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Abilene Tourism Advocate
August 10, 2023
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Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2023) |
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War and Peace - Eisenhower Presidential Library
by Our Changing Lives
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Our trip to Abilene, Kansas, would not be complete without a visit to the site that honors one of the most famous Kansans. The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Boyhood Home is a top destination for travelers from all over the country and the world. They come to Abilene to pay homage and learn more about the man who served as the 34th President of the United States.
Ike’s Early Days
The Eisenhower family moved into their six-room house in 1898, and here David and Ida raised their six sons. Abilene, Kansas, offered a good place to raise a rambunctious family. We could almost picture Ida shooing the boys outside so that she could get the house straightened up. We would later find out that Ida lived here until the time of her death in 1946. While Dwight’s parents belonged to the International Bible Students Association (later it became Jehovah’s Witnesses), he would remain unaffiliated with a church until later in life. His decision to attend West Point was unpopular with his mother, who felt warfare was wicked.
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14 Things to Do in Abilene, Kansas |
When I’m planning to visit a new place, I love to leave a bit of my trip up to chance. Sure, I will always be an overzealous planner. But I also like to build some time into my schedule to explore, follow through on recommendations from locals, and be surprised by my surroundings. Had I not planned some of that time into a recent road trip, I would have never discovered that there are so many amazing things to do in Abilene, Kansas.
If you’re looking for lots of local history and heaps of small town charm, you won’t want to miss this Kansas community. The next time you’re in the area, check out one (or five) of these 10 things to do in Abilene, Kansas.
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The 2023 Central Kansas Free Fair Parade was great! If you missed it, you can watch a replay online. |
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If you're looking for a fun, free outdoor activity, there are nearly 20 Geocache locations in and around Abilene.
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Need a getaway? These 4 small cities are worth the road trip from Wichita this summer |
It’s summer vacation, but when balancing work responsibilities and the day-to-day bustle, planning a vacation might become more work than leisure.
Thankfully, there are some spots right here in Kansas with food, history, museums and more that offer fun for the whole family.
If you want a quick getaway, but don’t want to spend more than a few hours behind the wheel, here are some small cities less than a three-hour drive from Wichita that are worth checking out.
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True West Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2018 & 2023)
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4th Annual Abilene Boutique Crawl
Join us for our 4th Annual Boutique Crawl! Enjoy a girl's night out while shopping in our local stores. There will be grab bags with awesome prizes for the first 50 people. Fill out a blackout bingo card for entry into a prize drawing. For every $10 you spend at a shop, you will receive a ticket for entry into our grand prize drawing! Some stores will be serving snacks and drinks. We will start at Little Ike Park, then go to all the stores on the map to fill out your bingo cards! Learn more
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Around the World in 80 Days at Great Plains Theatre
Hold on to your seats in the original amazing race based on the classic novel by Jules Verne. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a shamelessly silly and high-spirited show. And they're off! Learn more
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Abilene Oktoberfest
Abilene Oktoberfest is excited for its 6th annual Oktoberfest held in Downtown Abilene. Enjoy German Dancers, music, authentic German food and drinks.
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Heritage Day
The annual Heritage Day Festival features living history with blacksmith and antique agriculture demonstrations, steam engine carousel rides, an antique tractor show, a classic car show, model trains, a vendor fair and much more. Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Fall Meet
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for the National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet and see the Greyhounds in action! Learn more
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Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
This musical version of the beloved Holiday classic follows a wave of love that is spread from the real Kris Kringle melting even the most cynical of hearts. This heartwarming spectacle of a musical is the perfect Holiday treat. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Learn more
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Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 2-3, 2023 for the Heritage Homes Association’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Old Abilene Town, tour the historic Seelye Mansion and see more than 60 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, ride the rails with Santa and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, see the live production of the Miracle on 34th Street at Great Plains Theatre, take an evening cruise and see Griswold-style decorations during the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Santa, and remember to shop small all season long at Abilene’s small businesses.
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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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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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