Wild & Weird in North Central Kansas: 10 Stops Worth the Road Trip | |
North Central Kansas has never been particularly interested in being ordinary.
This is a place where Wild Bill Hickok once walked the streets, Pony Express riders raced across the frontier, bison still roam the prairie, a ball of twine just keeps getting bigger, and an entire town has made weird an art form.
So hit the road. North Central Kansas is about to get wild and weird.
Ready for a road trip? We're starting in Abilene, heading east into the Flint Hills, turning north toward the Nebraska line, then working our way west before looping back through some of Kansas' quirkiest communities and ending in Salina.
Along the way, we'll find cowboys, bison, Pony Express riders, unexpected history, giant twine, giant eggs, giant bathrooms and a few things that are almost impossible to explain.
Let's get wild and weird!
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And we do, too!
Explore the life and legacy of Abilene's hometown hero, Dwight D. Eisenhower, at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
Located on a 22-acre campus in the heart of Abilene, this one-of-a-kind destination tells the story of Ike's journey from his Kansas childhood to Supreme Allied Commander during World War II and the 34th President of the United States.
There's plenty to explore across the campus:
- Explore the Eisenhower Presidential Museum
- Visit the Presidential Library
- Step inside Ike's Boyhood Home
- Reflect at the Place of Meditation, the final resting place of Ike, Mamie, and their first son, Doud
Come discover the life, leadership, and legacy of one of America's most important leaders in the hometown he was always proud to claim.
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Abilene Summer Days the Fair & Rodeo
by Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl
| | Our first evening in town, Keith and I visited the Central Kansas Free Fair. Is summer complete without a visit to a fair? I don’t think so, a fair is essential summer. Held at the Eisenhower Park Fair Grounds, what better way to experience a town than seeing the locals enjoying carnival time? | | 2026 is off to a great start! Check back weekly for updates as we receive more information from our partners about exciting events happening this year. | | |
18 & 19
Friday & Saturday
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Abilene Oktoberfest
The 9th Annual Abilene Oktoberfest is back for another fun-filled celebration of German food, music, dancing, and tradition!
Bring the whole family and enjoy authentic German food, German bier, live German music, and traditional German dancers from Kansas City. Festival traditions and activities include the tapping of the keg, Hammerschlagen, a cornhole tournament, and plenty of opportunities to join in the fun.
Oktoberfest is a family-friendly celebration with activities for all ages, including bouncy houses and other entertainment for the kids.
Gather your family and friends and come celebrate Oktoberfest in Abilene with great food, cold bier, lively music, dancing, and plenty of German-inspired fun! Learn more
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Eisenhower Foundation's Annual Eisenhower Legacy Gala
This exclusive Gala honors General and President Eisenhower with a reception, dinner, and keynote speaker. Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Fall Meet
See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World! Learn more
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Pink Friday
We've all heard of Black Friday, American Express Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, but what about Pink Friday? Pink Friday is a small business spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience, reminding people to #ShopSmallFirst. Learn more
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Cowtown Christmas
Celebrate the season in Abilene, December 4-6, 2026! Tour stunning homes during the 49th Annual Heritage Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Historical Society, and experience a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town. Visit the Historic Seelye Mansion to see over 60 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and ride the Cowtown Santa Express with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Don’t miss the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown evening cruise for dazzling decorations, plenty of Santa sightings, and opportunities to shop small at Abilene’s unique businesses all season long! Learn more
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
The mean green Grinch is making hs way to Abilene for the holidays! Your heart will grow three sizes the day you come see this family-friendly holiday celebration on stage. Featuring the story and music you know and love. This musical is the perfect addition to your holiday traditions. Learn more
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49th Homes for the Holiday Tour
Discover why USA TODAY readers rank Abilene as one of the Best Historic Small Towns during the Heritage Homes Association's 49th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Explore beautifully decorated historic homes and a charming church decked out for the season. Learn more
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Experience Art & Culture
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Journey to the Old West
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Live the American Story
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Explore Ike's Life & Legacy
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Enjoy Family Fun and Learning
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Stay in Abilene
Abilene is home to more than 200 rooms ready to serve travelers. From national chain hotels to locally-owned motels, award-winning bed and breakfasts, and unique Airbnbs, Abilene's lodging community offers something for every price point.
Learn more
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Gunsmoke Trail
Howdy, partners, and welcome to the Gunsmoke Trail! This road trip visits four cities in Kansas that had a role in Gunsmoke, the Emmy award-winning primetime Western that entertained audiences for 20 years.
The show still runs on select networks, with iconic characters telling the story of frontier life in the Old West. Several present-day cities in Kansas play a part in the show’s storylines, including Wichita, Abilene, Hays City (now Hays), and of course, Dodge City.
Learn more
Itinerary
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201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
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