Looking for one of the best day trips from Kansas City? A visit to Manhattan, Kansas, paired with a stop in nearby Wamego, offers a memorable mix of immersive art, Flint Hills scenery, local food and shopping. Whether you’re planning a Kansas weekend getaway or simply searching for new things to do in Manhattan, KS, this itinerary makes for an easy and rewarding escape.
Explore the Museum of Art + Light in Manhattan, Kansas
One of the top attractions in Manhattan, Kansas, is the Museum of Art + Light, a unique destination that combines traditional fine art with cutting-edge digital experiences and immersive installations.
The museum’s exhibits span three floors. On the third floor, visitors will find a fine art gallery and an impressive collection of approximately 4,000 toy cars. The second floor showcases digital art installations, with exhibits that rotate throughout the year.
The highlight for many guests is the first floor, home to the Mezmereyz Immersive Galleries. Created by the museum’s in-house team of 3D motion graphic designers, these large-scale digital experiences surround visitors with stunning visuals and creative storytelling. They are among the most memorable attractions in Kansas and continue to gain national recognition.
In fact, the museum was recently named the No. 5 Best New Museum in the 2026 USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.
Before leaving, take time to browse the museum store, which offers a variety of unique gifts and interesting finds.
Visitor Information
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
- Admission is $25 for the full museum experience
Enjoy Lunch and Local Wine at Liquid Art Winery
After your museum visit, head into the scenic Flint Hills to experience Liquid Art Winery, one of the area’s most picturesque destinations.
Beautiful during the warmer months and cozy during cooler weather, the winery produces its own wine and hard cider on-site while also offering a robust food menu, making it an ideal lunch stop during your Manhattan, Kansas day trip.
Popular menu items include the Bootlegger Pizza and the Double Smokehouse Flatbread. Guests looking for lighter fare can choose from charcuterie cups or grazing boxes.
To drink, visitors can sample wine or cider flights, or enjoy non-alcoholic options such as tea and lemonade.
Another Great Restaurant in Manhattan, KS
If you’re looking for additional dining options, Taco Lucha remains a local favorite. Known for its creative menu, the restaurant serves tacos, burritos and margaritas, along with unique offerings such as its raspberry and black bean dip.
Shop for Vintage Finds at Eclectic Charm
No trip to Manhattan is complete without a stop at Eclectic Charm, a vendor collective featuring antiques, vintage treasures, gifts, home décor and collectibles.
Each vendor space offers something different, from handmade pottery and specialty teas to handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind finds.
One of the shop’s most popular features is its colorful wall of taffy. Be sure to grab a few pieces before hitting the road.
Visit the OZ Museum in Wamego, Kansas
Before heading back to Kansas City, make a quick detour to Wamego, Kansas, located about 20 minutes east of Manhattan.
The town’s most famous attraction is the OZ Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Wizard of Oz memorabilia and offers plenty of fun photo opportunities for visitors.
After exploring the museum, walk across the street to see Wamego’s iconic yellow brick road, a favorite stop for photos.
Visitors looking for an extra adventure can also search for the town’s “Totos Around Town” sculptures. These life-sized statues honor Dorothy’s beloved dog and are scattered throughout Wamego, with approximately 20 located primarily in the downtown area.
Why Manhattan and Wamego Make the Perfect Kansas Day Trip
From immersive art and Flint Hills wineries to unique shopping and Wizard of Oz attractions, Manhattan and Wamego offer one of the most enjoyable day trips in Kansas.
The combination of creativity, small-town charm and unexpected discoveries makes this itinerary perfect for couples, families and anyone looking for a refreshing getaway. If you haven’t explored this corner of Kansas yet, it’s time to add it to your travel list.
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