In April 2012, the City of Manhattan will open the Flint Hills Discovery
Center, a 35,000 squarefoot facility that will celebrate the science and cultural history of the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The mission of the FHDC is to educate visitors to the unique ecological,
geological, and cultural history of the Flint Hills, to inspire them to explore this important eco-system first hand, and to become better stewards of this unique place. The Center is an interactive experience with video theatres and exhibits that will enrich your knowledge of this valuable natural resource. A delicious, homecooked lunch is included today at the Friendship House in Wamego, KS with its lovely city park in full bloom. Then off to tour the Plumlee Buffalo Ranch, take a wagon ride out to the pasture, of native prairie grass to see the herd. The bull Samson is ten years old and weighs approximately 2800 pounds! Learn about buffalo, what they eat, how they act and how they are different from other beef cattle. We’ll even see the many new babies! They are very curious animals and love to have their pictures taken. Go through the corrals and sorting pens and learn how the ranchers get the buffalo in and sort them when necessary. We’ll experience the many beautiful wildflowers that bloom during the spring in the Flint Hills. Drive thru Kansas State University and get an insider’s view of several campus sites. Make a stop at the KSU Dairy Bar for some included ice cream (over 35 flavors!) and p ick some select meats, cheeses, and other items to take home.