Union Pacific Big Boy Locomotive to Visit Abilene


Calling all train lovers! The  Union Pacific Big Boy Locomotive  will be in Abilene, Kansas on Wednesday, November 20 from 12:15 pm - 12:35 pm.

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad's Completion

Union Pacific's historic Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014 is touring the Union Pacific system throughout 2019 to commemorate the transcontinental railroad's 150th anniversary.

The Big Boy's return to the rails is the product of more than two years of meticulous restoration work by the Union Pacific Steam Team. No. 4014 is the world's only operating Big Boy locomotive.

Learn more >
The Mansion, Smoky Valley, Greyhound, & the Rose Garden: A Story of Abilene, Kansas


by The Iowa Gallivant

Never underestimate the magnitude of history that many of America's small towns have. Pair that with incredible murals, public gardens, railroad tour, a one of a kind hall of fame, and Midwest kindness; and you get Abilene, Kansas. We've covered the  local food scene  and the  Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum  in earlier posts and now we bring you to more of Abilene's beautiful and historical attractions.

2019 IAWA World Championship

Abilene hosts a variety of events from cowboy poetry to business trainings. This weekend, we host the 2019 IAWA (International All-Round Weightlifting Association) World Championship. We are excited to welcome lifters from around the world to our 5 ⭐️  community!


Heritage Center returns to Historical Society roots

Hard work was a fact of life for Dickinson County's early settlers as they toiled from sunup to sundown, and it begs the question: Were the good old days really that good?

Everyone is invited to get a taste of pioneer life in the late 1800s and early 20th century during the 41st annual Heritage Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Dickinson County Historical Society, 412 S. Campbell.

"The festival not only highlights the skills and traditions of the settlers of Dickinson County, it also gives visitors a great day of fun, food and activities," said Judy Zimmer, historical society administrator.

Evenings at Ease: "20 Years in the Secret Service"

Rebecca Youngblood Vaughn, MD, daughter of former Secret Service Deputy Director Rufus W. Youngblood, discusses her father's memoir, "20 Years in the Secret Service." Vaughn presents her father's story, highlighting Youngblood's 20-year career. He joined the Secret Service in 1951 and protected Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. Originally published in 1973, Vaughn republished her father's memoir honoring a man who genuinely loved his country and his role in the U.S. Secret Service during a critical period of American history. This second edition includes additional photos from a variety of archives including the Eisenhower Presidential Library.

The book is available for purchase in the gift shop. A book signing will follow Vaughn's presentation.

Tuesday, October 8
7 - 8:30 pm
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Museum Rededication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Join us as we dedicate the all-new exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Museum in Abilene, Kansas. The renovation of the entire museum exhibit space was the result of a successful five-year $12,250,000 capital campaign conducted by the Eisenhower Foundation. Donors from all 50 states contributed to this grassroots effort.

Dwight and Mamie's granddaughter and Eisenhower Foundation Board Member, Mary Jean Eisenhower, will deliver the keynote address. This outdoor ceremony is free and open to the public. Some seating will be provided and lawn chairs are welcome. Following the ribbon-cutting, the museum doors will open with free admission for the day. 


Saturday, October 12
11 am
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
World Premier - Empires Fall at Great Plains Theatre

A world premiere of a new play by the only press secretary in United States history to be appointed by two Presidents, Marlin Fitzwater. Empires Fall is about the relationship of President George H.W. Bush and USSR General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev in the two years between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Both men attempt to bring an end to the cold war in a fashion that, while being in the best interest of their country, also protects the world. More relevant than ever, Empires Fall is a theatrical event not to be missed.
Rated PG


Throwback Thursday



The Salina Journal - February 24, 1995
5 Star Reviews - Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
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Have an upcoming event? Help us, help you. We do our best to stay up-to-date, but please make sure to include us in your event and special promotions. Please send announcements to  Julie@abilenecityhall.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS



EVENT

WHEN

LOCATION
LEARN MORE
Putting Color Back in Grandma's Cheeks Thursday, October 3 @ 7 pm Dickinson County Historical Society
Colorizing Ike, WWII and Other Historical Images Thursday, October 3 @ 7 pm Dickinson County Historical Society
Heritage Days Saturday, October 5 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
Saturday, October 5 @ 10 am - 3 pm (hourly departures)

Dickinson County Heritage Center
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel)
Saturday, October 5 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
Sunday, October 6 @ 2 pm (last steam run of the year)
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Evenings at Ease: 20 Years in the Secret Service Tuesday, October 8 @ 7 pm Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Impact the Cure Saturday, October 12 @ 8 am Impact Sports and Fitness
Museum Rededication and Ribbon Cutting Saturday, October 12 @ 11 am Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Vintage Base Ball Game Saturday, October 12 @ 11 am Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Abilene Fire Department 150th Celebration and parade Saturday, October 12 @ 1 pm  Abilene Fire Department
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, October 12 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
*SOLD OUT* Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, October 12 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet Monday, October 14 - Saturday, October 19  National Greyhound Association
Empires Fall October 18-27 Great Plains Theatre
Halloweenie Spooktacular Friday, October 18 @ 6 pm - 7:45 pm Abilene Parks & Recreation
Spooktacular Saturday, October 19 @ Noon - 6 pm Old Abilene Town
Karaoke Night Friday, October 25 @ 7-10 pm Old Abilene Town
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, October 26 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
*SOLD OUT*  Silver Flyer Railbus Saturday, October 26 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
5th Annual Tombstone Talks Friday, November 1 @ 6:30 pm and 8 pm Great Plains Theatre
Abilene Gun Show Saturday, November 2 @ 9am - 5 pm; Sunday, November 3 @ 9am - 3pm Sterl Hall
Makin' Magic - 25 Years of Fun November 29 - December 15 Great Plains Theatre
Abilene's Victorian Inn Christmas Afternoon Tea Saturday, December 7 Abilene's Victorian Inn
Heritage Homes Association's Homes for the Holidays Tour Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8
Varies each year
Night of Christmas Magic Saturday, December 7 Downtown Abilene
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - Christmas Lights Tour December 13 & 14 and 20 & 21 @ 6 pm and 7 pm. Pickup: Abilene Travel Information Center / Civic Center parking lot (east end)

Cost: $5 per person ages 3 and older.
Call: 
785-263-1077 for reservations.
About us
The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau  is the marketing arm of the City of Abilene and provides services to tourists and groups convening in Abilene.
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