Frequently Asked Questions

Manhattan Fire Department offers fire prevention presentations that can be customized to fit the needs of the specific organization on a variety of subjects. To request a presentation, please complete the request form at https://cityofmhk.formstack.com/forms/public_education.

Test your smoke alarms twice a year and change the batteries if needed. A good way to remember is to do this when you change your clocks for daylight savings time. Some alarms have a sealed 10-year battery that is not replaceable. Replace the alarm when the end-of-life signal sounds.

Call 9-1-1 to report carbon monoxide alarms. Leave the house until Manhattan Fire Department has checked for the presence of carbon monoxide and ensured the home is safe. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless, making it impossible to detect with the senses. Common sources of carbon monoxide include cars running in an attached garage, defective appliances, and defective appliance vents. 

Manhattan Fire Department does not fill pools, nor does it have fire hose to loan out. You may contact City of Manhattan Customer Service at 785-587-2480 to inquire about renting a fire hydrant meter and the costs. We are unaware of any area businesses who rent fire hoses. 

The City of Manhattan has an ISO rating of 1, which helps insurance companies establish fire premiums.

Take photo identification to the Social Security Administration Office, located at 1121 Hudson Ave., Ste. A, Manhattan, KS 66503, or you may contact them by phone at (877) 840-5741.

Kansas Unemployment Call Center P.O. Box 3539 Topeka, KS 66601-3538 Visit the Department of Labor website or call 800-292-6333 for assistance. Fax: 785-296-3249 Topeka Area: 785-575-1460 Claim specialists are available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday: 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. For assistance, visit the Manhattan Workforce Center at 205 S. 4th St., Ste. 1A, Manhattan, KS 66502; or call them for further information at 785-539-5691.

Bills may be paid through the following methods:

• Mail to P.O. Box 309, Manhattan, KS 66505
• Automatic Bank Draft
• Online by credit card or bank account
• By cash, check or credit card at the Customer Service office (only when City Hall is open)
• By phone at 1-833-277-8694
• At our dropbox behind City Hall (south parking lot)

Read more about payment options.

Our Customer Service office issues some business licenses. A list can be found on their webpage. Our Risk Reduction office licenses many trades. For a complete list and applications for those licenses, please visit our Licenses & Permits webpage. For additional licensing information, please check with the State of Kansas Business Center.

The Mayor and the City Commissioners do not have offices at City Hall.  Instead, they have their preferred contact information listed on their web page.  Access their web pages using the link provided here: https://cityofmhk.com/202/City-Commission

We have a variety of options for you to pay your water bill all listed here on our website: https://cityofmhk.com/13/Water-Billing

1. At Municipal Court, 610 Colorado St.
2. Online (for tickets issued after Sept. 1, 2014, with a credit or debit card, or online (for tickets issued before Sept. 1, 2014). An additional service charge applies; or,
3. By mail to 610 Colorado St., Manhattan, KS 66502.

Renters insurance is insurance that may pay you if your personal property is damaged or stolen while renting property. Coverage can include losses due to theft, vandalism, windstorms and hail, water damage from plumbing problems (other than sewer backups), fire and smoke, and many other hazards.
 
 Most people think they don't own enough or what they do own isn't valuable enough to insure. Once you take an inventory of your personal property, you may be surprised by the total value. These three questions will help you determine your need for renters insurance:
 - How much are my belongings worth?
 - Can I afford to buy it all back again if it is stolen or destroyed in a fire?
 - What would I do in the event of a lawsuit against me?
 
 Your landlord's insurance only protects the building, not the personal property of residents. Your landlord's insurance does not protect you from a lawsuit if someone is injured in your home. 

Risk Reduction issues permits for Building, Demolition, Moving, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Signs, Mobile homes, and Curb cuts. You can apply for a permit online at https://cityofmhk.com/3062/Apply-For-A-Permit-Or-License-Or-Submit. If you have specific questions concerning these permits, please call Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506.

Storage sheds 200 square feet or smaller do not require a building permit. However, zoning requirements still must be met, and if electrical is provided an electrical permit is needed. For more information, please call Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506.

The following contractor licenses are issued by Risk Reduction: Sign, General, Demolition, Electrical, Plumbing, Drainlaying, Irrigation, Mechanical, Fireplace Installer, and Plumbing/Mechanical. For more information on licenses and requirements, please visit the Risk Reduction web page at https://cityofmhk.com/2194/Contractor-andor-Trade-License-Requireme.

The Risk Reduction Division issues licenses for the following trades, upon successful completion of a Prometric or ICC exam: Journeyman Plumber w/Gas, Master Plumber w/Gas, Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, Journeyman Mechanical, Master Mechanical, Journeyman Drainlayer, Master Drainlayer, Master Pipefitter, Journeyman Pipefitter, Journeyman Sheetmetal, Master Sheetmetal, Journeyman Refrigeration, Master Refrigeration, Irrigation License, and Certified Fireplace Installer. For more information on licenses and requirements, please visit the Risk Reduction web page at https://cityofmhk.com/2194/Contractor-andor-Trade-License-Requireme.

The City of Manhattan has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IPMC2021V1.0) and the International Fire Code (https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2021P2) that set the minimum standards for existing buildings in the city.

If you believe there is a code violation on your rental property, you may either call Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506 or submit an online request at https://cityofmhk.com/1474/Rental-Registration to schedule an inspection.

City Commission agendas are available on Thursday evenings prior to a Tuesday meeting. You can view archived agendas in the archive center. If you have questions about items on the agenda, contact the City Clerk's Office at 785-587-2404.

Public comments about items not on the evening's agenda can be made at the legislative meetings each month during the Public Comment section. If you would like to provide public comment at the meeting for an item on the agenda, you may sign up in advance at the meeting or during the meeting when the Mayor calls for public comment on a particular item. For Work Sessions, public comment is not permitted unless a majority of the City Commission agrees to allow it on a particular item being discussed. Residents should speak at the podium, giving their name and residential address before their comments.

The guidelines for public comments can be found in Resolution Number 022024-B (PDF), Section D, page 5. If you would like to provide written comment for an item on the agenda in lieu of coming to City Hall, submit comments to the Commissioners, or email or call the Commissioners directly.  

Contact information for each Commissioner is located on the Meet the City Commission page.

If you need special accommodations prior to the meeting, contact the City of Manhattan ADA Coordinator, Deann Tiede, no later than forty-eight hours prior to the meeting, at 785-587-2442 or 7-1-1 (Relay).

Consent agenda items are of a routine or housekeeping nature and are considered and approved under one motion unless removed at the request of the City Commission. Members of the public are given the opportunity to comment on any consent agenda item.

General agenda items are considered and approved individually by the City Commission. The items are typically introduced by City Administration. Members of the public are given the opportunity to comment on the item. Following public comment, the City Commission discusses the item and decides the appropriate action to take or provides direction to City staff. 

The mayor presents proclamations for special events at a legislative City Commission meeting and/or at an event. To have a proclamation placed on an agenda or presented at an event, email the City Clerk's Office or call 785-587-2404 at least two weeks prior to the meeting date on which you'd like to be recognized. 

If you would like for the Mayor to speak at an event contact the City Clerk's Office by phone at (785)587-2404 or by email at city_clerks_office@cityofmhk.com. Please provide as much advanced notice as possible.

Please contact the Riley County Clerk's Office at 785-587-6300. For more information, view the Riley County Clerk's Office website.

The Riley County Clerk's Office conducts the elections. Contact information can be found on the Riley County Clerk's Office website. 

Please contact the Riley County Clerk's Office at 785-587-6300. For more information, view the Riley County Clerk's Office website.

You will need to contact the Office of Vital Statistics in Topeka, Kansas. You can find more information on the Office of Vital Statistics website. 

You will need to contact the Office of Vital Statistics. You can find contact information on the Office of Vital Statistics website. 

You will need to contact the Riley County Clerk of the District Court. You can find contact information on the Riley County Clerk of the District Court website. 

You will need to contact the Riley County Treasurer's Office. Contact information can be found on the Riley County Treasurer's Office website. 

For more information on contractors licenses and requirements, please see the Risk Reduction web page or call 785-587-4506.

Contact Risk Reduction at 785-587-4506.

Please contact customer service at 785-587-2480.

Please contact the city's Forestry Department at 785-587-2757.

Please contact the Street Department at 785-587-2415.

No, Sunset Zoo cannot assist with removing wild, hurt, or abandoned animals. For help with an injured animal, call Kansas State University Veterinary School at 785-532-5690.

Our dedicated team of professional zookeepers provides daily care for the animals at Sunset Zoo, ensuring their health, enrichment, and well-being. In addition, we partner with Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine for specialized medical care, allowing our animals to receive top-notch veterinary services.

Yes! Sunset Zoo works closely with Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine to provide top-quality medical care, including regular check-ups, treatments, and emergency care when needed.

Enrichment includes activities, objects, and experiences designed to stimulate natural behaviors, such as foraging, problem-solving, or playing. It keeps animals mentally and physically engaged, promoting their overall well-being.

Our animals have choice and control over their environment, meaning they can decide when to be indoors or in a more private space. This allows them to regulate their temperature, rest, or engage in natural behaviors. If you don’t see an animal, they may be enjoying time off-exhibit, receiving care from our animal team, or simply choosing to relax in a different area.

The ECO-CELL recycling program helps reduce the demand of coltan, an ore used to extend battery life in phones and other handheld devices. Coltan mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo destroy forest habitats critical to endangered species. For more information, visit ECO-CELL's website.

Items available for recycling include:

• Cell phones
• Smartphones
• iPods
• iPads
• Tablets
• Adapters
• Chargers
• Digital cameras
• MP3 players
• Smart watches
• Handheld gaming systems
• GPS systems
• Related Accessories

Our collection container cannot hold anything larger than a cell phone. Please leave your larger items at the gift shop and they will be taken care of.

Items not accepted include laptops and portable CD players.

The ECO-CELL donation bin is conveniently located in the Sunset Zoo gift shop.

You're about to make a double impact! Sunset Zoo sends handheld electronics to ECO-CELL, a family-run company in Louisville, Kentucky, to be refurbished or recycled. ECO-CELL then pays between $0.25 and $15 for each device. By recycling through this program, you are:

1. Reducing the demand for mining virgin materials
2. Every dollar received from ECO-CELL goes directly into the Sunset Zoo conservation fund

There are two things to do before donating your device, especially cell phones. First, remove any SIM or SD cards. Second, wipe the phone clean. ECO-CELL does not clear data from the phones it receives.

Yes, but in addition to investing in conservation efforts, here are a few reasons your recycled phone can have a greater impact than trade-in value:

• Handheld electronics include a variety of precious metals, copper, and plastics. Recycling not only conserves these materials, it also reduces greenhouse has emissions that occur during manufacturing and while extracting and processing virgin materials.
• Recycling just one cell phone saves enough energy to provide power to a laptop for 44 hours. 
• If we recycled 130 million cell phones that are tossed away annually in the U.S., we could save enough energy to power more than 24,000 homes for a year. 
• For every one million cell phones recycled, the following can be recovered:
  • 75 pounds of gold 
  • 772 pounds of silver 
  • 22 pounds of palladium 
  • 35,274 pounds of copper 
  • Tin, zinc, and platinum that can also be reused
• Cell phones and other devices also contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and brominated flame retardants. If tossed in landfills, these materials can contaminate air, soil, and groundwater.

• If you are an individual, you can drop off your devices at the donation bin located in the gift shop. 
• If you are a small business, we can arrange to have the items picked up and brought to the Zoo to include in the overall shipment. 
• If you are a large business, we can make arrangements for you to send your handheld electronics directly to ECO-CELL on Sunset Zoo's behalf. Shipping is paid for by ECO-CELL and the rebate would come directly to the zoo for the Puerto Rican Crested Toad conservation.

Please arrive one hour and thirty minutes before your scheduled flight to ensure that all flight arrangements and security measures are complete. The ticket counter and flight closes 45 minutes prior to departure.

If you are flying American Eagle, operating at the Manhattan Regional Airport, you will need to contact them directly at 800-535-5225 to inquire about lost luggage. To schedule a flight out of Manhattan, call 800-433-7300. Airport Administration cannot help answer questions about baggage or ticketing.

If you need help with a ticket or baggage, you will have to wait until the airline agent returns. For questions pertaining to airport access, contact Security to assist you at 785-587-4561. Airport Administration is not open on weekends.

For any lost item, please contact Airport Administration at 785-587-4560, Option 3.

American Eagle currently offers three daily flights to Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and two daily flights to Chicago O'Hare (ORD).

You should contact the reservation line at 800-433-7300 or go to American Airline's ticket counter in order to get rebooked.

They are employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They are here for luggage and passenger screening only within Manhattan Regional Airport. They cannot assist you with baggage or ticket questions. Please wait patiently at the ticket counter for the airline clerk to help you with baggage delays or ticket questions.

Airport Terminal

Sunday through Saturday
3:30 am to Midnight

Airport Administration Office

Monday through Thursday
8 am to 5 pm

Friday
8 am to noon

Closed for lunch
Noon to 1 pm.

The Airport Administration Office is closed on federal holidays.

We have Jet A, 100LL and Mo-Gas, plus self-fueling tanks; all located on the old airport grounds, the first exit east of the Main Terminal Building.

Go to the General Aviation tab and select General Information to fill out the hangar waiting list application.

Call Heartland Aviation for all your aircraft maintenance needs at 785-537-9200.

Go to the General Aviation tab and select Flight Training to view what is available at the Manhattan Regional Airport.

5500 Skyway Drive
Suite 120, Manhattan, KS 6650

The Airport Administration Office is located at:

5490 Skyway Drive
Manhattan, KS 66503

Sunday through Saturday
3 am to Midnight

Hertz Rent-A-Car and Enterprise, National and Alamo operate businesses out of the main Airport terminal at 5500 Skyway Drive in Manhattan. You may contact them at the following phone numbers:

• Hertz: 800-654-3131 or 785-539-0261
• Enterprise, National and Alamo: 800-736-8222 or 785-537-0557

You can contact Uber or Lyft.

No, once the terminal closes, no one is permitted to remain inside.

The terminal opens at 3 am and remains open until the last flight arrives. Closing hours may vary based on flight times.

Incoming Warriors in transition should dial 785-240-5144, and incoming soldiers who need transportation to Fort Riley should dial 785-239-2119.

Go to the Airport Information tab and select Employment Opportunities to view the current positions available.

The maximum daily rate is $5 per day for each vehicle.

Yes, the first hour is free.

After the first free hour, there is an hourly rate that starts at $1 and then increases by $1 per hour until the daily maximum is achieved. For instance:

• First hour: free
• Second hour: $1
• Third hour: $2
• Fourth hour: $3
• Fifth hour: $4
• Sixth hour and greater is the daily maximum of $5

Yes. If a customer pulls and then loses a ticket, the only way to exit will be to pay a "lost ticket fee" of $100.

If you find your ticket after exiting, or if you provide additional paperwork, you may present this information to justify a refund/adjustment. Items to provide that will help make your case include your airline itinerary and/or your rental car contract. Please call the Airport Administration Office to discuss a refund. The Administration Office is open:

Monday through Thursday
8 am to noon
1 pm to 5 pm

Friday 8 am to noon

Closed weekends and holidays

This must be done within ten calendar days of the date the lost ticket fee was paid.

There are three options to pay. You may pay at the gate as you exit, use the pay machine located inside the terminal or pay with the ParkMobile App.

Yes, there's an app for that. It's called ParkMobile and can be found in the app store.

Any vehicle considered abandoned is subject to ticket and tow.

No, all lots are considered the same, will have the same rates, and are first- come, first-served.

There is a button on the exit machine you can push for assistance. Airport staff will be called and will be able to assist you.

For frequent travelers, complete the Parking Rewards Program form.

Call Airport Administration at 785-587-4597 for corporate accounts.

A 5% discount is available to all active, retired and military dependents. Contact Airport Administration at 785-587-4597 to receive a voucher.

Hours are:

Monday through Thursday
8 am to noon
1 pm to 5 pm

Fridays
8 am to noon

The airport is closed weekends and holidays.

Free parking is available for qualifying disabled veterans in accordance with K.S.A. 8-161. Visit the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), Division of Vehicles to see if you may be eligible for free parking. A current and valid disabled veteran license plate issued by the KDOR must be displayed, and a current and valid disabled identification card issued by the KDOR must be presented.

Please see the sample: Disabled Veteran Kansas Tag and Identification Card (PDF). Contact Airport Administration at 785-587-4597 for additional information.

Hours are:

Monday through Friday
8 am to noon
1 pm to 5 pm

Friday
8 am to noon

Closed weekends and holidays

Any TNC (Transportation Network Company) looking to do business at the Airport must contact Airport Administration at 785-587-4560 to establish an agreement. There will be a preferred waiting area for TNC vehicles to stage prior to pick-up.

Yes, Uber and Lyft or any other TNC will be able to pick up and drop off at the Airport.

All visitors are subject to the same parking rules as everyone else, unless a parking permit is coordinated in advance with the organization you are visiting.

Enjoy a moderate hike with occasional steep climbs, uneven footing, and narrow pathways. To protect the trail and hikers, the trail is occasionally closed during wet conditions or controlled burning. If the trail is closed due to unforeseen circumstances (extreme weather, damage, burning, etc.), we will notify you of the closure and refund your registration. 

• Yes! Bringing children to the tallgrass prairie to increase their understanding of this remarkable ecosystem and instilling a sense of place and pride in their environment is a goal of the Konza Environmental Education Program and the Discovery Center.
• The trails are not stroller-friendly. Please see the information above about the terrain and exertion expectation of each hike to make the best judgement for your child(ren).
• If your child needs a car seat to travel, please feel free to register and caravan or join us at the trailhead as we are unable to accommodate anything larger than a booster seat in our van.

• There is a porta-potty at the trail head and a second one near the Hokanson Homestead area. Otherwise, there are no bathroom facilities.
• Bring your own water and snacks.
• The only trash cans are at the trail head and at the composting toilet (at the Hokanson Homestead - about 1/2 way on The Nature Trail).
• Always remain on designated roads and trails.
• Collection or removal of flowers, rocks, feathers, or other materials from the Konza Prairie is not allowed.
• No pets are allowed.
• Trails are not wheelchair or stroller friendly.

• Konza Prairie Biological Station (KPBS) is a 3,487-hectare native tallgrass prairie preserve jointly owned by The Nature Conservancy and Kansas State University. The vast majority of Konza Prairie, and the surrounding landscape, has not been plowed and retains its native characteristics.
• KPBS is primarily a university-operated research facility and is private property, so most of the site is off limits to the public. However, because KPBS and The Nature Conservancy (the landowner) feels that it is important to provide a venue for the public to learn about the endangered tallgrass ecosystem, there are publicly accessible hiking trails available from dawn to dusk, weather and trail conditions permitting.

Visit the Konza Prairie Nature Trail website.

Visit the Konza Prairie Nature Trail Facebook page.

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between plants, helping them grow and reproduce. Common pollinators include birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, small mammals, and bees. They help sustain ecosystems and produce natural resources. Healthy pollinator populations lead to a natural environment that flourishes.

Pollen moves from the anther to the stigma. The anther is the male part of the plant and the stigma is the female part. The flower produces seeds or fruit, which allows more plants to grow later. Pollinators carry pollen on their bodies, helping it travel farther and reach more plants.

Most plants need help with pollination. Pollinators help with the growth of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Pollinators support plant growth, which helps clean the air and support other wildlife.

One way to help is to plant pollinator-friendly plants in your garden. Avoid using pesticides or herbicides that kill pollinator plants or animals. Add natural habitat spaces into lawns, urban parks, or farmland. Another way to help is to support farmers and beekeepers by purchasing local honey and vegetables. Ultimately, spread the word about pollinators to your friends and family!

'Bio' means 'life' and 'Blitz' means "to do something quickly and intensively." Together they make 'BioBlitz' – a collaborative race against the clock to discover as many species as possible within a set location during a defined time period.

A BioBlitz usually comprises a group of scientists, naturalists, park staff and other members of the public working together. As an informal and fun way to create a snapshot of the variety of life found in an area, these events provide an opportunity for participants to learn together and share their expertise and enthusiasm for nature. BioBlitzes make engaging with science easy and fun while raising awareness about the role of biological recording. They also give the public an opportunity to contribute to a genuine scientific survey. A BioBlitz can be carried out anywhere that there is wildlife, including urban and rural areas or inland and coastal locations.

The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a national effort for people to find and document pollinator-friendly plants and pollinators across the country in partnership with their local park and recreation agency. It's a national campaign to see who can make the most observations, engage the most people and promote pollinator awareness and education. The results not only make an impact for awareness of pollinators nationally and for those who participate, but they also help agencies know what pollinator and plant species are in their parks and help them plan for how to protect them and promote biodiversity.

The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz will be utilizing the iNaturalist platform. This platform allows our complied results to be shared and calculated up to a national page within the platform and will show the collective impact for this event.

To follow our local observations, visit the Parks for Pollinators 2024: City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation link.

To participate, simply download the Seek by iNaturalist app on your smartphone and start exploring the pollinators in your area!

On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, Manhattan voters approved a 10-year, 0.25% sales tax to fund identified indoor and outdoor recreation and trail improvements in the community. View the Official Election Report (PDF) and media coverage of the vote:

• Indoor recreation facilities will be constructed at Anthony and Eisenhower Middle Schools
• Improvements will be made to CiCo Park's baseball/softball fields, tennis courts and trails
• Gaps in trail connectivity will be addressed

The total cost of the projects is $27.5 million. The city intends to stagger construction of the projects in order to avoid financing costs and use all revenue collected for construction so more amenities can be included. It is estimated the 0.25% sales tax will generate $2.75 million annually for 10 years.

A previous 0.25% quality of life sales tax ended on March 31, 2018. The current sales tax began April 1, 2018, resulting in no change to the city's 8.95% sales tax. For the effect on your pocketbook, 25 cents of every $100 spent goes toward these improvements - think of a $100 grocery bill.

Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:30 pm with last pour at 7:50 pm.

Tickets holds must present their valid ID (driver's license, passport, real ID) for entry. All attendees must be 21 years or older. Infants, children, and other under 21 year are not permitted. No need to present your ticket QR code or email confirmation; verification is simply confirmed by matching ID to a master guest list.

All attendees must be 21 years or older to enter, even if they are not drinking beer. Infants, children, and others under 21 years of age are not permitted. Attendees need to present their Ticketspice ticket QR code (printed or on smart device) at the time of entry with a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or real ID) for proof of age of 21 years or older.

All tickets are $65 per attendee, regardless of alcohol drinking, non-drinking attendee, and designated drivers. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Sunset Zoo does not condone the resell of tickets to any fundraising event and caution the public to be weary of reseller scams. If you believe you have been scammed by a ticket reseller notify your bank or credit card company immediately and submit a report at scam to USA.gov . If you wish to purchase reseller tickets online from an unknown source, you may contact Sunset Zoo and confirm validity of the original buyer. There are no physical tickets to this event.

Parking is available in the Zoo's main lot, along Oak Street and in the field to the east. Sunset Zoo wants all guests to get home safe. Guests are encouraged to assign a designated driver, carpool, or utilize transportation apps like Lyft or Uber to get home safely. Brew at the Zoo guests may leave their vehicles overnight and retrieve them by 5 pm on Saturday, September, 27, 2025.

Dress is business casual; keep in mind you will be strolling the Zoo 26-acre park throughout the event, so comfortable shoes are encouraged.

Brew at the Zoo is held rain or shine and is a fundraiser for Sunset Zoo's conservation efforts. As such, refunds are not offered. Your donation supports the Zoo and its efforts to "inspire conservation of the natural world."

All tickets must be purchased via TicketSpice. If you need help with the software, reach out to the zoo guest services team at 785-587-2737 during regular business hours and we will walk you through purchasing online. The link will take you to an external website that is not maintained by Sunset Zoo and Friends of Sunset Zoo, not the City of Manhattan. The City of Manhattan cannot control the context of the external website and assumes no responsibility for the information that is found there. The provision of this link should be construed as an endorsement or sponsorship of the external website, its contents, or its hosts.

Sunset Zoo is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vape-free park. A designated smoking area is located outside of the Zoo's entry gate in the parking lot 20 feet or father from the entrance due to Riley county law.

If there are tickets available after 5:00pm on Saturday, September 26, 2025, when the gates opens for the event at in increased rate Visit the Sunset Zoo website and Sunset Zoo's social media platforms for updates and if Brew at the Zoo tickets are sold out.

Brew at the Zoo is held rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges are available. If it rains, it will still be fun, but we may have to move a few things around. Guest are encouraged to bring umbrellas and ponchos if rain is expected.

This event will have an professional event photographer taking photos through the day. These photos are for Sunset Zoo use only and may appear on the Sunset Zoo website, social media outlets, or other future Sunset Zoo promotional/marketing material. By virtue of your attendance, you agree to usage of your likeness in such media.

Visit Sunset Zoo's Code of Conduct Policy page to learn more!

There are no physical tickets. No matter the payment option, once the purchase is processed through the TicketSpice website, the ticket buyer will receive an order confirmation. On the day of the event, simply present your valid ID (driver's license, passport, or real ID) at the ticket booth for entry. No need to print out or present any confirmation emails, zoo staff will have a master list of guests.

Sunset Zoo does not condone the resell of tickets to any fundraising event and cautions the public to be weary of reseller scams. If you believe you have been scammed by a ticket reseller, notify your bank or credit card company immediately and submit a report at scan report . If you wish to purchase reseller tickets online from an unknown source, contact Sunset Zoo at 785-587-2737 and zoo staff can confirm validity of original buyer and order. There are no physical tickets to this event, only a master list of guests generated by Eventbrite.

There are a few signs that indicate a reseller online is a scam:

• The seller asks for a deposit or wired money such as Venmo.
• Cannot provide a Eventbrite order confirmation number confirmed by Sunset Zoo staff.
• Uses imperfect language or chatbot language.
• Uses a sense of urgency.
• Ticket seller does not reside or leave near Manhattan, Kansas. For example, the seller lives out of state.

If you created an Eventbrite account, you can access your order anytime to update any information on a ticket(s). If you purchased tickets as a guest on Eventbrite or in person at Sunset Zoo, please call Sunset Zoo at 785-587-2737 and staff can manually update ticket names.

Attendees must be 21 to enter, even if you are not drinking wine. Guests must present valid ID or driver's license at entry. Infants, children, and other under 21 years old will not be permitted.

Parking is available in the Zoo's main lot, in the field to the east, and the Manhattan High School side parking lot. Carpooling is encouraged.

Dress is business casual; keep in mind you will be strolling the Zoo throughout the event.

Wine in the Wild is held rain or shine and is a fundraiser for the Zoo. As such, refunds are not offered. Your donation supports the Zoo and its efforts to "Inspire Conservation of the Natural World."

Yes, to pay with cash or check you must do so in person at the Zoo's ticket booth starting April 20, 2024 during regular business hours. Tickets must be paid in full at the time of purchase. Sunset Zoo's cannot accept card sales for Wine in the Wild – all card sales (major credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, and PayPal) must be completed through Eventbrite.com.

All event guests are permitted to leave their vehicle overnight. All vehicles must be picked up the next day by 5 pm. Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Sunset Zoo will be open to the public at 9:30 am and close early at 1 pm to set up for the event. The Expedition Café concession stand will be closed on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

In 1933 the City of Manhattan purchased a tract of land called Sunset Cemetery. Portions of this land were deemed unusable because the soil was too rocky for cemetery plots and this area became Sunset Zoo.

Over the years, Sunset Zoo has completed several exciting expansion projects, including new exhibits and facility improvements. To see what’s planned for the future, check out Sunset Zoo's Master Plan.

Guests can view a variety of animals in the octa-viewers, including Marine Toads, located in the Rotunda and assorted animals in the Wild Wonders Room, including Indian Star Tortoises, Domestic Ferret, Virginia Opossum, and more!

Yes, Sunset Zoo offers a variety of rental opportunities including spaces in the Nature Exploration Center with multi-purpose classrooms, Expedition Asia Overlook Pavilion, and the Historic Limestone Pavilion for your next party, celebration, rehearsal, or wedding. Contact SunsetZoo@cityofmhk.com for details or call 785-587-2737 for a consultation.

Sunset Zoo offers several volunteer opportunities for teens and adults. Visit the Sunset Zoo's website to complete an online volunteer application and a zoo staff member will be in touch. For more information, visit the volunteer page. 

Click here to see open positions at Sunset Zoo. You will be directed to the City of Manhattan's Job Opportunities page with detailed job descriptions available. There are a variety of opportunities in the zoo community. To learn more about these careers, visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' website. Also, you can volunteer at your local zoo, the opportunities are endless and the experience will be invaluable in your job search.

Membership to Sunset Zoo is a great value. Basic membership packages range from $35-85! A year-round membership through the Friends of Sunset Zoo includes free zoo admission for a year, discounted admission to over 150 zoos, and more! Visit the membership page to learn more.

Sunset Zoo is open year-round April to October 9:30am to 5:00pm and November to March 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Sunset Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas day, New Year's day, and Employee Training Days.

Open the email from PassPlay from PassPlay Account Services, download the PassPlay app, then enter your membership information to log in. Add your digital FOSZ pass to your mobile wallet for easy access!

Starting April 20th, 2024, your FOSZ member digital pass will also become a place where you can earn points and redeem them for free prizes. Open your PassPlay app, select Earn Points, scroll down for a list of current QR codes throughout Sunset Zoo, select Claim Points, point your camera phone at the QR to scan, and automatically earn points!

PassPlay points are tied to your active membership status. If you don’t renew on time, your points will automatically expire. But don’t worry—you can start earning again by scanning the QR codes located throughout the Zoo once you renew!

Find QR codes located in different locations throughout the Zoo and scan them to earn points at each visit. There will also be opportunities for "pop up points" throughout out the year via special events, wonder spots and more! Members can redeem their points at the Concession Stand or Gift Shop for a variety of prizes. Point totals, point location clues, prizes and amount of points to redeem are viewable on your PassPlay digital membership and will change regularly.

Open your PassPlay app. Your main screen will show you how many rewards you have earned to date. Select Redeem Rewards to see all the amazing options for free zoo items! When you are ready to redeem a reward click your reward and present the screen to the zoo attendant at the gift shop or attendant at the concession stand.

FOSZ members having issues scanning the QR codes with the PassPlay app needs to log out of PassPlay, un-install the app, reinstall the app, then log back in due to updates.

Each membership card has a max of five downloads. If you lose your card, go back to the original PassPlay email from PassPlay Account Services and download your card again. If you have reached your max downloads, email Sunset Zoo for assistance.

To reduce our paper and plastic usage, paper FOSZ packets are no longer available. All FOSZ information and benefits are found online.

FOSZ members can view the AZA Reciprocal List document (PDF) or view the AZA Reciprocal Zoo list web page.

FOSZ Members will receive the PassPlay invite email (from PassPlay Account Services) within 10 business day of membership purchase or renewal. Be sure to check your junk or spam folder. FOSZ members can enter Sunset Zoo with their first and last name or present their FOSZ membership receipt until they download their digital membership card.

Sunset Zoo is now 100% digital for Friends of Sunset Zoo memberships! This allows members to use their phone as a membership card, help us reduce our plastic footprint and fuel our conservation efforts.

FOSZ members who don't have a smartphone can utilize their FOSZ membership receipt to enter Sunset Zoo or give the zoo attendant their first and last name.

FOSZ members visiting reciprocal zoos who don't have a smartphone can present their FOSZ membership receipt and ID to enter 100+ partner zoos and aquariums for free or at a discounted rate. Be sure to call before visiting to learn the exact discount you can receive.

Sunset Zoo is open year-round, including the winter. During the colder months, some birds will not be viewable or on exhibit. Most of the animals enjoy the cold and snow and will always have access to behind the scenes dens with access to warm spots, food, and water.

Sunset Zoo’s daily hours align with standard work schedules to ensure the best care for our animals and staff. While we close at 5:00pm, we offer a variety of special events and programs throughout the year that provide opportunities to enjoy the Zoo after hours.

Sunset Zoo's gift shop is open April to October 9:30am to 5:00pm daily and November to March 12:00pm to 5:00pm daily. Visit the Guest Services page for up to date Expedition Café concession business hours.

We do not offer military discounts on daily admission to the Zoo; however, the Friends of Sunset Zoo offers a $5 off discount on select annual memberships. Additionally, we host Military Appreciation Day each November on Veterans Day, offering free admission to active military, retired military, military reserves, gold-star members, and their families.

We do not offer senior discounts on daily admission to the Zoo, however we do offer senior level Friends of Sunset Zoo Memberships.

Wheelchairs are available to rent until supplies last. We do not have electric wheelchairs. Zoo guests are encouraged to bring their own wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs to the park.

Service animals are welcome at Sunset Zoo. Visitors with service animals should notify the presence of a service animal at the time of arrival. Advance notice is appreciated but not required. The care and supervision of service animals on zoo grounds is solely the responsibility of the handler. Other outside animals and pets are not allowed into the zoo or any other city facility. 

Patrons are not allowed to bring the following items onto Sunset Zoo grounds: 

• Bicycles
• Skateboards
• Scooter
• Inline skates
• Sports equipment
• Balloons
• Radio/music devices
• Glass containers
• Hoverboards
• Drones
• Street licensed/gas powered mobility devices
• Pets
• Grills
• Alcohol

Other items may apply. 

Please do not feed Sunset Zoo's animal residents. All the zoo animals are on high-quality diets to ensure a happy, long, healthy life. Feeding opportunities are available, visit Animal Feedings page for details, booking, and pricing.

Guests are welcome to bring outside food and drinks to Sunset Zoo. However, for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, guests cannot bring glass containers, alcohol, and grills onto Zoo grounds. Picnic tables are available at the Historic Limestone Pavilion and near the Expedition Café concession stand, including accessible seating options. Guests are also welcome to relax on the limestone seating at the Chautauqua Amphitheater.

Sunset Zoo offers push wagons, single strollers, and double strollers for rent. Visit the Guest Services page for pricing and details. 

See Something, Say Something! Sunset Zoo staff are present daily throughout the park during regular business hours, but may not see everything you see or hear. If you notice a distressed animal or a guest(s) exhibiting inappropriate behavior towards an animal resident, property, or other guest(s), REPORT IT by calling guest services at 785-587-2737.

Shirts and shoes are required at all times. Guest are required to wear appropriate clothing. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Smoking of any tobacco product, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices are not allowed anywhere on zoo grounds.

Yes, Sunset Zoo has a Caregiver's Room in the Wild Wonders Room located in the Nature Exploration Center. If this room is occupied or unavailable and you need another comfortable space call Sunset Zoo Guest Services at 785-587-2737. 

Sunset Zoo offers group rates for 20 people or more, as well as School and Non-Profit group visit rates with 2-week advance notice required. Visit the Group and School Admission page for details.

Yes, the Sunset Zoo Education Department offers a variety of classes and programs to provide groups, families, and individual an in-person and virtual experience of the natural world. Visit the Education Page for more details. 

All fences, barriers, and gates are for safety and must not be crossed.

Guests may only touch animals in authorized areas during zoo education programs with trained zoo staff present.

Threating or offensive behavior towards animals, guests, or staff, as well as profanity, illegal substances or suggestive clothing and comments are prohibited.

Contact zoo guest services at 785-587-2737 with further questions or comments.

Registrants will receive a full refund if we cancel the program, or we may be able to transfer you to another class. A full refund is granted if request to withdraw is receive one week (seven days) prior to start date; partial refund when requested between one week and at least 48 hours prior to start date and no refund if request is less than 48 hours in advance or failing to show. Participant withdrawals must be received during business hours.

In December 2024, the City Commission passed a cost recovery policy that provides staff with the philosophy and direction in pricing all parks and recreation services.  Due to existing budget constraints and the need to generate additional revenue to reduce the required tax subsidy for operation, a fee has been implemented for the use of the recreation centers.  This fee, is anticipated to capture approximately a 10% increase in cost recovery, reducing the tax subsidy to operate the recreation centers to 65%.

It allows members to access the walking tracks and court usage at Anthony Recreation Center, Eisenhower Recreation Center and Douglass Activity Center during regular open hours.

Manhattan Parks and Recreation intend to leave one court available each week at one of our centers for open play. We do reserve the right to use any of our courts at any time for activities or programs.

No, Fitness Passes will need to be purchased separately.

Yes! We have a daily drop-in fee for $3.

Memberships are not required for spectators of MPRD leagues' practices and games. 

• Parents or guardians will need a membership or to pay the drop-in fee if children come to use courts or the walking track. 
  
• Private organizations that rent the facilities for events, such as basketball or volleyball tournaments, may charge an entry fee for all spectators.  These fees are assessed by the event organizer and not MPRD. 

No, a membership is not required to participate in programs.

A Common Consumption Area (CCA) allows legal patrons to carry and consume alcoholic beverages within the CCA boundaries in compliance with the CCA laws. Put another way, it creates a social drinking area outside of the licensed premises where alcoholic beverages are sold. 

The City of Manhattan has established one CCA in certain public areas of Manhattan’s historic Downtown. The district’s boundaries are described in City Code Chapter 4, Article V, and a boundary map is provided below:

• Boundary Map

The City has marked the boundaries and installed the following signs:  

• Boundary Sign
• Informational Sign

Additional pavement markings at boundaries will also be in place. Please pay attention and stay within the designated CCA. 

The Downtown CCA is operational between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day of the week, all year round. 

It depends upon the business. The Downtown CCA only allows alcoholic beverages to be removed from a participating business. Each business located within the CCA can decide whether to participate in the CCA or to allow you to carry drinks into their businesses.  Look for stickers or signs at each business or ask the business directly about its participation in the CCA. 

No. You may only consume alcoholic beverages in the Downtown CCA that were purchased at a participating business that was approved by the State of Kansas and the City.  

The business must ensure that the alcoholic beverage is in a single-serve, non-glass container that displays the licensee's trade name or logo or other identifying mark that is unique to the business.  

No. It is unlawful to possess an open container or consume an alcoholic beverage inside of a vehicle in the Downtown CCA. 

Yes. The City Manager can suspend participation in the Downtown CCA for special events or conditions or for public safety. Except in the event of an emergency, the City Manager will provide at least 5 days notice to participating businesses.

Not usually. However, the City Manager or the director of the Riley County Police Department may close the streets for special events or conditions, or in the interest of public safety.  

The City of Manhattan holds the State of Kansas permit for the Downtown CCA. 

• Downtown CCA Permit

An on-premise licensee that is located within or immediately adjacent to the Downtown CCA can request permission from both ABC and the City to participate in the Downtown CCA. The licensee must first submit ABC-838 form to ABC and then present the ABC Director’s approval to the City as part of the City’s Downtown CCA participant permit application. The licensee may also ask the City to serve at an additional location known as a “non-contiguous service area” by obtaining a City Downtown CCA Non-Contiguous Service Area permit. The fee for both City permits is $250.  

A licensed caterer may participate in the Downtown CCA only when the caterer is included in a City-approved special event with alcohol that is located entirely within the Downtown CCA. The caterer must comply with the special event permit and state law. 

No. A business is liable for violations of all liquor laws governing the sale and consumption of alcoholic liquor that occurs on its licensed premises.  

If the special event permitholder does not want to allow alcoholic beverages within their special event area, the special event applicant can ask the City to suspend participation in the CCA during the special event. The City will notify licensees of the suspension of their City participation license. 

If the special event permitholder wants to allow alcoholic beverages within their special event area, the Downtown CCA ordinance applies. A licensee can participate through their City Downtown CCA Participant permit and/or a City Non-Contiguous Service Area permit. A licensed caterer may participate in the Downtown CCA only when the caterer is included in a City-approved special event with alcohol. The caterer must comply with the special event permit and state law. 

Please contact the City Manager's Office for more information on special events. (785) 587-2404

For more information about participating in the Downtown CCA or any other questions, please contact the City Manager's Office. 

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Kansas Department of Revenue also publishes guidance for Common Consumption Areas.   

Starting January 1, 2026, the Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) will be launching several updates to the membership program including consolidating two membership categories into a new category, adding a new family level membership benefit (ACM Reciprocal Network), and revised pricing for membership levels.

Updated membership fees and benefits will start on Thursday, January 1, 2026. 

We are adjusting our membership categories and rates to ensure all FHDC members can continue to participate in the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Travel Passport Program. Starting January 1, 2026, the ASTC is requiring that all qualifying memberships meet new minimum price requirements for individual and group memberships.  We chose to update our membership pricing to meet these new requirements and ensure all FHDC members continue to get free or reduced access to more than 350 science centers through the Passport Program.

Beginning on January 1, 2026, all Family, Family Plus, and Patron Level memberships (Blue Earth, Flint Hills, or Horizon) will receive the added benefit of the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Network.  This powerful feature gives you 50% off general admission for up to six (6) people at 200 children's museums across the United States.  The FHDC card holder must be present for discounted admission.  A photo ID may be required.

To access this benefit, you must have a red “R” sticker applied to your physical membership card. Anyone with a qualifying membership prior to January 1 must visit the FHDC to receive the program sticker for their membership card after January 1. All qualifying memberships sold after January 1 will have the sticker applied automatically. 

This network includes several regional attractions including the Wonder Workshop Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center of Topeka, Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City, Lincoln Children’s Museum, Omaha Children’s Museum, and the Scott Family Amazeum. 

Learn more and see the full list.

The Dual and the Individual Plus memberships will no longer be available for purchase and we will automatically upgrade these memberships to the new Dual Plus membership through the expiration date currently listed on the account. 

Dual – You can still purchase this membership type until December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, your membership will roll into our Dual Plus membership with added benefits at no additional charge.

Individual Plus – You can still purchase this type until December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, your membership will roll into our Dual Plus membership with added benefits at no additional charge.

If you currently have the Individual Plus or the Family Plus membership, please reach out to the FHDC on or after January 1, 2026, to add the additional named person to your account and get cards reprinted.

If you currently have the Dual and plan to use ASTC Travel Passport Program benefits, on or after January 1, 2026, you may request a card reprint of your new Dual Plus membership level so your membership will continue to be in compliance with the new ASTC Travel Passport Program guidelines.

If you have a Family, Family Plus, or Patron Level (Blue Earth, Flint Hills, or Horizon), request an Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) “R” sticker for your membership card to use the reciprocal network.

If you have a current membership of any type, we are happy to transition you to a new membership type.  To get the full value of your current membership, we will start the new membership after the farthest expiration date on your current membership.

No. The Family, Family Plus, and Patron level memberships are the only qualifying memberships for the Association of Children's Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network. You would need to change membership type to qualify.

Yes. The 10% military discount on the Family and Family Plus memberships are still available to active duty, reserve military, veterans, and Gold Star Families (in-person sales only, with qualifying ID).

Call 785-587-2726 or visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center and we can get this corrected. New membership cards will be sent in the mail.

Please call 785-587-2726 or visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center to learn how to get the best value transitioning your current membership.