Fort Riley is a United States Army installation located in North Central Kansas, between Junction City and Manhattan. It is home to the 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One”, and has a beautiful park with lots of activities to do, perfect for a first date. Fort Riley also hosts many walking, biking, and running trails through rolling hills, wildlife areas and scenic vistas. There are several lakes around the park and the trails provide a great opportunity to get to know each other while taking some time to enjoy nature. Other activities around the park include fishing, boating and sailing.
1. Places for a coffee date in Fort Riley
For those looking for a more relaxed, low-key first date, there are plenty of cozy cafés and coffee shops in Fort Riley. The Coffee Haus & Espresso Bar is a great spot for lovers of coffee and tea, and offers a few light snacks to accompany your beverages. The Art House Café is a great spot for couples to relax over some fresh coffee and pastries. The café also has an art gallery with paintings and sculptures from local artists, perfect for inspiring conversation. For something a little different, the Bookworm Coffee Bar is a quaint coffee shop that is great for spending a leisurely afternoon.
2. Fort Riley galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
For those interested in learning more about Fort Riley and its’ unique history, there are a number of fascinating galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit. The Historic Fort Riley Museum is a great spot to check out exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of the people that have lived and served at the fort over its long history. Other great options include the Fort Riley Tank and Artillery Museum, which features a wide array of armored vehicles and artillery pieces, as well as the Infantry Museum, the Infantry School Museum, and the Cavalry Museum.
3. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Fort Riley
When it comes to live music and entertainment, Fort Riley has plenty of great options to choose from. At the Center Stage – Fort Riley, couples can enjoy live music from national and international acts spanning a variety of music genres. The US Cavalry Museum also hosts concerts, plays and other performances, perfect for a romantic night out on the town. Additionally, the bigger Junction City area is just a short drive away and offers plenty of other musical options, including the annual Watermelon Festival.
4. Fort Riley pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Fort Riley is home to a diverse array of pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from for a first date drink or dinner. For a casual atmosphere and classic pub-style food and drinks, head to the Top Hat Bar and Grill. The Bistro 28 is another great option for a romantic dinner date with its inviting atmosphere and outdoor seating area. Those looking for a more eclectic atmosphere should check out The Freight House, a modern restaurant and bar that serves up a variety of contemporary food and drinks.
5. Other date ideas to try in Fort Riley
If none of the above ideas sound quite right for a first date, Fort Riley still has plenty of other fun and unique activities to try. Head over to the Fort Riley Riding Stables and take a romantic horseback ride around the park. Or, enjoy some friendly competition with a game of miniature golf at the Fort Riley Golf Course. For those looking to break out of the ordinary, check out the historical tours available at the fort, or take a hot air balloon ride and get a unique aerial view of the area. No matter what interests you and your date, Fort Riley has plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
