Nestled between the southeast periphery of Kansas State University where Bluemont
Avenue becomes Anderson Avenue, you will discover a six-square block of entertainment,
the district is known as Aggieville.
Prior to 1898, students at the Kansas State Agricultural College (now known as Kansas
State University) had to purchase their textbooks downtown, which, in the age before
the automobile, was inconvenient due to distance and often, mud-soaked roads. The
college decided to build a student bookstore and dining facility closer to campus.
Following a political upheaval within the college’s Board of Regents, a group of students
formed the Student Co-Operative Association and purchased the bookstore. That bookstore would serve as the cornerstone for a developing shopping district that
catered specifically to college students. Over time, the area would come to be called
Aggieville, after the school's mascot, the Kansas State Agricultural College Aggies.
Even when the school's mascot was changed to the Kansas State Wildcats, the name
“Aggieville” stuck.
After World War I, Aggieville experienced enormous growth. Trolley lines were built and
later paved over during the car boom of the 1940s. In the 1950s, bars, and restaurants
began to develop and over the next 30 years, Aggieville would become known as an
entertainment and dining district.
With the hiring of Jon Wefald as Kansas State University's new president in 1986,
enrollment at the college nearly doubled over the next 20 years and with the increased
student population, Aggieville saw a new boom in all types of businesses: shops, bars
and eateries. Today, Kansas’s oldest shopping district is home to almost 100
businesses and numerous community celebrations that offer something for every type
of person.
While in Aggieville, be sure to explore the bold flavors at a variety of eating venues
throughout the "Ville. Head to Taco Lucha’s for a hometown favorite of raspberry black
bean dip or stop in at So Long Saloon for tasty burgers and the Nancy, their signature
drink. K-State fans are likely to head to Kite's for a great burger and relish in the K-State
decor that depicts the long history the Land Grant University holds. You may also find K-
Staters grabbing a pre-game sandwich at Rock-A-Belly Deli and enjoying their quaint
alley space on a sunny afternoon.
If shopping is your past-time, be sure to stop by ACME Gift for your treasured souvenirs
or grab a custom printed t-shirt at Thread. Stop by Sisters of Sound Record Store for
vinyl records, CDs, turntables guitar strings, and all your other musical needs. If you're
needing some K-State gear, be sure to stop at Rally House which is located in the
former bookstore that started it all!
Some of the most infamous annual events include the Mayor's Holiday Parade, St.
Patrick's Day Parade & Road Race, K-State Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally, Trick
or Treat the ‘Ville, Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5K, and the Manhattan High School Reunion held each Summer. For those looking for something to do ‘after-hours,’ you’ll
want to check out Auntie Mae’s for trivia nights and live music. If you brought your
boots, stop by Dirty Dawgs for some two-stepping, and grab a late-night hand-dipped
corn dog, the Mac ‘N Cheese Grilled Cheese (try it with bacon and sriracha), or a hot
donut from The Varsity Truck located in the alley behind Varsity Donuts.
Whether you’re playing for a day, planning an overnight stay at the Bluemont Hotel or
making Manhattan your new home, the ever-changing landscape of Aggieville will be
sure to capture your heart and leave you wanting to explore a little bit more!
