Abilene Tourism Advocate

August 27, 2026

 
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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY

 

Take Your Holiday Party on the Rails in Abilene!

The temperatures may still say summer, but it is never too early to start planning a memorable holiday outing. This year, gather your coworkers, friends, family, or tour group and make Abilene, Kansas, part of your holiday plans.


The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad is offering a festive holiday experience designed especially for groups, combining a scenic train ride, a gourmet meal, and plenty of holiday cheer.


A Holiday Celebration on the Rails

Leave the traditional banquet room behind and celebrate aboard fully decorated holiday rail cars. Groups will enjoy a two-hour scenic ride through the Smoky Valley, complete with a full gourmet meal and complimentary sparkling cider or champagne.


It is a fun option for:

  • Company holiday parties
  • Employee appreciation events
  • Church and civic groups
  • Bank travel clubs
  • Senior groups
  • Family gatherings
  • Motorcoach and group tours
  • Friends looking for a festive holiday outing


With groups of 24 to 160 people welcome, the experience can accommodate everything from an office celebration to a full motorcoach group. Santa appearances and alcohol packages are also available as add-ons.


Four Dates to Choose From

The holiday trains are scheduled for four dates, with both afternoon and evening departures available:


Thursday, November 19

1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. departures

Catered by Amanda's Bakery & Bistro, Abilene

Brown sugar glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, side salad, rolls, and pumpkin pie


Thursday, December 3

1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. departures

Catered by Amanda's Bakery & Bistro, Abilene

Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, side salad, rolls, and crème brûlée


Thursday, December 10

1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. departures

Catered by Murphy's Kitchen, Herington

Braised beef short ribs, potatoes, parsnip and carrots, Odin's Moljan carrot cake


Thursday, December 17

1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. departures

Catered by Murphy's Kitchen, Herington

Braised beef short ribs, potatoes, parsnip and carrots, Odin's Moljan carrot cake


Make It a Full Abilene Getaway

For tour planners, the train can be the centerpiece of an entire day or overnight itinerary in Abilene.


Arrive early and explore Abilene's nationally recognized attractions, shop downtown boutiques and antique stores, enjoy local dining, or add another group-friendly attraction to your itinerary. Stay overnight and turn your holiday train experience into a festive Kansas getaway.


Abilene's location along I-70 makes it an easy destination for groups traveling from across Kansas and the Midwest.


Give Your Group Something to Look Forward To

Holiday calendars fill quickly, especially for companies, organizations, and motorcoach groups looking for an experience that goes beyond the traditional holiday party.


So, while the temperatures may still be warm, now is the perfect time to start thinking about December.


Trade the banquet room for a railroad car, gather your group, and make tracks for Abilene this holiday season!


Group reservations and scheduling information are available directly through the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. All dates are subject to availability.

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Latest News

Abilene Downtown Boutique Crawl Returns September 3

Grab your girlfriends and get ready to shop Downtown Abilene! The 7th Annual Downtown Abilene Boutique Crawl returns Thursday, September 3, 2026, with an afternoon and evening of shopping, sipping, prizes, and fun.


This year’s event starts early with a Happy Hour at Rackets Tap House beginning at 3:30 p.m. It’s the perfect excuse to make an afternoon of it, meet up with friends, enjoy a drink, and get ready to hit the shops.


At 5:30 p.m., announcements will begin at Rackets Tap House, followed by the distribution of Boutique Crawl maps and grab bags. The first 50 women, ages 18 and older, in line will receive a grab bag, so arrive early!


Then it’s time to crawl through Downtown Abilene’s participating boutiques and shops. For every $10 spent at a participating store, shoppers will receive a ticket for the prize drawing. The more you shop, the more chances you have to win!


At the end of the evening, tickets will be entered into drawings for a grand prize basket and second-place prize basket.


The Downtown Abilene Boutique Crawl has become a favorite annual ladies’ night, combining local shopping with a fun night out in one of Kansas’ most charming downtowns.


Boutique Crawl Details

  • Thursday, September 3, 2026
  • Happy Hour: 3:30 p.m. at Rackets Tap House
  • Announcements, Maps & Grab Bags: 5:30 p.m.
  • Starting Location: Rackets Tap House, Downtown Abilene


Round up your shopping crew, come early for Happy Hour, and make a night of it in Downtown Abilene!

Ike & the Little Rock Nine

Eisenhower Presidential Library

Library building indoor courtyard

200 SE 4th Street, Abilene KS


Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. CDT

Ike & the Little Rock Nine

Brian Schwieger, Program Manager

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site


This program examines the 1957 integration of Little Rock Central High School and the leadership of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It follows the experience of the Little Rock Nine and the escalating crisis that tested federal authority and the rule of law.


The 2026 programming season is dedicated to celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Join us throughout the year as we examine President Eisenhower's top accomplishments in the continual pursuit of a more perfect Union. These programs are all made possible courtesy of The Eisenhower Foundation.

America Likes Historic Mansions

And in Abilene, you can tour one every day!


The Historic Seelye Mansion welcomes visitors daily to step inside one of Abilene’s most impressive treasures. Built in 1905, the mansion remains filled with original furnishings, beautiful details, and fascinating innovations that offer a glimpse into life more than a century ago.


And don’t miss one of its most unexpected features: a bowling alley purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair!


  • Explore a beautifully preserved historic mansion
  • See original furnishings and turn-of-the-century innovations
  • Visit the famous World’s Fair bowling alley
  • Open daily for tours


Make the Historic Seelye Mansion part of your Abilene visit!

Upcoming Events

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

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

10


Saturday

Eisenhower Foundation's Annual Eisenhower Legacy Gala

This exclusive Gala honors General and President Eisenhower with a reception, dinner, and keynote speaker. Learn more

12-16


Monday - Friday

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

20


Friday

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

4 - 6


Friday - Sunday

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

4 - 20


Friday - Sunday

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

5 & 6


Saturday & Sunday

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

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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