Abilene Tourism Advocate

October 2, 2025

 
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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY

 

Abilene, Kansas Offers Full Lineup of Fall Fun

Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and a calendar full of events make Abilene the perfect destination this October. Visitors can experience history, hunt for pumpkins, watch the world’s fastest dogs race, and enjoy a few thrills and chills in the historic Old West setting of Old Abilene Town.


Dickinson County Heritage Center Open House – October 5

Kick off October with a celebration of Dickinson County’s agricultural heritage at the new Farm Toy Museum Open House, Sunday, October 5, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Dickinson County Heritage Center, 412 S. Campbell St. Guests can tour Heritage Hall, explore the Farm Toy Museum, see the center’s new mural, and enjoy live demonstrations that bring history to life.


Learn more at www.HeritageCenterDK.com.


Pumpkin Harvest Express – October 11–12, 18–19, 25–26

The Pumpkin Harvest Express returns for its third year. Climb aboard one of three passenger cars — or ride in the open-air gondola — for a scenic trip through the Smoky Valley to the railroad’s pumpkin patch. Pick out a pumpkin, enjoy photo opportunities, and return to the historic Rock Island Depot. Saturday trains run at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.; Sunday trains at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at asvrr.org or at the depot prior to departure (subject to availability).


NGA Fall Nationals Meet – October 13–17

See the world’s fastest canines in action during the National Greyhound Association Fall Meet. Abilene, the Greyhound Capital of the World, welcomes visitors to experience the excitement of Greyhound racing and learn more about this unique sport.

Learn more at www.NGAGreyhounds.com


Haunted Old Town – October 17–18, 24–25, 31

When night falls, Abilene’s Old West history takes a spooky turn during Haunted Old Town, held at Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 6th St., from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Creepy characters, eerie effects, and unexpected scares make this a must-attend event for thrill-seekers. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Filo Foods Food Truck will be onsite with tasty bites, and on October 25, visitors are invited to stay for a Halloween Costume Party.

Learn more at www.OldAbileneTown.org.


“Abilene has a great lineup of fall events,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From family-friendly pumpkin picking to world-class Greyhound racing and haunted adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to make memories in America’s Best Small Town this October.”

For more information on these events and other fall happenings visit www.abilenekansas.org.

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Latest News

Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum Update

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home is a federally operated site. In the event of a government shutdown, the facility will be closed until operations resume. Please check www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov for the latest updates to help you plan your trip.

Ike Sites

You can experience Dwight D. Eisenhower’s life and legacy all across Abilene through murals, parks, homes, and landmarks connected to the 34th President of the United States.


Highlights include:

  • “Ike Wins” Mural – 401 N. Buckeye Ave.
  • Little Ike Park – 324 N. Spruce St.
  • Historic Seelye Mansion – 1105 N. Buckeye Ave.
  • Abilene Cemetery – 502 NW 21st St.
  • World’s Largest “I Like Ike” Button – 324 N. Spruce St.
  • Dickinson County Historical Society – 412 S. Campbell St.
  • …and many more!


This fall, take a self-guided tour and discover why Ike proudly said, “I come from the heart of America.”

These 7 Kansas communities are 'fair-tale small towns," WorldAtlas says

by Topeka Capital-Journal

Amelia Earhart, Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Wizard of Oz all have links to Kansas towns that the WorldAtlas website describes as being like something out of a fairy tale.


An article the site published last month identified seven Sunflower State communities it called "fairy-tale small towns."

Fuel Up in Abilene and Save!

Visitors often tell us how beautiful Abilene looks with its American flag-lined streets — and they’re also quick to point out our great gas prices! Before you hit the road, check the latest fuel prices in Kansas at https://www.gasbuddy.com/gasprices/kansas.


Plan to top off your tank in Abilene and keep a little extra cash for fun along the way!

Eisenhower & the Interstate System

Our friends at the Smoky Hill Museum in Salina are hosting a great program Thursday evening about Ike and the Interstate! You can attend in person or online.

 


 
 

Art in Abilene


Train Mural

207 NE 3rd


Celebrating Abilene's days as a Chisholm Trail cowtown, this mural by graffiti artist Whitney Kerr, pays homage to the railroad, which carried hundreds of thousands of head of cattle to eastern markets. 

 

Upcoming Events

2025 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.

5


Sunday

Dickinson County Heritage Center - Farm Toy Museum Open House

Plan to attend the Open House on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. at 412 S. Campbell St. in Abilene to experience the Farm Toy Museum, Heritage Hall, and the new mural. Visitors can tour Heritage Hall, enjoy live demonstrations that bring history to life, and take part in an afternoon celebrating Dickinson County's story.


Learn more

11 & 12


Saturday-Sunday

Pumpkin Harvest Express

The Pumpkin Harvest Express returns for its third year. Climb aboard one of three passenger cars — or ride in the open-air gondola — for a scenic trip through the Smoky Valley to the railroad’s pumpkin patch. Pick out a pumpkin, enjoy photo opportunities, and return to the historic Rock Island Depot. Saturday trains run at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm; Sunday trains at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.



Learn more

13-17


Monday - Friday

NGA Fall Meet

See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World!


Learn more

17 & 18


Friday & Saturday

Haunted Old Town

When night falls, Abilene’s Old West history takes a spooky turn during Haunted Old Town, held at Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 6th St., from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Creepy characters, eerie effects, and unexpected scares make this a must-attend event for thrill-seekers. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Filo Foods Food Truck will be onsite with tasty bites, and on October 25, visitors are invited to stay for a Halloween Costume Party.


18 & 19


Saturday-Sunday

Pumpkin Harvest Express

The Pumpkin Harvest Express returns for its third year. Climb aboard one of three passenger cars — or ride in the open-air gondola — for a scenic trip through the Smoky Valley to the railroad’s pumpkin patch. Pick out a pumpkin, enjoy photo opportunities, and return to the historic Rock Island Depot. Saturday trains run at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm; Sunday trains at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.



Learn more

24 & 25


Friday & Saturday

Haunted Old Town

When night falls, Abilene’s Old West history takes a spooky turn during Haunted Old Town, held at Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 6th St., from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Creepy characters, eerie effects, and unexpected scares make this a must-attend event for thrill-seekers. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Filo Foods Food Truck will be onsite with tasty bites, and on October 25, visitors are invited to stay for a Halloween Costume Party.


25 & 26


Saturday-Sunday

Pumpkin Harvest Express

The Pumpkin Harvest Express returns for its third year. Climb aboard one of three passenger cars — or ride in the open-air gondola — for a scenic trip through the Smoky Valley to the railroad’s pumpkin patch. Pick out a pumpkin, enjoy photo opportunities, and return to the historic Rock Island Depot. Saturday trains run at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm; Sunday trains at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.



Learn more

31


Friday

Haunted Old Town

When night falls, Abilene’s Old West history takes a spooky turn during Haunted Old Town, held at Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 6th St., from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Creepy characters, eerie effects, and unexpected scares make this a must-attend event for thrill-seekers. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Filo Foods Food Truck will be onsite with tasty bites, and on October 25, visitors are invited to stay for a Halloween Costume Party.

5 - 14


Friday - Sunday

Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre

Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut... but life just isn't the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim's luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim's best friend Ted tries to lure Linda to Hollywood to be his new dance partner, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? Based on the classic film, this joyous musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including "Blue Skies," "Easter Parade," "Steppin' Out With My Baby," "Heat Wave," "White Christmas," "Be Careful, It's My Heart," "Cheek to Cheek," "Shaking the Blues Away" and many more! This production is rated G, perfect for the whole family!

Learn more

6 & 7


Saturday & Sunday

Cowtown Christmas

Celebrate the season in Abilene, December 6-7, 2025! Tour stunning homes during the 48th 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, ride the Cowtown Santa Express with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, and catch a live holiday show at Great Plains Theatre. 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!

6 & 7


Saturday & Sunday

48th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour

Discover why USA TODAY readers rank Abilene as one of the Best Historic Small Towns during the Heritage Homes Association's 48th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Explore beautifully decorated historic homes and a charming church decked out for the season.

Community Attractions
Experience Art & Culture

Journey to the Old West

Live the American Story

 
Explore Ike's Life & Legacy

Have an Adventure


Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

 

Community Spotlight

 

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

 
 

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

 
 
201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
 
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
 
 
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