Day trip time — and this one’s a real treat. We’re heading to Manhattan, Kansas, with a bonus stop in nearby Wamego!
Stroll through the Museum of Art + Light
First stop is the Museum of Art + Light in Manhattan, a truly one-of-a-kind place that blends traditional fine art with digital creations and large-scale immersive experiences. Some exhibits are permanent, while others rotate throughout the year. The third floor houses the fine art gallery, along with an impressive collection of around 4,000 toy cars.
The second floor is dedicated to the museum’s digital art installations. But the real showstopper is the first floor, home to the Mezmereyz Immersive Galleries created by the museum’s in-house 3D motion graphic designers.
These experiences are unforgettable and easily some of the coolest we’ve ever seen. They are also gaining national attention: the museum was recently recognized by USA Today’s 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards as the #5 Best New Museum in 2026.
Visitor Information:
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Full museum admission: $25
- Located in downtown Manhattan, Kansas
Wine and Dine at Liquid Art Winery
Located in the beautiful Flint Hills, Liquid Art Winery is a stunning stop in the warmer months and equally cozy when it’s cooler out. They produce their own wine and hard cider on-site and offer a solid food menu, making it a perfect lunch stop.
The pizzas and flatbreads are especially noteworthy — the Bootlegger Pizza and Double Smokehouse Flatbread are both excellent choices. Looking for lighter options? Try one of their charcuterie cups or grazing boxes. On the drink side, you can enjoy a wine or cider flight, along with a few non-alcoholic options like tea and lemonade.
Another solid food option is Taco Lucha, which offers unique items like raspberry and black bean dip alongside tacos, burritos and margaritas.
Shop for Vintage Treasures at Eclectic Charm
Before leaving Manhattan, make time to visit Eclectic Charm, a vendor collective filled with vintage finds, antiques, gifts, home décor and collectibles. Each vendor space offers something unique, whether it’s handmade pottery, specialty teas or one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. One of the highlights is the wall of taffy — don’t leave without grabbing a few pieces for the road!
Take a Short Drive to Wamego and Visit the OZ Museum
On your way back toward Kansas City, take a quick detour to Wamego, about 20 minutes east of Manhattan. Here you’ll find the OZ Museum, packed with Wizard of Oz memorabilia and fun photo ops. Be sure to walk across the street to see the iconic yellow brick road. And if you’re up for a little adventure, hunt for the “Totos Around Town” — life-sized sculptures honoring Dorothy’s beloved dog. There are about 20 scattered about, mostly in the downtown area.
This day trip is the perfect mix of creativity, small-town charm and a little bit of whimsy — an easy escape that leaves you feeling inspired and refreshed. If you haven’t explored this corner of Kansas yet, it’s absolutely worth adding to your list.
Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.