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Shopping in Abilene is more than a transaction. It is about connection, creativity, and supporting the people behind the counter.
Browse downtown shops and support locally owned businesses where friendly service and unique finds make every stop memorable. From boutiques and antiques to Kansas-made products and thoughtful gifts, shopping here adds something special to every visit.
Take a stroll downtown, meet the owners, and enjoy shopping small in the Heart of America!
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Why is Eisenhower one of the best?
by The Driveby Tourist
| | Did you know that C-SPAN answers the question, “Why is Eisenhower one of the best?” C-SPAN rankings encompass ten categories and feature over 100 history and presidential scholars who complete their rankings. The service is unbiased in its political leanings, although I’m sure many will claim they lean toward the “other side.” In the 2021 ranking, Eisenhower comes in fifth, behind Theodore Roosevelt and ahead of Harry Truman. Would you like to learn more about all the U.S. presidents? | |
5 Authentic Midwest Towns That Are Time Capsules of 1950s Americana
by Lauren Kershner, Islands
| | The 1950s remains one of the most aesthetically romanticized decades in American history. Kitschy neon signs, old-fashioned soda fountains, and idyllic suburban neighborhoods lined with picket fences are just a few images that spring to mind. If you were born too late to experience the decade firsthand — or lived through it and want a return trip — there are plenty of nostalgic spots in the U.S. where your retro daydreams can feel real. | | 2026 is off to a great start! Check back weekly for updates as we receive more information from our partners about exciting events happening this year. | | |
13 & 14
Friday & Saturday
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*SOLD OUT* Valentine's Day Dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an elegant dinner at the Historic Seelye Mansion, offered on Friday, February 13, or Saturday, February 14. This special experience invites couples to enjoy a memorable evening inside Abilene’s most treasured historic home. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited - Valentines Prime Rib Dinner
We’ve got the perfect setting for a great Valentine’s Day experience! Imagine a candlelight setting with a great meal, live music and a great prime rib dinner with a nice glass of wine…all on a train trip through the Smoky Hill River Valley. The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited dinner train presents “Romance on the Rails,” our annual Valentine’s Day train. For a special touch, purchase a table for two in our Eveland Creek car for $200 with complimentary champagne! Or ride with other couples in the Chicago and Enterprise cars for $90 per person. Abilene’s Legacy Kansas/Brookville Hotel will be cooking a delicious prime rib dinner, featuring Kansas grown beef, baked potato with butter and sour cream, coleslaw, cream corn, roll with butter and for dessert: strawberry shortcake. Coffee, tea or water accompany the meal, and wine, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase. Special love songs will be provided by the “Four Gems Quartet” from Manhattan. Our train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 5:00 p.m. for a two-hour rail adventure with a stop in Enterprise, Kansas. Learn more
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Project Recovery (Lunch & Learn)
Guest speaker: Dr. C. Lawrence Evans
Professor of Government, William and Mary College Learn more
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Ida Stover Eisenhower Memorial Quilt Show
Attend the Dickinson County Historical Society's quilt show to see beautiful quilts on display. All Dickinson County quilts are welcome and can range from recently completed to the late 1880s. Viewers can vote on their favorite quilt. Learn more
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Abilene HandCrafters Spring Market
Come join us IN TWO BUILDINGS. Sterl Hall and the National Guard Armory in Abilene KS. 60+ hand crafted vendors, breakfast and lunch options, snacks, drinks and more! Learn more
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11 & 12
Saturday & Sunday
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2026 Sunflower Journey Quilt Show
Presented by the End of the Trail Quilt Guild, this event includes a merchant mall, silent auction, door prices, scissor sharpening and lunch at the Sunflower Cafe. Admission is $7 and children ages 10 and under are free. Learn more
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2026 Eisenhower Marathon
The Eisenhower Marathon returns on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Join runners from across the country to run through the same territory cattlemen followed when bringing their herds to Abilene on the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. Runners love this “flat and fast” course! Learn more
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Downtown Abilene Cruise for Food Car Show
Rev up your engines and join us for the Downtown Abilene Cruise for Food Car Show! Learn more
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8th Annual Abilene Downtown Antique Fest
Get ready for the 8th Annual Abilene Downtown Antique Fest on Saturday, May 9, a can’t-miss event that’s perfect for Mother’s Day weekend! Stroll through historic downtown Abilene and discover a treasure trove of antiques, vintage finds, and handcrafted items from talented vendors. Discover the charming atmosphere that makes Abilene one of the Best Small Towns to Visit. Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift or just looking for a fun day out, Abilene Downtown Antique Fest promises a memorable experience for all! Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Spring Nationals
See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World! Learn more
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School's Out Fest
School’s out, and the fun is in full swing! Kick off summer in Abilene, Kansas, with School’s Out Fest—a full day of family-friendly activities, live music, sidewalk chalk art, and fantastic food and drinks in the heart of historic downtown. Learn more
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Symphony at Sunset Annual D-Day Commemoration
Commemorate D-Day at this meaningful outdoor concert held on our beautiful campus grounds. This annual concert is held the first Saturday in June in partnership with the Salina Symphony and Eisenhower Foundation. Plus, free museum admission all day! Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair
Mark Your Calendars: Central Kansas Free Fair Returns to Abilene – July 28 to August 2, 2026.
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of the Central Kansas Free Fair. This beloved tradition continues to shine as one of the region’s favorite summertime events! Learn more
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Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
Get ready for action-packed nights at the Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo, July 28 - 31! Watch as talented cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills in exciting rodeo events. Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair - Parade
Experience the excitement of the Central Kansas Free Fair, starting with the annual parade on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 4 p.m. Don’t miss this annual tradition! Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair - Demolition Derby
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for one of the region's best demolition derbies! Watch as drivers compete in a high-energy clash of skill and durability, battling to be the last car standing. Learn more
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Eisenhower Foundation's Annual Eisenhower Legacy Gala
This exclusive Gala honors General and President Eisenhower with a reception, dinner, and keynote speaker. Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Fall Meet
See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World! Learn more
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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. Learn more
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Cowtown Christmas
Celebrate the season in Abilene, December 4-6, 2026! Tour stunning homes during the 49th Annual Heritage Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Historical Society, and experience a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town. Visit the Historic Seelye Mansion to see over 60 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and ride the Cowtown Santa Express with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. Don’t miss the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown evening cruise for dazzling decorations, plenty of Santa sightings, and opportunities to shop small at Abilene’s unique businesses all season long! Learn more
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49th Homes for the Holiday Tour
Discover why USA TODAY readers rank Abilene as one of the Best Historic Small Towns during the Heritage Homes Association's 49th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Explore beautifully decorated historic homes and a charming church decked out for the season. Learn more
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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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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.
Learn more
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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
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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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