A field trip to the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Kansas, immerses students in the rich history, science, and culture of the Flint Hills region. This interactive learning center offers a dynamic experience where students can explore exhibits showcasing the biodiversity, geology, and heritage of the tallgrass prairie. Admission includes access to the permanent and temporary exhibit galleries, a 15-minute 4-D film, ‘Tallgrass Prairie: Tides of Time’, and grade-appropriate scavenger hunts to encourage deeper engagement. Students can also enjoy the outdoor interpretive terrace for a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape.
Educators looking to enhance the field trip experience can add a curriculum-based education program led by a staff educator. These 45- to 60-minute programs align with state curriculum standards and provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning that complements classroom lessons. Teachers receive full lesson plans with pre- and post-visit activities to extend learning beyond the field trip. Whether students are discovering ecology, history, or cultural heritage, the Flint Hills Discovery Center offers an engaging and immersive educational experience that connects them to the natural and human stories of the tallgrass prairie.
