Art Class for Military Veterans with Watercolor Artist Mary Whyte! | | |
Military veterans are invited to join renowned watercolor artist Mary Whyte for a creative and fun day of watercolor painting this Veterans Day at the Eisenhower Presidential Liberty and Museum! The free class will be held in the library building indoor courtyard at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11. All skill levels are welcome, especially beginners. Advance registration is required along with proof of veteran status.
Mary Whyte will be demonstrating the fundamentals of watercolor, with vets working from a selection of imagery. If preferred, participants can work from their own photo of their choosing. This in-person event offers a unique opportunity for veterans to unleash their creativity and connect with fellow servicemen and women through art. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this class welcomes all skill levels. Don't miss this chance to explore your artistic side in a supportive and inspiring environment.
All painting supplies are donated by the Patriot Art Foundation. Boxed lunch is provided courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation. Participants will be required to show proof of veteran status. Acceptable forms: VA ID card or DD214 (with important information blocked out).
For additional event and registration details, please visit eisenhowerlibrary.gov.
The 2025 programming season is dedicated to our nation’s veterans. The Eisenhower Museum was originally founded as a tribute to WWII veterans. Join us as we continue to uphold the legacy of honoring those who served. These programs are all made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation with generous support from the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.
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Dive into Adventure with Finding Nemo JR. at Great Plains Theatre | |
Get ready to dive under the sea with Finding Nemo JR. at Great Plains Theatre! Follow Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, as he embarks on a daring journey across the ocean to rescue his son, Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home.
Along the way, Marlin meets unforgettable characters who teach him lessons about courage, trust, and friendship — including the ever-optimistic Dory, the totally chill sea turtle Crush, and the determined Tank Gang. Together, Marlin and Nemo overcome challenges and discover what it truly means to find each other — and themselves.
Featuring toe-tapping favorites like “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” this youth production brings the Great Barrier Reef to life on stage in a colorful, heartwarming story perfect for all ages.
Final Performances:
- Friday, September 26: 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 27 & Sunday, September 28: 2:00 p.m. Matinees
- (House doors open approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.)
Tickets: $15 for adults | $10 for students
| | All Aboard the Pumpkin Harvest Express in Abilene, Kansas! | | |
Attention pumpkin pickers! The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad is ready to welcome you aboard for one of fall’s most festive traditions — the Pumpkin Harvest Express. This family-favorite event returns for its third year, bringing trainloads of fun to Abilene each October weekend.
Ride Through the Smoky Valley
Climb aboard one of three passenger cars — or take in the crisp fall air from the open-air gondola — and enjoy a scenic ride through the Smoky Valley. The train will take you to the A&SV’s pumpkin patch, where passengers can hop off and pick out their perfect pumpkin. Whether you’re planning to carve a spooky jack-o’-lantern, bake a homemade pumpkin pie, or decorate your front porch, this is the place to find “the one.”
Dates & Times
This year’s Pumpkin Harvest Express trains run:
- October 11-13
- October 18-19
- October 25-26
Train Times
- Saturdays: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
- Sundays: 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
With about 2,000 riders last year, you’ll want to grab your tickets early for this popular fall outing.
Family Fun at the Pumpkin Patch
In addition to pumpkin picking, children will receive a special trick-or-treat bag, making this a perfect seasonal adventure for families. After you’ve found your pumpkins and snapped a few photos, the train will bring you back to Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot.
Tickets & Information
Advance tickets are available online at asvrr.org, or you can purchase them at the depot before departure (subject to availability).
Don’t miss your chance to make memories on the Pumpkin Harvest Express — a one-of-a-kind fall experience right here in Abilene, Kansas. Grab your family, put on your favorite cozy sweater, and let’s go pumpkin picking by train!
| | Haunted Old Town: Abilene's Spookiest Fall Tradition | | |
Get ready for chills, thrills, and a whole lot of Halloween fun! Haunted Old Town returns to Abilene this October, bringing back the scares in the historic setting of Old Abilene Town. Whether you love haunted houses, spooky stories, or just a good excuse to grab your friends for a night out, this event is the perfect way to celebrate spooky season.
Event Details
- Dates: October 17–18, 24–25, and 31
- Time: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Location: Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 6th Street, Abilene, KS 67410
- Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for kids 10 & under
- Bonus: Free parking + photo ops available!
A Night to Remember
Step back in time and into the shadows of Old Abilene Town as the historic buildings transform into a haunted village. Creepy characters, eerie effects, and unexpected scares make this an unforgettable Halloween adventure.
Foodies, you’re in luck – Filo Foods Food Truck will be onsite serving up delicious bites to keep your courage fueled. And don’t forget to bring your camera for those perfect spooky selfies.
Special Halloween Party
October 25 Bonus Night!
After you’ve made it through the haunted experience, stick around for a Halloween Costume Party. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
Make it a Weekend in Abilene
Turn Haunted Old Town into a full fall getaway! Spend the day exploring Abilene’s one-of-a-kind attractions – ride the rails on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, explore cowboy history at the Dickinson County Historical Society, and see the World’s Largest Belt Buckle before heading to Old Abilene Town for your evening of frightful fun.
| | Kansas Gunsmoke Trail Featured in Extended Weekend Getaways | |
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Art in Abilene
Celebrating Cowboy Roots with the Cowboy Boot Art Trail
Abilene is stepping up its cowboy pride! The Cowboy Boot Art Trail celebrates the city’s Wild West roots and pays tribute to T.C. McInerney’s iconic Drovers Boot Store from the 1870s.
From the patriotic boot at Little Ike Park to the “Mooooo” boot at Old Abilene Town, every stop tells part of Abilene’s story. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s the perfect way to explore and snap some memorable photos.
Which boot is your favorite? Follow the trail, find them all, and share your top pick with us!
| | | | 2025 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. | | | |
Disney * Pixar's Finding Nemo Jr. at Great Plains Theatre
Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. This production is rated G, perfect for the whole family! Learn more
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Autumn Festival
Join Wilkens Acres for hand-crafted items, fall decorations and food!
Learn more
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Dickinson County Heritage Center - Farm Toy Museum Open House
Plan to attend the Open House on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m. at 412 S. Campbell St. in Abilene to experience the Farm Toy Museum, Heritage Hall, and the new mural. Visitors can tour Heritage Hall, enjoy live demonstrations that bring history to life, and take part in an afternoon celebrating Dickinson County's story.
Learn more
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NGA 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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17 & 18
Friday & Saturday
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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's a sense of enchantment in the atmosphere. In Abilene, Kansas, this time of year is synonymous with the spine-tingling delight of Halloween, and one event that's eagerly awaited is the return of the beloved Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town. This annual favorite promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to embrace the chills and thrills.
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24 & 25
Friday & Saturday
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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's a sense of enchantment in the atmosphere. In Abilene, Kansas, this time of year is synonymous with the spine-tingling delight of Halloween, and one event that's eagerly awaited is the return of the beloved Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town. This annual favorite promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to embrace the chills and thrills.
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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's a sense of enchantment in the atmosphere. In Abilene, Kansas, this time of year is synonymous with the spine-tingling delight of Halloween, and one event that's eagerly awaited is the return of the beloved Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town. This annual favorite promises an unforgettable experience for those who dare to embrace the chills and thrills.
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Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut... but life just isn't the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim's luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim's best friend Ted tries to lure Linda to Hollywood to be his new dance partner, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? Based on the classic film, this joyous musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including "Blue Skies," "Easter Parade," "Steppin' Out With My Baby," "Heat Wave," "White Christmas," "Be Careful, It's My Heart," "Cheek to Cheek," "Shaking the Blues Away" and many more! This production is rated G, perfect for the whole family!
Learn more
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Cowtown Christmas
Celebrate the season in Abilene, December 6-7, 2025! Tour stunning homes during the 48th 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, ride the Cowtown Santa Express with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, and catch a live holiday show at Great Plains Theatre. 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!
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48th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour
Discover why USA TODAY readers rank Abilene as one of the Best Historic Small Towns during the Heritage Homes Association's 48th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour! Explore beautifully decorated historic homes and a charming church decked out for the season.
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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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