Weddings at Flint Hills Discovery Center

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A Unique Venue in Downtown Manhattan, Kansas

The Flint Hills Discovery Center offers couples an one-of-a-kind venue that showcases the natural beauty of the Flint Hills. Whether it's an intimate or grand affair, the facility provides both indoor and outdoor locations to create your perfect wedding celebration. Our spaces can be customized to your event needs and number of guests.

Your wedding guests will also enjoy exclusive, after-hours access to our interactive and state-of-the-art exhibits, providing fun for all ages. And the downtown area is the perfect location, with several hotels within walking distance of our venue.

Need Assistance? Want to See More Pictures?
Our knowledgeable staff are here to help. Contact Jonathan Mertz, Event Supervisor, at 785-587-2726 ext. 5607 or by email. You can also visit our Rental Venues page or our Pinterest to learn more and see pictures of previous events.

COVID-19 Information

Click to view the COVID-19 NOTICE FOR RENTALS/RESERVATIONS
Due to COVID-19 restrictions for rentals, capacity will be temporarily limited to the following:

Flint Hills Room- 33
Blue Earth Room- 41
Full Building/Exhibit Space- 375
Union Pacific Depot- 67

These numbers are subject to change based on the most recent Riley County Health Department order restrictions.

Wedding Amenities

When you host your wedding with us, your rental includes:

On-site event staff to help with your special day
Gorgeous facilities that immerse your guests in the beauty of the Flint Hills
Free parking and no catering fee
Tables and chairs provided with basic set up
Several hotels within walking distance
A LEED Certified Green Building

Guest restrooms are located on the first and second floors. Renters also have access to guest elevator and catering kitchen with microwave and refrigerator (no stove). Free Wi-Fi is located throughout the facility and AV accommodations are available in some spaces. Trash and recycling services are provided.

Wedding Pricing & Packages

Rental includes access to the event spaces listed below. Renter is responsible for linens and decorations. Alcohol may be served. An approved caterer is required for events with more than 75 guests or a cash bar.

Full Building	Includes access to rooftop terrace, two private dressing rooms, all exhibit space, theater, children’s play area, entry atrium, and balconies. Availability: Seven hour time slot between 5:00 PM and midnight with earlier access to some areas Capacity: 240 seated, 500 standing Fee: $2,500 Saturday, $2,000 Sunday through Friday
Exhibit Space	Includes access to exhibit space, theater, children’s play area, entry atrium, and balcony. Availability: Any three hour time slot between 5:00 PM and midnight and may be extended at an hourly rate Capacity: 200 seated, 500 standing Fee: $1,300 three hour rental, $200 per additional hours
Prairie Garden Terrace and Trail	Planted in prairie grasses and flowers with views of Manhattan. Private dressing rooms may be included for additional fee. Availability: 4:00 PM to midnight Capacity: 150 seated, 200 standing Fee: $300 per hour
Private Rooms	Available as dressing rooms. Can be rented in addition for rehearsal dinners or showers. Availability: 10:00 AM to midnight Capacity: 48 seated, 55 standing Fee: $50 per hour, $25 per hour after hours fee
Additional Fees	$100 alcohol fee (if served at event) $0 to $300 refundable damage deposit

Additional Venue Options
The Flint Hills Discovery Center also coordinates rentals at nearby Blue Earth Plaza and the Union Pacific Depot. These facilities are available for wedding rentals, whether on their own or in compliment to your Flint Hills Discovery Center wedding package. Contact us to learn more.

Catering

Events of 75 guests or more or events with cash bars must use an approved caterer. There is no catering fee. View a list of our approved caterers. For information on becoming an approved caterer, contact our Events Supervisor, Jonathan Mertz, at 785-587-2726 ext. 5607 or by email.

Alcohol is permitted at events, so long as it is in accordance with our facility usage guidelines and all city, state, and federal laws. An alcohol fee and refundable damage deposit may be charged for these events.

Get Started Planning Your Special Day

Submit an online interest form to inquire about availability and pricing. Once received, a member of our staff will contact you to confirm details and discuss options. You can also contact our Event Supervisor, Jonathan Mertz, directly at 785-587-2726 ext. 5607 or by email.