Blue Earth Plaza - Image 1
1 / 3

Blue Earth Plaza

4.7
·251 reviews·Manhattan, United States

A modern city square featuring a striking fireplace and music-synchronized water features, transforming into a magical light display during holidays.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Water features are active

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Blue Earth Plaza - Image 1

Blue Earth Plaza

Best Time

Summer evenings

Water features are active

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern city square featuring a striking fireplace and music-synchronized water features, transforming into a magical light display during holidays.

4.7
(251 reviews)

"The Festival of Lights is awesome..... Good time to spend with family riding Horse Charriots, taking pics with Santa or just hang out taking pics of the decor...."

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Water Features 💧

Check if the water features are running before you go; they can be out of order.

Holiday Lights Spectacle ✨

The Festival of Lights is a must-see during winter, offering a festive family experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Musical Water Fountains

Musical Water Fountains

Central Plaza

Watch water dance to music in a dazzling synchronized display. A summer delight for kids and adults alike!

The Grand Fireplace

The Grand Fireplace

Central Plaza

A striking modern fireplace that adds warmth and ambiance, especially during cooler evenings.

Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights

Throughout the Plaza

Experience a magical holiday transformation with stunning light displays and festive cheer.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Check Water Feature Status

The iconic synchronized water features are a major draw, but reviews indicate they can be broken. Confirm they're operational before your visit, especially during peak seasons like Memorial Day weekend. Reddit

Holiday Magic is Real

If visiting during the holidays, don't miss the Festival of Lights. It's a beloved local tradition with festive decor and activities for all ages. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Water features are active
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday season
Why
Magical Festival of Lights
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Thanksgiving weekend

Confirm Water Features 💧

Check if the water features are running before you go; they can be out of order. Reddit

Holiday Lights Spectacle ✨

The Festival of Lights is a must-see during winter, offering a festive family experience. Reddit

Kid-Friendly Fun 🧸

There's a play area that grandkids enjoyed, making it great for families. Reddit

Explore Local Dining 🍽️

Combine your visit with exploring local eateries and bars around the plaza. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Water Features 💧

Check if the water features are running before you go; they can be out of order. Reddit

Holiday Lights Spectacle ✨

The Festival of Lights is a must-see during winter, offering a festive family experience. Reddit

Kid-Friendly Fun 🧸

There's a play area that grandkids enjoyed, making it great for families. Reddit

Explore Local Dining 🍽️

Combine your visit with exploring local eateries and bars around the plaza. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(251 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Blue Earth Plaza is praised for its modern design, especially the fireplace and festive holiday lights. Visitors enjoy the synchronized water features when operational and the family-friendly play area. However, some disappointment arises when the water features are broken, impacting the experience.

"Went to the dock diving competition. A nice venue. Play area for grandkids."

Rhonda Roberts

"This place is always a joy to visit during the holidays. Seeing as this is my hometown I always love coming back to visit especially at Christmas time. Manhattan takes great pride in keeping up its appearances, creating a festive environment and ensuring all people whether you live in Manhattan or just visiting Manhattan enjoy their experience here. The Festival of Lights is fun for the whole family and gets better each holiday season. Please stop by not just for the festival of lights but also to take in the sights, enjoy some local dining, bars, the discovery center, and visit K-state university and Fort Riley while your are here. As always Happy travels-A"

A Ruiz

"I was very disappointed.

I stayed at the candlewood suites many times while in town for work and have told my wife about the plaza and the cool water features.

We decided to travel down from Seward, Ne. To stay at the same hotel and enjoy the water features I had been telling her about. But they were not running (broken ) on memorial Day weekend during our visit.

We found many other things to do, but I was really very bummed about this. Is there any timeline that it will be fixed?

AK"

Alan Kortmeyer

What People Like

Festive holiday lights
Modern fireplace
Water features (when working)

What People Dislike

Water features being broken

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Blue Earth Plaza is centrally located in Manhattan, Kansas. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation routes may also serve the area, though specific details would require checking local transit schedules. Reddit

Yes, there are typically parking facilities available near the plaza. It's advisable to check for any specific event parking restrictions or recommendations. Reddit

If you are staying in downtown Manhattan, the plaza is likely within walking distance. It's a central hub for the city. Reddit

The plaza is designed with modern features, suggesting good accessibility. However, it's always best to confirm specific accessibility details if needed. Reddit

Using GPS navigation with 'Blue Earth Plaza, Manhattan, KS' should lead you directly to the location. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Blue Earth Plaza is a public space, so generally, no tickets are required for entry. Enjoying the grounds and water features is free. Reddit

As an outdoor public plaza, it's typically accessible at all hours. However, specific features like the fireplace or water fountains may have operational times. Reddit

The Festival of Lights is usually a free community event, though some associated activities might have a small charge. Reddit

While the plaza is a public space, inquire with the local parks and recreation department for any possibilities of booking private events or areas. Reddit

General public space rules apply. Be respectful of the area and other visitors. Specific event rules may be in place during festivals. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the modern fireplace, the music-synchronized water features, and during the holidays, the spectacular Festival of Lights. There's also a play area for children. Reddit+1

Unfortunately, reviews suggest the water features can sometimes be broken and may not be operational, even during peak times like Memorial Day weekend. It's best to check ahead if this is a priority. Reddit

In the summer, the highlight is the water features, which kids often enjoy playing in. The plaza is also a pleasant spot for a stroll. Reddit

Families can enjoy the play area, the water features (when operational), and the festive atmosphere, especially during the Festival of Lights. Reddit

Yes, the modern design, fireplace, and especially the light displays during the holidays offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Blue Earth Plaza itself is a city square and doesn't typically have restaurants within it. However, it's surrounded by local dining options. Reddit

The area around the plaza offers a variety of local dining, including bars and eateries, catering to different tastes. Reddit

Picnics are generally welcome in public plazas, but it's always good to check for any specific local ordinances regarding outside food. Reddit

You can likely find cafes and coffee shops in the vicinity of the plaza, perfect for a pre or post-visit refreshment. Reddit

The open space of the plaza makes it a pleasant spot for a picnic, especially on a nice day. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The modern fireplace, the synchronized water features, and the overall architectural design offer great photo opportunities. During the holidays, the Festival of Lights is a prime subject. Reddit

Absolutely! The illuminated fireplace and the Festival of Lights create a stunning backdrop for night photography. Reddit

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can be beautiful for capturing the plaza's architecture. Evenings are spectacular with the lights and water features. Reddit

Drone usage in public spaces is often regulated. It's essential to check local FAA and city ordinances before flying a drone over Blue Earth Plaza. Reddit

During the Festival of Lights, there are often opportunities for photos with Santa and other festive decorations. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Blue Earth Plaza offers a great outing for families. The dedicated play area is a hit with younger children, providing a space for them to burn off energy. Reddit When the water features are operational, they are a major source of entertainment, with kids often enjoying splashing around them. Reddit During the holidays, the Festival of Lights is a magical experience for all ages, complete with festive decorations and potential visits with Santa. Reddit

Consider visiting during the summer evenings when the water features are most likely to be active. For a truly enchanting experience, plan a trip during the holiday season to witness the spectacular Festival of Lights. Remember to check the status of the water features beforehand if they are a key attraction for your family. Reddit+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The modern architecture of Blue Earth Plaza, including its striking fireplace, provides excellent subjects for photography year-round. Reddit The real magic for photographers, however, happens during the holiday season with the Festival of Lights. The elaborate light displays offer stunning opportunities for both daytime and nighttime shots, creating a vibrant and festive portfolio. Reddit

Evenings are particularly rewarding, as the illuminated fireplace and the synchronized water features (when active) add dynamic elements to your photos. The plaza's design is inherently photogenic, making it a rewarding location for capturing unique urban landscapes and seasonal celebrations. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Strollers & Walkers

Blue Earth Plaza is an ideal destination for those who enjoy leisurely walks. Its well-maintained grounds and open courtyards offer a pleasant environment for a relaxed stroll. Reddit The plaza's central location makes it easily accessible, and it's a great spot to combine with exploring the surrounding downtown area, which includes local shops and dining options. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a peaceful daytime walk or an evening stroll to admire the illuminated fireplace, the plaza provides a welcoming atmosphere. It's a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the urban landscape at your own pace. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of the Water Features

The music-synchronized water features are a central attraction at Blue Earth Plaza, designed to delight visitors with a dynamic interplay of water and sound. These features are particularly popular during warmer months, offering a refreshing and entertaining spectacle for all ages. However, traveler feedback indicates that their operational status can be inconsistent, with reports of them being broken even during busy periods like Memorial Day weekend. Reddit

It's advisable for visitors planning a trip specifically to see the water features to confirm their functionality beforehand. This might involve checking local community forums, social media updates from the city, or contacting the local parks department. Despite potential maintenance issues, when working, they are a significant draw and a highlight of the plaza's modern design. Reddit

When operational, the water features provide a lively atmosphere, especially during evening hours when they can be combined with the plaza's ambient lighting. They serve as a focal point for gatherings and a playful space for children, embodying the plaza's role as a vibrant community hub.

Experiencing the Festival of Lights

During the holiday season, Blue Earth Plaza transforms into a winter wonderland with its renowned Festival of Lights. This event is a cherished local tradition, drawing families and visitors to experience the festive spirit of Manhattan. The plaza is adorned with elaborate light displays, creating a magical and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the holidays. Reddit

Visitors can expect a range of activities during the festival, often including opportunities for photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, and simply enjoying the dazzling decorations. It's a popular time for community members and tourists alike to gather, take memorable pictures, and soak in the cheerful ambiance. The festival consistently receives praise for its growing scale and festive execution, making it a must-visit during the winter months. Reddit

The Festival of Lights not only provides a visually stunning experience but also fosters a strong sense of community. It's a time when Manhattan truly shines, offering a heartwarming and engaging holiday celebration for everyone. The event underscores the city's commitment to creating memorable experiences for its residents and visitors. Reddit

Modern Design and Ambiance

Blue Earth Plaza stands out with its contemporary architectural design, featuring clean lines and modern amenities. A prominent element is the large, striking fireplace, which adds a unique focal point and a cozy ambiance, particularly during cooler evenings. This design choice contributes to the plaza's appeal as a gathering space that is both visually interesting and comfortable. Reddit

The plaza's layout is intended to be inviting, with open courtyards and well-maintained grounds that encourage leisurely strolls and relaxation. The integration of elements like the fireplace and the water features (when active) showcases a thoughtful approach to urban public space design, aiming to provide both aesthetic pleasure and functional enjoyment for visitors. Reddit

Beyond the main features, the plaza is surrounded by local shops and dining establishments, enhancing its role as a vibrant hub within the city. This integration of public space with commercial activity creates a dynamic environment that draws people for various reasons, from casual visits to enjoying local culture and cuisine. Reddit

You may also like