Editor’s note: This post was updated in October 2020.

One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS. Or, if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there, and it can be almost overwhelming.

We here at Army Wife Network want to take some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post with the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to Fort Riley, Kansas.

Fort Riley, “Home of the Big Red One,” is known for its excellent training, abundant recreational opportunities, rich history, and tremendous relations with surrounding communities. In the 1800s and into the early 1900s, Fort Riley was home to the famous “Buffalo Soldiers.” Located in North Central Kansas on the Kansas River (also known as the Kaw), Fort Riley is between Junction City and Manhattan.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Fort Riley is home to the following units:

• Division headquarters for 1st Infantry Division (also known as “The Big Red One”)
• 1st Infantry Division, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team
• 1st Infantry Division, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team
• 1st Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
• 1st Infantry Division, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade
• 1st Infantry Division, 1st Sustainment Brigade
• 902nd Military Intelligence Group

Surrounding Cities:

• Junction City (directly outside of the gate)
• Manhattan (17 miles)
• Abilene (32 miles)
• Salina (55 miles)

 Closest MAJOR Cities:

• Topeka (70 miles)
• Kansas City (131 miles)

 Names of Area Colleges:

• Barton Community College on Fort Riley
• Central Michigan University on Fort Riley
• Kansas State University on Fort Riley
• University of Mary on Fort Riley
• Central Texas College on Fort Riley
• Upper Iowa University on Fort Riley
• Southwestern College on Fort Riley
• Kansas State University in Manhattan
• Manhattan Area Technical College in Manhattan
• Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan

Weather: The warm season lasts from the end of May to early September with an average daily high above 81 degrees. The cold season lasts from the end of November to the end of February with an average daily high below 49 degrees. The summers are hot, muggy, and wet, and the winters are cold, dry, and windy. It is partly cloudy year-round. The weather can change at a drop of a hat, so keep a look out for rapid changes of weather.

Time Zone: Central Time Zone

SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION

To access the post website, click here.

Map of the Area

Historical Facts/Landmarks: Fort Riley is a historic post formed at the edge of the frontier in 1853 to protect settlers traveling on the Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. Many of the original buildings are still in use today in the Historic Main Post area of the installation. In 1892, Fort Riley became home to cavalry training and has expanded its training capabilities as needed through all major world events since World War I. Today, Fort Riley is the home of the First Infantry Division, also known as “the Big Red One.” Museums operating on the installation include:

•  The U.S. Cavalry Museum
• The 1st Infantry Division Museum
• The Custer House

HOUSING

On-post housing is managed by Corvias Property Management.    

Major realty/rental companies in the area:

• RE/MAX Signature Properties in Junction City
• Mathis Lueker Real Estate in Junction City
• Fort Riley Area Rentals in Junction City
• ReeceNichols Cornerstone Realty
• Weis Real Estate Company in Manhattan
• Fort Riley Real Estate in Wakefield

“We lived off post in Abilene, about 25 minutes from the west gate. The city of Abilene is small but has lots to do, like the yearly Dickinson County Fair and the Eisenhower Presidential Library. It’s also the Kansas capital for antiques. We loved living in a little town where people aren’t afraid to leave their doors unlocked.” —Shelly 

SCHOOLS

School Liaison Officer

School District: Geary County Schools USD 475

On-Post Schools

• Elementary: Fort Riley Elementary (K-5), Morris Hill Elementary (PreK-5), Seitz Elementary (K-5), and Ware Elementary (PreK-5).
• Middle: Fort Riley Middle School (6-8)

Off-Post Schools

• Preschool: Early Childhood Center
• Elementary: Eisenhower Elementary (PreK-5), Franklin Elementary (K-5), Grandview Elementary (K-5), Lincoln Elementary (K-5), Milford Elementary (K-5), Sheridan Elementary (PreK-5), Spring Valley Elementary (K-5), Washington Elementary (K-5), and Westwood Elementary (K-5).
• Middle: Junction City Middle School (6-8)
• High School: H.D. Karns Innovation Academy (9-12) and Junction City High School (9-12).
• Private schools: St. Xavier Catholic School (PreK-12)

ON-POST SERVICES

• Child and Youth Services
• Army Community Service
• PX
• Commissary
• Fort Riley Post Library
• Irwin Army Community Hospital
• MWR
• Fort Riley Spouses’ Club
• Chaplain & Religious Services/Organization

OFF-POST INFORMATION

Health Care:

• Hospital: Geary Community Hospital in Junction City and Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan
• Urgent Care: K+Stat Urgent Care in Manhattan
• General Practitioner: Konza Prairie Community Health and Dental Center with locations in both Junction City and Manhattan
• Dentist: Konza Prairie Community Health and Dental Center with locations in both Junction City
• OBGYN: Flint Hills OBGYN in Junction City

Best places for beauty services:

• Gaia Salon in Manhattan
• Hair Experts in Manhattan

Shopping/malls:

• Manhattan Marketplace in Manhattan
• Aggieville in Manhattan, the oldest shopping center in Kansas

RESTAURANTS

Junction City:

• Korean Garden
• Cynthia’s One Bite Delight
• Bella’s Italian Restaurant
• Stacy’s Restaurant
• El Tapatio
• Tyme Out Steakhouse

Manhattan:

• Little Apple Brewing Company
• Coco Bolos
• Houlihan’s
• Five Restaurant
• Bourbon and Baker
• Bluestem Bistro
• So Long Saloon (Try their raspberry bean dip!)
• Early Edition
• Cox Bros. BBQ
• HuHot Mongolian Grill
• Vista Drive-In
• UMI Japanese Steakhouse
• La Fiesta
• AJ’s NY Pizzeria
• The Chef (It’s been featured on the Food Network!)
• Carlos O’Kelly’s
• The Blue Moose Bar & Grill
• Tallgrass Tap House
• Powercat Sports Grill
• Old Chicago
• The Little Grill
• Kite’s Bar and Grill
• Radina’s Coffeehouse
• Varsity Donuts

MUST DO

Junction City:

• Milford Nature Center & Fish Hatchery
• Junction City Little Theater

Manhattan:

• Attend a Kansas State University sporting event
• Konza Prairie
• Manhattan Hill
• Get ice cream from Call Hall at KSU campus (and surrounding businesses)
• CiCo Park
• Pillsbury Crossing
• Go hunting (deer, pheasant, quail, turkey)
• Tuttle Creek Lake
• Manhattan River Trail
• Flint Hills Discovery Center
• Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art
• K-State Insect Zoo
• Riley County Historical Museum
• Sunset Zoo

Wamego: 

• Oz Museum

Abilene: 

• Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Museum, and Boyhood
• Great Plains Theatre
• Russell Stover Candy Factory

Topeka: 

• The Topeka Zoo
• The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center
• The Evil Knievel Museum
• Kansas State Capitol
• Hit up Country Stampede in June

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.

Installation Facebook Page: Fort Riley

Military Spouse Groups:

• Fort Riley Spouses, Active Duty, and Veterans Support

Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:

• Junction City Fort Riley Chapman Buy/Sell/Trade

Spouse Testimonials

“Fort Riley has become one of my favorite places to live. They have great on-post housing with two towns right outside the gates: Junction City and Manhattan. There is always something going on, whether it’s on post or in town. The MWR here is amazing, planning something almost every day or information for local events. There are plenty of nice schools in the area, hunting and fishing both on and off post, and if I want to fly home, I have two airports to choose from.” — Erica G.

“Fort Riley is a diamond-in-the-rough type post. It doesn’t come with built-in glitz and glamor that other places might. Once you get here, there’s a lot to do for almost everyone unless you can’t live without the beach or the mountains. Surrounding Fort Riley is beautiful country, outdoor activities, history, travel, hunting, fishing, shopping, arts, science, and museums. The list goes on. The key is getting off post!” — Mindy K.

“Fort Riley is what you make of it. The soldiers train and deploy a lot, but everyone here takes care of each other. Get outside and explore the local lakes, rivers, and trails, go to local festivals, and join chapel groups or the Spouses’ Club. Post housing is really nice, but the best schools are in Chapman, to the west, and Manhattan, to the east. Riley is a quiet, family-friendly post, but there is a great BOSS program for single soldiers, too. Barton College, on post, offers free and inexpensive college options. The people here are so nice. Kansas—it’s not that bad.” — Erin K.

“We’ve been stationed at Riley three times, and we both grew up close to the area. The thing about Kansas is that nothing is close. It is a very easy, laid back, quiet lifestyle. The surrounding communities for the most part are God-fearing, country-loving folks and are very pro military. Junction City is not a bad town as far as military towns go. If you have children going into high school, I would advise living in Manhattan. Manhattan does offer a large range of big name stores and restaurants  Basically, if you want more of a small town family lifestyle, Junction City is for you. If you want more of a yuppie, city-type life, then pick Manhattan.” —Dawn S.

“I loved Fort Riley! The area (and really all of Flint Hills) is beautiful. There’s a lot to do, both indoors and out, especially if you get connected with Kansas State University. They have open house, rodeos, homecoming events, and of course, football games. It’s a nice change of pace if you need a break from the military-only experience. But the blend of events, people, and experiences is something I will never forget.” — Sharita K.