Kansas History Road Trip

There's a lot of history in our beautiful state, but where exactly can you find it? While there are a few museums among the many we have that are a fun way for Kansans to learn more about the state we live in. Without further ado, let's check out the museum trail we've created for you! All together, there is about 9 hours of driving time. Are you ready?

Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum


Sunday, November 4 - 2 PM - 4 PM
"Bugles in the Afternoon" movie screening

Monday, November 5 - 7 PM - 9 PM
"Bugles in the Afternoon" book talk
Throwback Thursday

Did you know? General Eisenhower had a museum in Abilene before he was President.

The Abilene Reporter-News (Abilene, TX)
June 4, 1952
5 Star Reviews - Seelye Mansion


I'm a huge fan of old historic homes and  mansions. I've visited numerous ones all over the world. Unequivocally this is the BEST historic home tour I've ever been on. The current owner, Terry Tietjens brings the mansion to life with his detailed vivid descriptions of this home's history from beginning to present. A must do if you are visiting Abilene. Be sure to arrive promptly at 10:00am when the mansion opens for touring.

rvdc94d1001
Wichita, Kansas






Celebrate the Holiday Season in Abilene!

The Holiday Season will be here before we know it. Make plans now to spend a weekend in Abilene!
Seelye Mansion Holiday Tours

Abilene's historic Seelye Mansion is exceptionally beautiful during the holiday season.

Tours Daily!

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



Not Another Christmas Letter! The Musical

Not Another Christmas Letter!
The Musical
November 30 - December 9

It's that time of year again! Time to spend your loved ones an overly-positive, possibly embellished, and definitely cherry-picked rundown of your year! Featuring a score written by Wichita Native Laura Bergquist, Not Another Christmas Letter! The  Musical finds the laughter and music within all of our holiday traditions.

Rated G

Showtimes:
Friday, November 30 - 7:30 P.M. (followed by Afterglow)
Saturday, December 1 - 7:30 P.M.
Sunday, December 2 - 2:00 P.M.

Tuesday, December 4 -  2:00 P.M.
Wednesday, December 5 - 2:00 P.M.
Thursday, December 6 - 7:30 P.M.
Friday, December 7 - 7:30 P.M. (followed by Cabaret)
Saturday, December 8 - 7:30 P.M.
Sunday, December 9 - 2:00 P.M.

2018 Holiday Homes Tour











2018 Tour
  • Ken & Donna Hansen - 906 N. Buckeye
  • James  Sabrina Holland - 310 N.E. 5th
  • First Baptist Church, 501 N. Spruce
  • Joe & Pam Sanfilippo - 900 N. Buckeye
  • Rob & Dawn Hammatt - 407 N. Vine
  • Volkmann Cabin - 401 S. Campbell
Tickets will go on sale by November 26 and can be purchased at the Dickinson County Historical Society or at the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. Tickets will not be sold at the homes. The cost is $10 per person (cash or check only).

The tour is hosted by the Heritage Homes Association. Proceeds are used for the purchase of the bronze plaques that appear on the homes who histories have been researched. They also help pay for special projects of the Dickinson County Historical Society. 
Night of Christmas Magic











Downtown Carriage Rides
Saturday, December 1
4 - 7 p.m.
Abilene Civic Center

Mayor's Holiday Tree Lighting & Visits with Santa
Saturday, December 1
6 p.m.
Abilene Civic Center
Elf Fun

Abilene, Dickinson County and the Flint Hills are full of beautiful barn quilts. Join Chris' Tree Lodge for a special, Christmas-themed barn quilt class!

Saturday, December 1st 
9 a.m. - Noon

Wednesday, December 5th 
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

$50 each

Registration due by November 20th.


Abilene Municipal Band Holiday Concert 

Sunday, December 2, 2018
2:00 P.M.

Come enjoy the sounds of the season as the Abilene Municipal Band performs classic and modern Christmas pieces! Bring the family and enjoy this free concert at the Eisenhower Visitor's Center auditorium!
Christmas in the Cabin

The Dickinson County Historical Society  will host its annual Christmas in the Cabin program on Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Heritage Center.

Plans are for a family to be in the Volkmann Cabin, Santa Claus will be here for the kids to tell him what they would like for Christmas, there will be horse-drawn wagon rides, free carousel rides and refreshments.

The Faith Lutheran Church of Abilene will be presenting the live Nativity in the Prichard Barn.
Santa Train

Santa Train
Saturday, December 8
1:00 p.m.
$10 (all ages)

Buy your tickets early! Seats are limited. The Abilene Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a holiday train ride with the Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association. Santa always enjoys the ride with everyone. He also enjoys seeing old and new faces. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes long. It travels from the historic Abilene Depot to one mile west of Enterprise and back. The passengers will ride in the enclosed heated car with Santa. Ms. Cheryl from the Abilene Children's Library will be aboard. Santa will be available to listen to your Christmas wish list and you may have your picture taken with him. 

You must pre-register for this train ride. There will be no tickets sold the day of the train ride! No exceptions.

Call Abilene Parks & Recreation at (785) 263-7266 for more information.
Holiday Markets

Holiday Craft & Vendor Show - hosted by Debbie Davis  
Saturday, December 1 
10 A.M. - 3 P.M.
Sterl Hall

Gift & Craft Show - hosted by Abilene KS Gift & Craft Expo
Sunday, December 9
1 - 5 P.M.
Sterl Hall
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