in the displays...so much to do. The 2nd floor makes childs play of the bacteria in the human body.

The center has a large selection of interactive exhibits for kids to learn about the prairie and plant and animal life in general. Interactive toys for very young children as well. Interesting traveling exhibits come through regularly. Has good meeting space plus a great patio for receptions, etc.

If you are interested in the history of Native Americans, cowboys, prairie animals and the prairie ecosystem - this is a great museum. Detailed information about the region and a lovely building. It also has fun activities for kids!

This was a fascinating place to visit. There were many hands-on activities. The mural on the floor is outstanding. The staff was awesome--they gave our group a private education session about the animals of the region.

Wonderful find- one hour is plenty (without children) for introduction to Flint Hills. Very helpful and friendly staff.

They change the exhibits out every so often so it allows you a chance to see new things! Took about an hr and a half for us, but I enjoy how much about local ecology the kids can learn.

The staff is very friendly and helpful. The facility is beautiful with many interactive displays which are great for children. The second floor has a little play area for kids, which we spent a good amount of time at. We bought the membership, so we could gain access to various museums for a low price. We will definitely come back again before we move!

If you want to understand the magic of the Flint Hills and what makes this part of Kansas so special then you owe it to yourself to check out the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Something for everyone here. Nice gift shop. Did some early Christmas shopping there.

This place was put together by people who know their content and know how to engage an audience. Well done.

I was one of a small group who went on an organized tour to witness Greater Prairie Chickens booming on the lek on private property near Manhattan, Kansas. We were driven and guided to a blind by our guide, Roy Garrett. The hike to the blind was approximately one mile (one-half mile longer than normal, due to very wet and muddy road conditions). The entire experience, from registration through the return from the experience, was first rate. The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) provided an excellent online guest information pamphlet that gave information about pre-arrival preparation, arrival, transportation to the site, the hike, the blind, the lek and prairie chicken behavior and exiting the blind (plus a glossary of prairie chicken-related terms). Headlamps for the hike to the lek, which is in total darkness at about 5:30 a.m., were provided.

I can't say enough positive things about this tour, Roy Garrett's professionalism and the FHDC facilities. This is a must-do experience for dedicated bird watchers, photographers and anyone interested in wildlife and nature.

Definitely worth the visit if you are in Manhattan. Don’t miss the movie at the beginning as that will set the stage for the rest. There is quite a bit of reading, but lots of interactive exhibits to help break it up.

This museum was a wonderful way to understand the Flint Hills and the grasslands or Kansas. There were many interactive displays and the video, in particular, was amazing! It had special effects - wind, smoke and even snow that contributed to the understanding of the area. I would certainly recommend it.

Went there with a daughter and granddaughter (age 2). The upstairs has lots of things for a two year old but the rest of the museum is for older kids. The movie about the Flint Hills is the highlight-do not miss it. Seemed overpriced for what was there.

I went their last year in July 2016 It was really a beautiful place to experience and research. its a god gifted beauty to Kansas.

This is a great place to take your children for a learning experience. They have all kinds of interactive things for you and your family to do

Exhibits laid out well. Center exhibits inclusive of all ages. Great learning experience for kids and interesting tidbits for adults. Don’t miss any movies that they show.

I was hesitant to go here due to the fact that many "discovery" centers are aimed at children and hands-on activities rather than in depth information about the subject of the Museum. This is not the case at Flint Hills. They do have a marvelous area (most of the second floor) that is designed to educate and entertain the younger set, but they also have an abundance of displays on the ground floor level that deal with all aspects of the Flint Hills region on Kansas. These include soil and environmental conditions, plans and animals of the region. Geology is addressed as well as the inhabitants of the region ranging from the early amerindians to settlers and ranchers. It is well worth a visit and would best be done at the beginning of a trip to the Flint Hills

Nicely done. Just enough info on each subject. The film offerings were also well done. This would be a great visit for families and all ages.

This museum was well worth a visit. Starting with the history of the native peoples who lived in the area, moving through the settlements of the 19th century, there are ample opportunities to explore the Flint Hills. One of the highlights is replicas of the actual grass - roots and all - that makes up the grassland. Highly recommended, although the outside trail wasn't very pleasant in the midsummer heat.

wonderful movie about the prairie, lots of interactive displays, great for grade school kids through grandparents.

I knew nothing about the Flint Hills or how important the Tallgrass Prairie was until visiting this museum. The admission price is very reasonable, especially considering it includes 2 15 minute films, one of which is a 4D experience that includes wind, smoke, and snow. Lots of info about ecosystem in the museum as well as info about the tribes and settlers who lived in the area. The second floor has a play area for kids. I highly recommend it if you are in the area.

This was a very good museum. I was with my eight year old and most of it was a little too educational for him or too young, but we still managed to spend several enjoyable hours here.

The standard overview film you get at most museums was enhanced with special effects that my son did find entertaining. If you normally skip the films (which sadly we usually do) don't skip this one.

There is a floor for kids which includes a tunnel and slide, as well as tables set up with interactive puzzles, and other toys.

Outside, there was a park area with fountains for the kids to play in, we spent almost as much time there as we did at the museum.

This is a multi media opportunity to learn the secrets of the Prairie. The understated beauty is accentuated, giving a new appreciation for this essential eco-system. I had a wonderful time visiting the center. This was only the beginning of my Konza adventure. The nearly new building is a beautiful backdrop for this important exhibit. There is something for everyone, young and not so young.

The Discovery Center is great at creating/ updating their exhibits. And all are very informative and engaging for anyone interested in the Flint Hills - particularly the development of the Flint Hills area. The children's area is fun and very educational - also changes regularly.

There are a few exhibits here that are really rockstar. Aside from those, it can be hard keeping kids interested. The temporary exhibits are pretty great and worth the trip.

We spent about 2 1/2 hours here with two 7 year olds, and a 3 year old. We didn't spend as much time on the 1st floor with all the information about the prairie. Not really age appropriate for the level we were with. However, they loved the 4D movie! They also liked the model train and sitting on the saddle.

The second floor is were we spent most of our time. The kids area is fantastic! A slide, interactive stations, and lots of kid friendly toys/ building pieces. Another separate room had lots of interesting science type stations for the kids to try.
Only negative comment would be that the volunteers (?) or adults working the area seemed a bit grumpy with the amount of kids/noise/messiness. Really? You are working on a kids floor. It will be all of those things. That means that they are having fun and love it!

Regardless, the kids had fun, and in a few more years, they will like the 1st floor even more.

Excellent museum detailing the history and ecology of the Flint Hills region of eastern Kansas. Had a great intro video which showed the area's tallgrass prairies. The main exhibits feature both the wildlife/ecology of the Flint Hills as well as their history including longtime significance to Native American cultures.

Recommend spending at least 2 hours here to see the video and exhibits. Most of the exhibits were suitable for children as well.

This is a fairly new museum in a beautiful building. I went with my son and his family.

Start with the theater presentation. It is very interesting with effects including wind, smoke and snow falling, keeping both young and old entertained. Though the subject seems to be mundane, it educated me on how little I knew of the longrass prairies, of which little is left. There are activities for the young and older. In warmer weather a great place to have a picnic lunch on the roof terrace which overlooks the city.

This museum covers an unusual subject, but is well worth the visit and admission.

We spent an hour and a half here on a very hot Kansas afternoon. The movie was definitely the highlight of the visit. Our group had five adults and no little kids. The upper level has a great play area for kids. I know we would have spent a lot more time and we might have appreciated the total experience more.

We attended a wedding and reception at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. It was a great venue for a smaller event and I highly recommend it!

Showed my parents that their is more to Kansas than Tornadoes plus the place is beautiful and great place for kids and adults that aren't familiar with Kansas

Plan to spend HOURS! There is so much that is so interesting it's hard to absorb it all. For an easterner/southerner visiting the 'prairie" was so cool. A place I'd only seen/read about in books.

This is a nice facility that treads well the line between being too scientific and being interesting and entertaining. And it does it in a way that both kids and adults will enjoy what is presented.

Visited the centre during a recent conference where the reception was held. Nice location and a great opportunity to learn about the area. Kids will like the interactive displays.

We stumbled upon this museum simply because it was across the street from our hotel. I was very impressed! I am not from Kansas, but I loved this museum because I learned so much about the state and its beautiful Flint Hills. First of all, I loved the introductory film, it was interesting and also moving (to the point where I wanted to watch it a second time!). Next, the exhibits are interactive, well-designed, and technologically advanced. I really enjoyed learning about different native animals and plants in Kansas. It was also interesting to learn about the farming techniques in the Flint Hills and how the farmers burn the land (something I knew nothing about). Before visiting this museum, we had been driving a lot through the Flint Hills on our vacation and had really been moved by their majestic and mysterious beauty. But after visiting the discovery center, we only became more inspired by them because of the many years they took to form and also the amazing wildlife they host. Although unexpected, visiting the Flint Hills Discovery Center was one of the most memorable parts of our trip.

The Discovery Center is a beautiful place and has so much information inside. The did a great job in creating this center. It is kid friendly, although there is A LOT of reading which may bore children.

The movie was good, To My Plate & Beyond I suggest if you have toddlers. Amazing gift shop and PlayArea. The "Movie" is four dimensional!

This is a nice little facility. Not a reason to drive to Manhattan Kansas (the University is the primary reason) but a nice way to spend a couple of hours if you are already there.

The facility is new, very well done, and has tons of parking in the immediate area (the mall is only a couple of blocks away as well).

So, if you are already headed to Manhattan, and find yourself with 1-3 hours of downtime, then it is pretty easy drive from any part of the city and a nice diversion.

so glad we stopped in as this was the highlight of our day. We loved all the exhibits . The wild weather exhibit had kids and adults learning hands on. The film is a must see...the realistic effects of fire.wind. and snow were awesome. We will come again as we didn't plan enough time... lots for kids not just adults.

I have lived in Kansas most of my life and still had something to learn! The exhibits were varied and our son enjoyed the kids area. An added bonus is that it is reciprocal with other science museum memberships.

I have visited the Discovery Center over 5 times since it's opening. The admission price can be a bit more than you'd want to spend unless you are military or student, however they are constantly improving the already spectacular inside. Coupled with a unique theater experience on the Flint Hills, a rooftop seating area with a great view of Manhattan, and dancing fountains out front that appear kin to the Bellagio - this one's worth more than a look.

4D movie was very cool... Loved the store and effects for sure. Neat exhibits and lots to learn here. Brain teasers were fun to play with.

Written narrative, oral exhibits and interactive displays. Includes history, science, ecology, agriculture, native culture. A whole second floor of interactive displays and challenges make it a great stop for kids.Beautifully designed exterior and interior. A gem of a new addition to the downtown area. Also convenient to shops, restaurants, other attractions.

Not much to say about this center. The pavilion and outdoor water space is a nice place to picnic with the family.

I was pleasantly surprised. This is a fun day trip, with or without the kids. I love that the exhibits change, so I can go back again and not feel bored. The video room was awesome! This is a cheap way to do something fun in Manhattan.

Our family came in from out of town and we took them here. They enjoyed learning about the history Flint Hills and unique eco Systems. All the information about the burning of the prairies was fascinating! !We especially enjoyed the special exhibit about the history of the Big Red One since. Not to mention the great kids area to let the little ones burn off some energy and learn.

Way more than just grass and hills -- explores the habitats, both human and animal and the floral. Was overall enjoyable. Make sure the theater is up and running before you go, it scheduled for some remodeling and the theater is the main attraction.

Wow! What a fantastic museum with a lot of visuals and interactive items to keep one interested. Don't miss the wonderful video. Very impressed by the young and old!

We loved the movie and the effects. I was really impressed with the whole museum. Our kids loved it and were really happy with the upstairs kids' area. Very well done. We will definitely go back.

We were having a great time until a volunteer named Nancy came up to the children's play area to shush us. Why have a children's play area if they can't have fun? She was quite rude and they weren't being that loud. Disappointing that this museum that celebrates the freedom and openness of this area is so restrictive with its youngest patrons.

The staff and exhibits were delightful. The Tall Grass Prairie: Tides of Time in the 4D theatre was breathtaking and gave me immense respect for my surroundings while visiting the Flint Hills area.

Very nice discovery center. Manhattan should be proud of this facility. Our conference held a dinner in the facility. Very nice.

We visited in July with our two boys (5 and 7). My husband and I really enjoyed learning so much about the area, and the information is presented in a very interesting and engaging way. The boys did get a little bit bored on the first floor, but we all enjoyed the theater, and the boys loved the exhibits and activities on the second floor.

This was a great stop for us because it wasn't overwhelming -- too big, or too crowded. We had spent a few days in the area visiting family and this was a nice way to do something for just an hour or two before getting back on the road. As a nice bonus, we had free or discounted (can't remember which) admission, since we are members of a science center at home.

Went with my friend and her children, 3 and 1, to the Dinosaur Exhibit. The three year old loved the upstairs hands on exhibits and play areas. The downstairs area was very informative with lots of hands-on activities; though much of it seemed better suited for older children. The three year old did like lifting the flaps to see what animals were underneath.

We like to go here because it is a nice outing. In the summer it is nice to visit the park across the street as well. Blue Earth Plaza rounds this place out well. Some of the exhibits have been really great, others have been kind of boring. Wish it was a little bigger.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a jewel. If you have never signed up for the annual spring Greater Prairie Chicken tour, it is a must for your bucket list. The pure peace of the predawn Flint Hills sitting in a blind, followed by the otherworldly sounds of the Prairie Chickens booming and watching them display is an unforgettable experience! We were even treated to an eagle soaring low over the lek. Tyler, our tour guide was amazing, Stephen was very professional and accommodating, and Susan Adams, the Director, was gracious and warm. After our tour we visited the Discovery Center and learned more about the prairie.

We stopped into Flint Hills Discovery Center basically to kill some time and two-plus hours later came away commenting that is was one of the best executed small museums we have ever visited. And, it is so much more than a museum. The term "Discover Center" is quite accurate. We are from Oklahoma and already had an appreciation for the tall grass prairie, but this took that appreciation to a whole new level. The quality of the exhibits was first-rate. Beautiful presentations including outstanding photography. Hands on exhibits were well-done. Staff was helpful and enthusiastic. The entire facility was spotless. We had our one-year-old grandson with us, and will certainly return when he is older and can better appreciate the center. The film was a sensory treat for young and old alike.

Fantastic experience to learn about the history of the tallgrass prairie and the Flint Hills area. Good offering of rotating exhibits too.

An absolute wealth of information on the need of preserving the Flint Hills for our lives and our offspring!
Not only are there exhibits for adults, there are exhibits and activities for children!
Don't forget to go to top floor and experience the surrounding beauty!

My sons and nephew who are 11, 10 and 7 recently went to the discovery center. We all really enjoyed it. There was lots of hands on places and things to do. My kids had a great time and did not want to leave. I would really recommend this to all families.

$9 adult, $4 child. Nice 15 minute info movie. Hands-on activities and regular museum type stuff. Very informative about the prairie and its history. 1-1.5 hours should be enough time unless you want to read every sign. Our 10 year-old liked it.

This was a great place to visit, especially after viewing Prairie Chickens. There are special children's displays, but also very informative for adults. Plan to spend a few hours here.