Abilene Tourism Advocate

June 18, 2026

 
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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY

 

Abilene Welcomes Seven Attractions to 2026 Kansas Sunflower Summer Program

The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that seven local attractions will participate in the 2026 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program.


In 2025, Abilene attractions welcomed more than 7,500 Sunflower Summer admissions, generating nearly $100,000 for local attractions through the program.


Participating attractions include:


The Sunflower Summer program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children to encourage them to explore and fall in love with Kansas. The program provides Kansas families free access to attractions across the state while supporting the Kansas tourism economy.


Eligible Kansas families can download the Sunflower Summer app to claim tickets to participating venues. One complimentary adult admission is included with eligible students. Tickets are redeemed upon arrival, and each participant may visit a venue once during the 2026 season, which runs July 9 through Aug. 2.


“We are excited to welcome Kansas families to Abilene through the Sunflower Summer program,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene CVB director. “Sunflower Summer introduces families to the places that make our community special, and we are thrilled to see seven local attractions participating this year, one more than in 2025!”


Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts tourism has on state and local communities.


“Kansas Tourism is excited to have Abilene attractions as part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for Kansas residents, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2026 season. Participation from Abilene attractions is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”


For more information on the Abilene CVB, visit AbileneKansas.org. To learn more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.

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Latest News

Multi-Gen Travel: Why Grandparents Love Bringing Grandkids to Abilene, Kansas

There is something special about seeing a destination through a child’s eyes.


For grandparents, travel is not just about taking a trip. It is about making memories, sharing stories, and spending quality time together. That is exactly why more families are discovering the joy of multi-generational travel, and why Abilene, Kansas is the perfect place for grandparents and grandkids to reconnect.


Located right along I-70 in the Heart of America, Abilene offers the kind of experiences that feel harder to find these days: train rides, old-fashioned fun, hands-on history, sweet treats, walkable attractions, and moments that spark real conversation.


No complicated itineraries. No overwhelming crowds. Just time together.

150+ Free Things to Do in Kansas

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Whether you're planning a Kansas road trip, searching for a weekend adventure, or simply looking for something new to experience close to home, this free guide will help you wander more.

Church Basement Ladies Opens at Great Plains Theatre June 19th!

Make Memories in Kansas!

Ride the Rails This Week with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

 

Upcoming Events

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.

19-28


Friday - Sunday

Church Basement Ladies at Great Plains Theatre

Join us in the basement of a rural Minnesota church in the 1960s where the ladies are cooking up lots of laughs. Navigating changes in the church and in their own lives while making casseroles, this musical is sure to leave you with a full heart (and a hungry stomach). Learn more

20


Saturday

Memories of the Prairie at Dickinson County Heritage Center @ 6 p.m.

Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and re-enactors bring history to life at the Historical Society and Museum on Saturdays during the summer. Come learn about the history of Dickinson County and Kansas from those that have lived it. Topic: Auntie M's Attic (period clothing) Learn more

27


Saturday

Memories of the Prairie at Dickinson County Heritage Center @ 7 p.m.

Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and re-enactors bring history to life at the Historical Society and Museum on Saturdays during the summer. Come learn about the history of Dickinson County and Kansas from those that have lived it. Topic: Women's Suffrage (Marla Matkin) Learn more

1


Wednesday

Naturalization Ceremony at Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

Learn more

11


Saturday

Memories of the Prairie at Dickinson County Heritage Center @ 7 p.m.

Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and re-enactors bring history to life at the Historical Society and Museum on Saturdays during the summer. Come learn about the history of Dickinson County and Kansas from those that have lived it. Topic: The Minersville Story Learn more

17 - 26


Friday - Sunday

Cinderella at Great Plains Theatre

You are cordially invited to the GPT castle to enjoy the fairytale you know and love. Dance the night away with us - we promise you'll be home before midnight! Learn more

18 & 19


Sunday

Petals at Their Peak Garden Showcase

Eisenhower Park Rose Garden, 500 NW Pine St., Abilene, KS

7:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Celebrate the beauty of the Eisenhower Park Rose Garden during peak bloom. Enjoy vibrant annuals and perennials, perfect for morning photos and a peaceful stroll through the garden. Landscape Designer Joy Maas and Horticulturist Assistant Sarah Taylor will be on site to answer gardening questions. “Petals at Their Peak” T-shirts will be available for $25, and a gardening booklet based on the popular “You Too Can Have a Green Thumb” class will be offered for a donation to Friends of the Park.

This year’s color theme is Red, White & Blue in celebration of America 250. Learn more

23


Thursday

Union Pacific "Big Boy" Returns

Rail fans, take note! The legendary Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will travel from Topeka to Salina on Thursday, July 23, following the same route it took in 2024 when it passed through Abilene.

The excursion is part of a historic coast-to-coast tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, making this a special chance to see a moving piece of railroad history. Learn more

27 - 2


Monday - Sunday

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

28 - 31


Tuesday - Friday

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

28


Tuesday

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

1 & 2


Saturday & Sunday

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

10


Saturday

Eisenhower Foundation's Annual Eisenhower Legacy Gala

This exclusive Gala honors General and President Eisenhower with a reception, dinner, and keynote speaker. Learn more

12-16


Monday - Friday

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

20


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. Learn more

4 - 6


Friday - Sunday

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

4 - 20


Friday - Sunday

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Great Plains Theatre

The mean green Grinch is making hs way to Abilene for the holidays! Your heart will grow three sizes the day you come see this family-friendly holiday celebration on stage. Featuring the story and music you know and love. This musical is the perfect addition to your holiday traditions. Learn more

5 & 6


Saturday & Sunday

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

Community Attractions
Experience Art & Culture

Journey to the Old West

Live the American Story

 
Explore Ike's Life & Legacy

Have an Adventure


Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

 

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.


Learn more

 
 

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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