Plan My Visit

Abilene Tourism Advocate

November 14, 2024

 
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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY

 

2025 American Flag Sponsorships


Dear Abilene Area Business/Resident/Organization:


Visitors to Abilene frequently comment on the beautiful American flags lining Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street. The American flags are one of the many wonderful attributes that make our community stand out.


To continue this tradition, the City of Abilene’s Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking sponsors for the American flags, which are placed on poles from I-70 along Buckeye Avenue to the south city limits and from Buckeye west on NW 3rd Street. The flags are flown from the Eisenhower Marathon weekend in April through Veterans Day. Because they are displayed for seven months, the flags and poles are more prone to wear and tear. The City of Abilene’s Public Works Department replaces them as needed.


Our goal is to purchase 200 flags for the 2025 season. The cost of each flag remains the same at $25, which includes the cost of the pole.


While the City of Abilene’s Public Works Department, Vyve Broadband, Abilene Rent-All, and Linder Electric install the flags on the light poles, we rely on the community to provide funding for this project.


We hope you will consider purchasing one or more flags this year. Please complete the enclosed form and return it to Julie Roller Weeks at the Abilene CVB by January 24, 2025.


Thank you in advance for your continued support!

Learn more

2025 Sponsors:

  1. Scott Litke
  2. Brad Dunlap
  3. Bill & Marlene Howe
  4. Mark Hinca


*As of 11/13/2024

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Latest News

Discover the Holiday Spirit at Abilene's 47th Annual Homes for the Holidays


Step into the warmth and wonder of the holiday season during Abilene’s cherished 47th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Presented by the Heritage Homes Association, this festive event invites you to explore historic homes and an architectural gem of a church, each decked out in holiday splendor. Join us Saturday, December 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a tour that brings Abilene’s history and holiday cheer to life.


Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at West’s Plaza Country Mart (1900 N. Buckeye Ave), Abilene Downtown Antiques / Mud Creek Antiques (313 & 319 N. Buckeye Ave), or online at www.LittleTownofMansions.com.


This year’s tour offers a rare opportunity to glimpse the historic charm of Abilene’s beautifully decorated heritage homes and historic church, with each property showcasing stories from Abilene’s past and festive decorations that capture the magic of the season.


Here’s a look at this year’s featured stops:


Featured Homes

304 NE 13th Street – Home of Sabrina Holland

This home, built in 1951, embodies post-war charm and family legacy. Originally owned by WWII veteran John N. Biggs and his wife, Bernice, this residence tells the story of dedicated community members, now lovingly maintained by current owner Sabrina Holland.


106 Naroma Court – Home of Jim and Cindy Medina

Constructed by influential entrepreneur Cleyson L. Brown in 1926, this Spanish-style duplex once housed Brown’s loyal secretary, Ella Horner. It beautifully reflects Abilene’s industrial heritage and Brown’s pioneering contributions to telecommunications.


514 N. Cedar Street – Home of Donald and Ruth Englehaupt and Elizabeth Englehaupt

Dating back to 1885, this historic home has served generations of community leaders and entrepreneurs who helped shape Abilene’s history. Owned by the Englehaupt family, it remains a testament to the enduring spirit of the community.


907 NW 3rd Street – Home of Joann Hettenbach

Believed to have been relocated to its current site before 1900, this home is steeped in local folklore, including tales of “The Whistler” ghost. Carefully restored, it combines historic charm with intriguing legends.


1803 S. Buckeye Ave – Warren Wilson Hay  (Greg & Marcia Wilson and Mark & Teresa Wilson)

Originally built by pioneer farmers Benjamin and Annie Landis, this inviting farmhouse-style home has long been a gathering place for community leaders. Lovingly decorated for the season, it offers timeless charm and rich local heritage.


311 S. Buckeye Ave – St. Andrew’s Catholic Church

Among Abilene’s earliest settlers were members of the Roman Catholic Church. Completed in 1916, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows, crafted in Munich, Germany. Visitors will experience the architectural beauty and historic significance of Abilene’s oldest Catholic congregation, a cornerstone of the community for over a century.

Each stop on the tour offers a unique view into Abilene’s past, with homeowners and volunteers sharing stories passed down through generations. “The Homes for the Holidays Tour is a treasured tradition that brings our community together and highlights the beauty and spirit of Abilene,” says Heritage Homes Association President Sabrina Holland.


Ticket Information

Tickets for the 47th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour are $10 and can be purchased at the following locations:

  • West’s Plaza Country Mart (1900 N. Buckeye Ave)
  • Abilene Downtown Antiques / Mud Creek Antiques (313 & 319 N. Buckeye Ave)
  • Online at www.LittleTownofMansions.com


Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of Abilene’s holiday season while exploring some of its most historic and beautifully preserved properties.


About the Heritage Homes Association

The Heritage Homes Association celebrates Abilene’s architectural legacy, fostering community pride and appreciation for historic preservation. Through events like the Homes for the Holidays Tour, the association encourages residents and visitors alike to experience the unique character of Abilene’s historic homes and the stories they hold.

Learn more

Boot Unveiling


Friday is America Recycles Day, and the Abilene Recycling Center is celebrating in a special way! Join us in commemorating their 30th anniversary with an open house from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring refreshments and the unveiling of Abilene’s newest Cowboy Boot!


Address: 1210 NW 8th Street, Abilene


Voluntourism at Seelye Mansion: Bringing the Holiday Spirit to Life


This holiday season, visitors from all corners of Kansas are embracing "voluntourism" by traveling to Abilene to help decorate the historic Seelye Mansion. These volunteer decorators are transforming the mansion into a breathtaking holiday display, setting up over 65 Christmas trees, arranging live poinsettias, and organizing hundreds of nutcrackers in every room. Their time and talent bring warmth and tradition to the mansion, inviting guests to experience the true magic of the season. Whether you’re lending a hand or simply visiting, Seelye Mansion’s festive transformation is a celebration of community spirit and holiday cheer.

27th Annual Toy Run


The 27th Annual Abilene Motorcycle Toy Run is Sunday, November 17. Riders will depart from the Lumber House True Value parking lot at 2:00 p.m.  Riders are encouraged to bring new toys for distribution to needy children. All toys and cash contributions will be donated to Abilene Toys 4 Tots.

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Upcoming Events

November

16


Saturday


Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad: A Pre-Thanksgiving Treat - German Style (Schatzi's Schnitzel Haus)

Before the barrage of turkey and leftovers begins at your house, join us on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad for one last pre-Thanksgiving culinary escape! We’re proud to feature Chef Manfred LaGrange of Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus in Riley, who presents your choice of two German fall dishes: schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with homemade spatzle (noodles), rotkraut (red cabbage), and for dessert, luscious black forest cake. Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And for an extra charge, Schatzi’s has German beer! The train leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a taste of Germany as the Abilene & Smoky Valley Limited glides through the river valley for a two-hour dining adventure on the rails of Kansas history! More Info

November

22


Friday


Pink Friday

We've all heard of Black Friday, American Express Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and 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. Take the pledge!


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Community Attractions
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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Have an Adventure


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Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

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See All Things To Do

Community Spotlight

 

Stay in Abilene


Abilene is home to more than 200 rooms ready to serve travelers. From national chain hotels to locally-owned motels, award-winning bed and breakfasts, and unique Airbnbs, Abilene's lodging community offers something for every price point.


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Gunsmoke Trail


Howdy, partners, and welcome to the Gunsmoke Trail! This road trip visits four cities in Kansas that had a role in Gunsmoke, the Emmy award-winning primetime Western that entertained audiences for 20 years.


The show still runs on select networks, with iconic characters telling the story of frontier life in the Old West. Several present-day cities in Kansas play a part in the show’s storylines, including Wichita, Abilene, Hays City (now Hays), and of course, Dodge City.


Learn more


Itinerary

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