The Quick & The Dead - Old Abilene Town

Tourists of all ages have fond memories of Old Abilene Town and Wild Bill's Gunfighters. Check out this great recap from Our Changing Lives showcasing their experience at this iconic attraction!

Chisholm Trail Days



Barn Quilt Fan Favorite

Thanks to everyone for voting in the  Central Kansas Free Fair  Barn Quilt Fan Favorite contest! Votes were collected both online and in-person at Sterl Hall. And the winners are: People's Choice - #14 "Sunflowers" by Angela Holt, 1st Runner Up - #9 "Fireman" by Janette Froelich, 2nd Runner Up - #2 "Pink Lady" by Deb Hanna. Thanks to everyone for voting!



Throwback Thursday


Mrs. Hersey named Abilene from the book of Luke 3:1 in the Bible meaning "City of the Plains". The City of Abilene, Kansas was incorporated in 1869. Abilene, Texas was incorporated in 1883.
5 Star Reviews - Seelye Mansion


This old mansion has basically been undisturbed for 95 years. The man giving the tour actually lived there with the original owners and has amazing stories to tell. Little ones might get a bit restless but for adults it is great. There is so much to see and so many stories it can get a little long but it is amazing.

SuZi520
Ponca City, Oklahoma


"The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene."
Dwight D. Eisenhower
June 22, 1945

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

train
Steam Engine
Make reservations to ride the rails with the longhorns at the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

Saturday, September 1 - 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. (during Chisholm Trail Days at Old Abilene Town)

The Steam Engine will also run Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3.



Dickinson County Heritage Center

The Dickinson County Heritage Center is a unique collection of two in-door museums, that continues out-the-back-door where you will find actual buildings from around the county, all depicting life on the Great Plains.

Don't miss the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel - the oldest operational C.W. Parker Carousel.

Summer Hours:

Monday-Friday 
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (note time change)

Sunday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home



















August 14, 2018
7-9 p.m.

Author Phil Dixon will present "The Kansas City Monarchs in Our Hometown." The program is based on research for his book, Wilber "Bullet" Rogan and the Kansas City Monarchs. 

For the past 30 years, Dixon has researched the African-American baseball experience and documented the careers of Negro Baseball's greatest players. Formerly in the Public Relations Department of the Kansas City Royals, he now serves on the Board of Governors for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.
Great Plains Theatre 


No kids? No problem! Shrek The Musical may be fun for all ages, but that doesn't make it a kid's show! Full of adventure, heart, and humor, this show will delight entire audiences! Older patrons can enjoy every moment of this heartwarming tale of friendship, changing your destiny, and finding true love.
 
We are getting ready to put our largest cast yet on stage! 36 actors will take to the stage for Shrek the Musical, featuring professional actors from across America and a youth ensemble of local talent!
 
You may recognize James Fairchild as the reluctant hero Shrek, previously seen in Mamma Mia!, Vaughn Meccod as the enthusiastic sidekick Donkey, last seen in Ragtime, Matthew Aaron playing the villainous Lord Farquaad, who just finished The Lion in Winter as Richard the Lionheart, Shannon Cochran as the lovely Fiona, and Salina-native Maggie Spicer as Sugar Plum Fairy.
 
This production is complete with a youth ensemble which began with a 3-week Shrek Bootcamp where campers met with artistic director Randy West, education director Margaret Clair, music director Mark Hanson, and choreographer Sarah Hinrichsen to learn the songs and dances they will perform with the full professional cast during the August 10 th  through 19 th  run. There's no shortage of talent on the stage for this show.
 
Shrek the Musical is a fun-for-the-whole-family romp through a storybook world that has a lot in common with ours today. With themes of finding your destiny, daring to be different, and accepting others, freaky flaws and all, Shrek the Musical will take the audience along on a journey of a lifetime! Tickets are available at greatplainstheatre.com, or via phone at 785.263.4574, or at the box office at 401 Cottage Ave, Abilene.
 
Don't miss your chance to be part of this amazing story, some performances are already nearly sold out! Performances run Friday, August 10th through Sunday, August 19th at Great Plains Theatre, together we are more!

Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum

Ginger, resident Greyhound at the  Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum , loves greeting visitors of all ages! 

Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum
Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Free admission
 

Old Abilene Town

Wild Bill's Gunfighters

Saturdays 
Noon, 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Sundays 
1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 



Seelye Mansion

Abilene's Historic  Seelye Mansion  is a must-see! Furnished with items from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright and home to a wooden  bowling alley that's more than 120 years old, it's no "wonder" this beautiful mansion was named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas - Architecture winners by the Kansas Sampler Foundation

Tours Daily!
Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m

Upcoming events:
  • Shrek the Musical @ Great Plains Theatre - August 10-12, 14-19
  • Chisholm Trails Days @ Old Abilene Town - August 31 - September 1
  • Not Another Christmas Letter @ Great Plains Theatre - November 30-December 2, 4-9
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Have an upcoming event? Help us, help you. We do our best to stay up-to-date, but please make sure to include us in your event and special promotions. Please send announcements to  director@abilenecityhall.com.

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