Abilene Tourism Advocate
January 6, 2022
Best Historic Small Town - USA Today Readers (2021)
Kansas: A Cowboy State
By Ron Wilson, Kansas Poet Lariat
Kansas is a Cowboy State it's in our legacy 
Kansas blazed a trail throughout Western history
It all started with the Native American Indian as you know
Who roamed the open prairie and hunted buffalo 
The new explorers chartered the wilderness braving harsh conditions 
Coronado, Lewis and Clark and John C Fremont's expeditions
U.S. Cavalry soldiers came out west to build forts
Fort Scott, Hays, Leavenworth, Larned and Riley of course 
Kansas was a key crossroads of the trails of the day
to Oregon, California and down to Santa Fe
When Texas Longhorns needed to be shipped East by rail 
the Cowboys drove those herds up the big Chisholm Trail 
It was the toughest cattle drive those Cowboys had ever seen 
up to Dodge City, Caldwell, Wichita, Ellsworth and Abilene
the town's folk knew they'd better have things all battened down 
Because some Cowboys sure went wild when they finally got to town 
They’d gamble and shoot and drink up their fill 
and a few left their graves up on top of Boot Hill 
But like everything else, those times went through change 
Homesteaders built fence where there was open range 
Brave pioneers came West to make a homestead as their perch
and built the institutions of the home the school the church 
Now the spirit of the cowboy in our state is living still
from the feed yards out west to the rolling Flint Hills 
in the heart of a Kansan the cowboy spirit lives on 
And the values our people will still draw upon 
They work hard and play hard, are honest and free 
Values that matter to you and to me 
It's part of the history that makes Kansas great 
So we're thankful Kansas is a Cowboy state.
Latest News
Abilene Named Best Promotion of a Historic Place
Thanks to True West Magazine for selecting Abilene as the winner of the "Best Promotion of a Historic Place" category in the upcoming Best of the West Collector's Edition.

25 Best Kansas Day Trips
Kansas, the land where buffaloes used to roam through miles of prairie landscape, has something to offer every visitor. This is true pioneer country and countless little towns like Abilene, Wakefield, St Marys, Wamego and Hays have great stories to tell if you take the time to listen.

Fall in Love with Art in Abilene, Kansas
Abilene, Kansas, sits along Kansas I-70 in North Central Kansas and offers a lesson in history and art. Most people think of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum when they hear Abilene, Kansas. What most people don’t think of, is the amazing art that you will find throughout the town. Here are some art highlights that should make you want to put your foot on the brakes and stop in Abilene.

Upcoming Events
January
29
Saturday
Kansas Statehood Ball
Celebrate Kansas's entry into statehood with dancing and refreshments. Attendees are requested (but not required) to dress up in their best 19th century duds and dance the night away with historic music provided by the Kansas Brigade Band. A Preceptor who explains dancing protocol and the various dances.  More Info
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
 
 
 
 
The Farmhouse Will Be Temporarily Closed for Renovations

The Farmhouse has been an Abilene, Kansas landmark for over 75 years for its ability to bring people together over good food and personable service. Since its opening in 1939, the building has served its fair share of guests, experienced countless Midwest winters and summers, and has changed ownership several times. Today, we’re excited to announce that the restaurant will be undergoing extensive renovations and upgrades to bring you an even better dining experience.

 
 
 
 
2022 American Flag Sponsors

  1. Wendell & Nancy Gugler Charitable Giving Fund
  2. Holm Automotive Center
  3. Vicki Wade
  4. Copeland Insurance Agency
  5. Bert & Wetta Abilene
  6. Wild Heart Carriages LLC
  7. Geske Interiors, Inc.
  8. Sandy & Chuck Zernickow
  9. Bob Bow
  10. John's Service
  11. Casey & Jane Foltz
  12. The Abilene Group, Inc.
  13. John & Judy Anguiano
  14. Tony & Sarah Geiger
  15. Solomon State Bank
  16. Chuck & Ann Brussow
  17. Holt Motors, LLC
  18. Bielefeld Insurance, Inc.
  19. Joe Snuffy's
  20. Everett's Inc.
  21. Bruce & Denise Youtsey
  22. Duri Ridge FSA / Devin Gray
  23. Danner Funeral Home
  24. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home
  25. Cypress Bridge Candle Co. 
  26. Rob & Dawn Hammatt
  27. Abilene Termite & Pest Control
  28. Rawhide Portable Corral, Inc.
  29. Amanda West Insurance Agency
  30. George & Carol McCormic
  31. Great Plains Federal Great Union
  32. Rod & Tracey Kuecker
  33. Martin Schneider
  34. Horan Photography
  35. West's Plaza Country Mart, Inc.
  36. Abilene Animal Hospital, P.A.
  37. Cathy Strowig
  38. The Brown Memorial Foundation 
  39. 24/7 Travel Store
  40. Mark Hinca
  41. Geary Sweatland
  42. Terry & Sandra Foltz
  43. Pottberg, Gassman & Hoffman
  44. Horizon Farm & Ranch Realty, LLC
  45. Abilene Machine, LLC
  46. The Farmhouse
  47. Brierton Engineering, Inc.
  48. Abilene Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, P.A.
  49. Greyhound Hall of Fame
  50. Bill & Dee Marshall
  51. JRI Hospitality
  52. Sonic Drive-In
  53. Lee and Dara Garnto
  54. Eisenhower Foundation
  55. Robson Oil
  56. Black & Company Realtors
  57. Don's Tire & Supply, Inc.
  58. National Greyhound Association
  59. Pioneer Farm and Ranch Supply, Inc.
  60. Lumber House, Inc. 
  61. Last Chance Graphics
  62. Abilene Rent-All and Sales, Inc. 
  63. The Teck Shop
  64. The Original Grande
  65. American Family Insurance - Brian J. Tajchman Agency, Inc.
  66. Larry & Connie Cooper
  67. The Family of Ervy and Carol (McConkey) Redger
  68. Scott Litke
  69. Chad & Stacy Volkman

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