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Abilene Tourism Advocate
September 1, 2022
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Favorite & Friendliest Small Town in the U.S. - TravelAwaits Readers (2022)
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Abilene, Kansas has its place in America’s Old West history: It’s the end of the Chisholm Trail, that led cattle from Texas to Kansas for years. It’s funny how the end of the trail was the start of diving into Kansas’s cowboy history for me, but here we are. Let’s check out Abilene and the town’s famous residents.
Old Abilene Town
I’m a sucker for costumed re-enactors and living history, so I absolutely loved Old Abilene Town and recommend you start your Abilene adventure there. Take a deep dive into history inside the Chisholm Trail Museum and Interpretive Center, or just imagine yourself in the thick of things as you stroll the wooden boardwalk.
Photo opportunities abound. And on the weekends (seasonally), there are mock shootouts in the street and can-can dancers in the saloon. During my visit, I also watched a cowboy poet perform.
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Two Sisters, Two Brothers, and One Spectacular Mansion!
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Passersby frequently comment on the exterior of the historic Seelye Mansion, but what's behind its doors is even more incredible!
In 1982, Sabetha natives Terry Tietjens and his twin brother Jerry purchased the Mansion from sisters - Helen and Marion Seelye. The brothers agreed to restore the home and allow the sisters to live there for as long as they were able.
The Mansion was built in 1905 by Jacob L. Krueger for Dr. A.B. Seelye, a leader in the patent medicine industry, and his wife Jennette (the sisters' parents). The home consists of twenty-five rooms and is built in the Georgian Revival style. Today, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significance to architecture and commerce.
You can still view pieces from Dr. Seelye's lab in the Patent Medicine Museum/Visitors Center behind the mansion where you'll start your tour.
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5 Answers To Your Questions About Legacy Kansas: Munson's Prime & Brookville Hotel
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Our phone is ringing off the hook with questions about the new Legacy Kansas: Munson's Prime & Brookville Hotel, so here are a few answers to your questions:
1. Are they open?
Yes, Legacy Kansas is now open by reservation only - this includes carry-out orders, too. But -- reservations fill up quickly, and it may take several weeks or more to accommodate your request. The demand is incredible!
2. How do I make a reservation?
Please call 785-200-3973 between the hours of 2 pm and 6:30 pm Thursday-Monday. This is the time when the phones are staffed. However, it may still be difficult to get through. During certain parts of the day, all of our phone lines are ringing with questions, so theirs probably are as well.
Do not call the number Google lists for the former Brookville Hotel property. It does not work, and they are waiting for Google to approve updates. Trust us, use the number listed above.
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War and Peace - Eisenhower Presidential Library
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Our trip to Abilene, Kansas would not be complete without a visit to the site that honors one of the most famous Kansans. The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Boyhood Home* is a top destination for travelers from all over the country and the world. They come to Abilene to pay homage and learn more about the man who served as the 34th President of the United States. Our first visit occurred during renovations, so we were excited to get the opportunity to see the space after its facelift. This time, we were able to view the exhibits and discover how Ike handled issues he faced during war and peace.
**Effective August 29, Dickinson County, Kansas, COVID levels are HIGH. Face coverings are required inside buildings. The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is in an area of HIGH viral transmission as determined by the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker. Visitors are required to wear a face covering inside the buildings and practice social distancing. The research room is open by appointment only.
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Thirty-five years ago last week, Terry Tietjens (Historic Seelye Mansion) opened the famous Kirby House for guests. The first event they hosted was a fundraiser for Abilene's Union Pacific Train Depot restoration, known today as the Abilene Civic Center / Visitors Center.
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3rd Annual Abilene Boutique Crawl
Join us for our 3rd annual boutique crawl! Enjoy a girls' night out while shopping at our local stores. There will be grab bags with some awesome prizes for the first 50 people. Fill out a blackout bingo card for entry into a prize drawing. For every $10 you spend at a shop, you will receive a ticket for entry into our grand prize drawing! Some stores will be serving snacks and drinks. We will start at Little Ike Park, then go to all the stores on the map to fill out your bingo cards. Can’t wait to see you all there! Learn more
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Chisholm Trail Days
Celebrate the historic cattle trail at the end of the Chisholm Trail. Learn more
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Steam Engine Rides
The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad wants to be part of your Labor Day plans!
The 1919 ATSF3415 Steam engine will be operating Thursday through Monday, Sept. 2-5. Learn more
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White House Communications Agency Members Share Stories
The number of individuals who have the privilege of working with the President of the United States on a daily basis is rather limited. Even fewer are the number of people who can say their job was to provide direct communications support for the Commander-in-Chief.
The stories they must have.
Thirteen former members of the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) plan to share their memories when they gather for a reunion next month in Abilene. The public is invited to hear them speak from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, at the Abilene Public Library.
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Abilene Oktoberfest
Abilene Oktoberfest is excited for its 5th Annual Oktoberfest held in Downtown Abilene. There will be German Dancers, Music, Authentic German Food, & Drinks. This year we will have 3 beer gardens, multiple food vendors, Masskrugstemmen, Hammerschlagen, a corn hole tournament, and a Kids Korner that will feature bouncy houses, outdoor games, crafts, face painting, and much more. Downtown Abilene has several wonderful stores that will be open for you to explore before and during the festivities! We will have a lot of exciting announcements coming soon! Make sure to mark September 17th on your Calendar! We are excited to see you at this year's Abilene Oktoberfest.
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Heritage Days
The annual Heritage Day Festival features living history with blacksmith and antique agriculture demonstrations, steam engine carousel rides, an antique tractor show, a classic car show, model trains, and much more. Learn more
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Impact the Cure
The 12th annual Impact the Cure event is Saturday, October 1st, and this year will have some changes from past events. For 2022, the event will be solely the 2MileFunWalk (no 5k run) and it will be held in Old Abilene Town as the kick-off to the community celebration of the 100th birthday for Memorial Hospital. Learn more
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Wild West Gravel Fest
In its third year, this premier gravel ride attracts riders from across the country! The Wild West Gravel Fest is a gravel bike race in Dickinson County, KS. With races ranging from 200k to 5k, Wild West Gravel Fest appeals to racers who are new to gravel and those who dare to push themselves to the extreme. And make sure to stick around for the after-party at Old Abilene Town. Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Fall Nationals
See Greyhounds in action during the Fall Nationals! Learn more
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Haunted Cowtown
The ghosts of Old Abilene Town have returned. Take a walk, if you dare, through your worst nightmare, the cursed schoolhouse, the possessed cabin, the haunted cemetery, the spooky saloon, and much more.
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Pink Friday
We've all heard of Black Friday, American Express Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, 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.
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The Christmas Schooner - A New Musical at Great Plains Theatre
This Holiday treat will have you leaving the theatre with warm fuzzies about a story of the Great Lakes voyages of Christmas Tree ships and a family’s positive spirit to share the power of classic inspiration and Christmas miracles. The heartbeat of life is in our stories and our songs! Learn more
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Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 3-4, 2022 for the Heritage Homes Association’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Old Abilene Town, tour the historic Seelye Mansion and see more than 60 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, ride the rails with Santa and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, see the live production of The Christmas Schooner - A New Musical at Great Plains Theatre, take an evening cruise and see Griswold-style decorations, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Santa, and remember to shop small all season long at Abilene’s small businesses.
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Have an Abilene tourist-related event that isn't listed? Submit it here!
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Experience Art & Culture
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Journey to the Old West
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Live the American Story
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Explore Ike's Life & Legacy
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Enjoy Family Fun and Learning
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201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
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