America Likes Abilene: USA TODAY Names Abilene a Finalist for Best Historic Small Town

America likes Abilene.

For the eighth consecutive year, USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has named Abilene a finalist for Best Historic Small Town, placing this iconic Kansas community among the top historic destinations in the nation once again.



As the country prepares to celebrate America 250 in 2026, Abilene continues to stand out as a place where the American story is not just remembered, it is experienced.

“Being named a finalist year after year reflects the pride and partnership of our entire community,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. “As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s story, Abilene offers an authentic place to experience the leadership, frontier spirit, and community values that define America.”

If You're Looking for Americana, See Abilene

Americana is defined by wide open skies, historic main streets, railroads, cowboys, faith, freedom, and hometown pride.

That definition comes to life in Abilene.

Visitors can:

• Walk in the footsteps of Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home and explore the legacy of the Five-Star General and 34th President of the United States
• Ride the rails on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad
• Experience cattle town days and Wild West reenactments at Old Abilene Town
• Tour the beautifully preserved Seelye Mansion
• Take a spin on the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center
• Discover racing history at the Greyhound Hall of Fame
• Enjoy live performances at Great Plains Theatre

From the end of the Chisholm Trail to the hometown of a President who proudly claimed Abilene as his own, this community offers visitors a hands-on journey through America’s story.

Help Abilene Make History Again - Vote Now

Finalists are selected by a panel of travel experts, and the winner is determined by public vote.

Voting begins Monday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. CST and ends Monday, March 30 at 11:59 a.m. CDT. Supporters may vote once per day during the contest period.

The Top 10 winners, as ranked by USA TODAY 10Best readers, will be announced Wednesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m. CDT.

Vote daily at AbileneKansas.org/votenow or 10Best.com.

In 1945, Eisenhower said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.” As we celebrate America 250, we invite friends, residents, alumni, and visitors to show that same pride by voting daily and helping Abilene earn the top spot.