Abilene Tourism Advocate
August 5, 2021
Most counties have a historical society, but few rival Abilene's Dickinson County Heritage Center. From telephones to farm machinery, quilts, and entrepreneurs, the Dickinson County Heritage Center brings history alive! 

The Dickinson County Heritage Center is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1-5 pm.
Latest News
Central Kansas Free Fair History
The first Fair on record in Dickinson County was held October 18 & 19, 1870, in the James Bell meadow immediately south of the old Abilene City Dump.

In 1879 the directors of the Dickinson County Agriculture Society purchased approximately 40 acres from Eliphak Barber located just north of the old City Dump. A stock shed and racetrack were built and fairs of 1879 & 1880 featured horse racing.
What is Abilene?
View a list of Abilene-related Jeopardy questions here

Central Kansas Free Fair Parade
For those asking if we will share the Central Kansas Free Fair parade on Facebook Live, the answer is YES!

We love this annual tradition and being able to share the parade with viewers from across the country.
Vote for Your Favorite Barn Quilt
Dickinson County is home to more than 250 barn quilts.
Thanks to the Central Kansas Free Fair and Historic Seelye Mansion, barn quilters have a place to display their beautiful works of art.

Join in the fun by voting for the 2021 CKFF Barn Quilt Fan Favorite!

The CKFF Barn Quilt Fan Favorite will be announced on Saturday, August 7 at 3:30 pm at the Historic Seelye Mansion.
Upcoming Events
August
4-7
Wednesday-Saturday
75th Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo
The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, named one of the top 5 professional outdoor rodeos in America for 1995, 2001, 2002, 2010, 2011, and 2016; and the Top Large Outdoor Rodeo in the Prairie Circuit for 2003, brings you America’s original extreme sport.  More Info
August
5
Thursday
Central Kansas Free Fair Parade
The parade kicks off the annual Central Kansas Free Fair. The 2021 Parade begins at 4 p.m., Thursday, August 5, at 7th Street and Buckeye, proceeds south to 3rd Street and west to Washington Street. 2021 Fair Guide
August
6
Friday
Post-Rodeo Dance Featuring Lazy Wayne Band
Visit Old Abilene Town after the Wild Bills Hickok Rodeo for live music and dancing! Doors open at 8:30 pm and the Lazy Wayne Band will begin at 9:30 pm.
August
7
Saturday
Barn Quilt Exhibition
Calling all barn quilt fans! You won't want to miss the Central Kansas Free Fair Barn Quilt Exhibition at the Historic Seelye Mansion Gardens. One day only. Open from 10 am to 4 pm.
August
14
Saturday
Cowboy Up 5k Run / 2 Mile Walk
This is an annual 5K race and 2 mile walk organized by Steve Cathey. All proceeds go to fund Abilene School Athletics. Learn more
Community Attractions
Enjoy Family Fun and Learning
Whether you're four or 104, Abilene has something for you to enjoy and learn!
Experience Art & Culture
A five-star community that embraces the arts, Abilene offers many unique attractions for art lovers.
Explore President Eisenhower's Life and Legacy
Visit all things Ike on this special tour!
Live the American Story
Abilene is the hometown of entrepreneurial and world leaders.

Learn about their lives and legacies at these fun attractions! 
Have an Adventure
Ride the rails on a 100-year-old steam engine (the only operating steam locomotive in Kansas!), enjoy an open-air car or dine aboard a dinner train with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad!
Journey to the Old West
Named #1 True Western Town of the Year, visit Abilene, Kansas and experience its wild and wooly side!
Community Spotlight
 
 
 
 
Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden

Check out the newest addition to the Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden! It's a water fountain, bottle filler, and a dog bowl.
 
 
 
 
Cedar House Greenhouse

The Cedar House Greenhouse is open Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop by and check it out!
201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed