Kansas State University is located in Manhattan in the midst of the scenic Flint Hills region of Kansas (No, contrary to popular stereotypes, it is not flat here). Possessing a unique prairie ecosystem, the Flint Hills offers excellent opportunities for hiking, boating, and other forms of outdoor recreation. Manhattan is within easy driving distance (2 hours) of Kansas City which offers jazz, art, & professional sports, among other attractions. Manhattan is also located 8 hours east of Denver and the Rocky Mountains, which provides reasonable access to world-class skiing and other winter sports. The city of Manhattan has a population of approximately 46,000. For a city of this size, Manhattan offers excellent cultural amenities. The university operates an art museum and offers numerous cultural events including concerts, theatrical productions, and sports. The city offers a zoo and has an active community theater that offers numerous plays and concerts throughout the year. A popular entertainment spot among students is "Aggieville," which is located adjacent to the campus and offers shopping, entertainment, and eating and drinking establishments.