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Abilene Tourism Advocate
July 30, 2024
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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY (2024) |
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Abilene to Participate in Love, Kansas Campaign |
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Abilene, Kansas, has been chosen as one of fifty communities across the state to participate in the Kansas Department of Commerce’s national campaign aimed at attracting and retaining talent. This collaborative effort involves the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation, and other community partners.
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It’s simple: We need more people in Kansas to keep up with the phenomenal economic growth our state is experiencing. The best way to do that is to first approach Kansans who left the state for economic opportunities elsewhere and invite them to build a life in a place they know and have connections to, whether in their hometown or elsewhere in the state. With the Love, Kansas campaign, we aren’t just extending an invitation to those who once called Kansas home to come back – we’re also inviting families from around the country to build their lives in the Sunflower State.”
As part of the campaign, Abilene will partner with the Central Kansas Free Fair and Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo from July 30 to August 2 to promote the Love, Abilene initiative. This will include distributing Love, Kansas hand fans with an invitation to return home and showcasing the Love, Kansas video nightly at the rodeo.
Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, shared, “As part of this project, we must host an event in the first sixty days. Fair week in Abilene is an unofficial homecoming for former residents, so it makes sense to roll out this campaign during the fair. We want to thank them not only for visiting but also to invite them to consider making Abilene their home once again.”
In addition to these efforts, a letter-writing campaign will be launched to invite former residents to return home. Roller Weeks shared her personal experience, stating, “I’m a Dickinson County boomerang – I left for school and jobs but returned home eight years ago. The support I’ve received since returning is incredible, and I hope to support other boomerangs by extending the invitation to return.”
Alongside the Kansas Department of Commerce’s LoveKansas.com website, a new local website, LoveAbilene.com, is available to showcase opportunities for housing, careers, education, and the Community Foundation of Dickinson County’s Dorothy Barber Welcome Home Scholarship.
“We hope this campaign will continue to grow and expand county-wide,” Roller Weeks added. “Attracting more people to live and work in Dickinson County is good for everyone.”
Come Home To Abilene!
Join us for the Central Kansas Free Fair’s 100th anniversary! We look forward to seeing you and remembering our good times together. Abilene, with its rich history and vibrant community spirit, is calling you back. Our award-winning best small town offers so many reasons to return, including community events and attractions, new and historic housing, five-star schools, childcare availability, broadband internet, and new businesses. Plus, with growing job opportunities and a strong sense of community, there’s no better time to come home. We even offer the Dorothy Barber Welcome Home Scholarship with up to $10,000 in student loan repayment assistance to make your return easier. All that’s missing is you!
Please, won’t you consider calling Abilene home? We miss you and would love to have you back.
Love,
Abilene
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Best Roadside Attraction by TravelAwaits (2023)
True West Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2018 & 2023 & 2024)
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Abilene to Kick Off America's 250th with New Mural |
While communities nationwide are brainstorming ideas to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Abilene is kicking off the effort by creating Kansas’ first America 250 mural.
The Abilene Celebrates America 250 Mural Project aims to honor America's founding and military history while fostering civic pride. Located on a prominent wall above VFW Post #3279, overlooking Little Ike Park in historic downtown Abilene, the mural is set to become a destination as the country prepares to celebrate in 2026.
“The Community Foundation of Dickinson County is proud to support this effort to bring more art to Abilene and celebrate our country’s founding,” said Elizabeth Weese, Community Foundation of Dickinson County director.
“The VFW is excited to add a mural to its building,” said Bill Marshall, VFW post member. “The mural will feature all of the military branches and the Betsy Ross flag signifying the 13 original colonies.”
According to Allen, work is scheduled to begin next week.
“DAR is a women's service organization dedicated honoring the patriots of the Revolutionary War,” said Dee Marshall, Abilene Chapter NSDAR Regent. “We hope this project is the first of many that will showcase our patriotism and promote Abilene as a Best Historic Small Town.”
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In Ohio, the America 250-Ohio Commission announced they are seeking locations across the state to paint barns commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The first barn was completed in June 2024. In Kansas, the Semiquincentennial Commission is established, though no celebration plans have been made public.
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Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Begins Tonight |
P.S. We even gifted stock contractor, Andrews Rodeo Company with a commemorative World's Largest Belt Buckle replica!
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Central Kansas Free Fair Parade |
The Central Kansas Free Fair Parade is today at 4 p.m.
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Looking for a summer trip before school? These 7 Kansas sites are a drive away |
Summer vacation is almost over, with Topeka-area schools resuming classes in mid-August.
But there's still time to take a quick trip to somewhere within driving distance in Kansas.
Following are seven suggested Sunflower State vacation destinations, with each offering various things to do.
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Philippe Clauzel and Catherine Martin took a break from the Summer Olympics in France to embark on a three-month North American road trip. After visiting iconic destinations like Niagara Falls, Seattle, Newport Beach, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, and other tourist hotspots, they made their way to Abilene. On Monday, they visited the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, where they eagerly purchased tickets to attend the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo. Their meticulously planned itinerary reflects their desire to experience as much as possible during their adventure.
Please join us in welcoming them to Abilene!
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Central Kansas Free Fair Parade
The parade kicks off the annual Central Kansas Free Fair. The 2024 Parade begins at 4 p.m., Tuesday*, July 30, at 7th Street and Buckeye Avenue (Highway 15) and proceeds south to 3rd Street and west to Washington Street. Learn more
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100th Central Kansas Free Fair
Located in Abilene, the Central Kansas Free Fair is one of the largest in the state. This family-friendly event offers educational activities and entertainment for all ages, including the Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo, which has been frequently voted one of the top outdoor rodeos. Join us for family fun in Abilene! Learn more
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Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
Witness the excitement of the rodeo, where skilled cowboys and cowgirls compete in thrilling events. Learn more
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Rodeo Dance at Old Abilene Town
Enjoy live music from the Lazy Wayne Band. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Central Kansas Free Fair Centennial (Broadway Station)
Celebrate the Central Kansas Free Fair Centennial:
The best of Kansas agriculture on the Smoky Valley Limited!
The Central Kansas Free Fair centennial means 100 years of exhibiting locally produced agriculture and livestock, serving as a mark of excellence in our central Kansas agricultural economy. On Saturday, August 3, the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited salutes Kansas agriculture when Broadway Station in Herington serves your choice of Kansas beef brisket or pork chops, with baked potato, tossed salad, corn, and dinner rolls, and dessert: strawberry shortcake. Iced tea and water accompany the meal, and for a little extra, enjoy a glass of wine with your meal. Your two-hour train journey takes you through the farmlands of the Smoky Hill River Valley to Enterprise, for a tour of our 1880s Grist Mill that captures the once-thriving milling industry in central Kansas. The Limited leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
Take a break from the fair and join us for a taste of Kansas agriculture on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Demolition Derby
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for one of the best demolition derbies in the region!
A demolition derby is a thrilling motorsport event where participants intentionally ram their modified vehicles into one another until only one remains operational, emphasizing both skillful driving and vehicular durability. Learn more
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Dining Car Heritage Series: Missouri Pacific's "Colorado Eagle" (Lucinda's Katering)
A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series:
Missouri Pacific’s Colorado Eagle!
The Missouri Pacific was one of Kansas’ legacy railroads and played a major role in shaping our state’s agribusiness-oriented economy. MoPac trains once rumbled through Dickinson County communities on its St. Louis to Denver main line, serving Herington, Hope, Carlton, Dillon, and Elmo. Known for its line of “Eagle” passenger trains, the Missouri Pacific’s Colorado Eagle was best known in Central Kansas as a reliable passenger train with good service and great food. On Saturday, August 10, the Abilene and Smoky Valley salutes the Missouri Pacific as our Smoky Valley Limited dinner train becomes the Colorado Eagle, serving items from a 1940s menu. Lucinda’s Katering in Abilene will serve roast chicken breast with stuffing, snowflake potatoes, and string beans, with tossed green salad, dinner rolls, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. The train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
Ride in air-conditioned comfort through the river valley as A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited presents a taste of Kansas railroad history! Learn more
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5th Annual Boutique Crawl
Join us for our 5th Annual Boutique Crawl! Enjoy a girl's night out while shopping in our local stores. There will be grab bags with some awesome prizes for the first 50 people. Fill out a punch 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 the stores to get your cards marked! Learn more
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Chisholm Trail Days at Old Abilene Town
Friday - Kids Olympics start at 5 - chuckwagon BBQ with all the fixings and music under the pavilion by Jaydon Evans.
Saturday - we open at 10:00 am enjoy vendors, kids games and activities, quick draw competition, Learn a line dance, stagecoach rides, gun fights, cancan girls and featuring the long horns. In the evening enjoy Savannah Chestnuts and the Field hands. For more information check out our Facebook page or oldabienetown.org. |
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Smoky Valley Limited - Labor Day Brisket Dinner from Lucinda's Katering!
Saying goodbye to summer on Labor Day Weekend:
A beef brisket dinner on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Labor Day is the last of the summer holidays! And the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited presents the first of two great summer cookout trains. On Saturday, August 31, the Smoky Valley Limited and chef Lucinda Kohman of Lucinda’s Katering in Abilene present homegrown Kansas beef brisket, cheesy potatoes, and seasoned green beans, with tossed salad, rolls and butter, and for dessert, another Kansas tradition: apple pie. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. Enjoy this great meal as you dine in air conditioned comfort while riding through the Smoky Hill River Valley in our antique passenger coaches. Your two-hour dining adventure begins at 6:00 p.m. when our train leaves Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot. Reserve your seats today! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited - Build Your Own Burger! Munson Beef from Legacy Kansas
Summer’s final cookout Labor Day Weekend!
Build your own burger on the Smoky Valley Limited
The Labor Day holiday is summer’s last hurrah and the last big cookout weekend. That’s why the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited is featuring our second Labor Day event, an old-fashioned cookout bash featuring the best of Kansas beef! Scott Sears of Legacy Kansas in Abilene presents “build your own burger” where you create your burger made of homegrown Muson beef cooked to your specifications, joined by the traditional Legacy Kansas side dishes: sweet and sour coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade biscuits, creamed corn and a chocolate brownie drenched in whipped topping for dessert! Complimentary iced tea and water will be served, and for a little extra, enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine with your meal. Our two-hour climate controlled adventure features a round trip from Abilene to Enterprise, with a 30-minute layover at Enterprise’s Hoffman Grist Mill and country store. Sneak in one last Labor Day family outing! Enjoy good food and ride the rails of Kansas history on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Celebrating Fall with Brookville Fried Chicken (Legacy Kansas)
Celebrating Fall’s arrival with a great night out and good food:
Legacy Kansas Brookville Chicken on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Fall is just around the corner, and with the arrival of football season and Kansas fall celebrations comes the need for some great comfort food. And what’s more comforting than a great Kansas tradition: Brookville Hotel fried chicken from Legacy Kansas? Our train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, for a two-hour train adventure, where you ride in air-conditioned comfort in our antique passenger coaches through the river valley. All this while you enjoy Bookville Hotel fried chicken, with mashed potatoes with cream gravy, cream-style corn, coleslaw, and homemade biscuits, topped off with a rich, chocolaty brownie with whipped cream. Iced tea and coffee accompany the meal and for an extra charge, enjoy beer or wine with your meal!
Ride the historic rails of the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad and welcome fall in style with us on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Taste of Italy... Kansas Style (Broadway Station)
A taste of Italy…Kansas style!
It’s Italian night on the Smoky Valley Limited!
As someone once said, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” And if you’re a lover of Italian food, you’ll love Italian food night at the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited on Saturday, September 14. Chef LeAnn Urbanek of Broadway Station in Herington is offering a choice of rich, cheesy lasagna or creamy chicken Alfredo, with tossed salad and breadsticks, three bean salad, and apple crisp for dessert. Iced tea and water will be served, and for a special treat, you can buy a glass of fine wine to go with your meal. Our train leaves Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. for a two-hour journey across the farmlands of the Smoky Hill River Valley to Enterprise, where you tour a historic 1880s milling operation and have a chance to buy our home ground flour. Ride the rails of Kansas history and join us on the Limited for a taste of Italy, Kansas style! Learn more
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7th Annual Oktoberfest
Join the Oktoberfest party, returning to downtown Abilene in 2024! Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere with authentic German music, captivating dancers, and mouthwatering cuisine that will transport you straight to the heart of Bavaria. Learn more
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4th Annual Wild West Gravel Fest
*Tentative Date* Wild West Gravel Fest is a gravel bike ride through Dickinson County. Races distances vary, with the longest being more than 100 miles! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Kansas Barbeque (Kites)
The best thing about the Flint Hills?
Good ol’ Kansas barbeque on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Someone once said that “barbeque is happiness.” And Kansans love their barbeque! Good barbeque is no stranger here in the Flint Hills, and the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited is proud to feature some of Kansas’ best from Kites of Aggieville Manhattan. On Saturday, September 21, the Limited leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot with a barbeque lover’s delight. Chef Scott Sieben is offering a platter of barbeque chicken, brisket and pulled pork, with coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread with honey. And to top it all off? Bread pudding with honey bourbon sauce. Iced tea and coffee is available, and for an extra price, you can purchase beer or wine with your meal. Enjoy some of Kansas’ best signature food on the Limited as our two-hour train adventure takes you through the Smoky Hill River Valley in air conditioned comfort. The train leaves the depot at 6:00 p.m.
Ride the rails of Kansas history and join us on September 21 for a taste of Kansas! Learn more
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Oktoberfest Dinner Train
“Ich Liebe Oktoberfest!” (I love Oktoberfest!) Celebrate Oktoberfest on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Oktoberfest originally began in Bavaria, Germany, as an agricultural exhibition much like our modern-day county fairs in Kansas. Heavily promoted by brewing companies, the holiday grew across Germany, and of course, found its way to the United States. Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated in so many communities across Kansas, thanks to the heavy German settlement in so many regions of the state. On Saturday, September 28, join us on the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited for our annual salute to Oktoberfest. Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus of Riley is serving a classic German meal with your choice of schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without German beer, and Chef Manfred is serving Paulaner beer directly from Munich! German music, German food, and lots of fun on a two-hour train ride through the Smoky Hill River Valley on a beautiful fall evening. Our train leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
This year, to celebrate Oktoberfest, take the train! “Prost” (cheers) on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Honky Tonk Angels at Great Plains Theatre
When three gutsy gals from different backgrounds take charge of their lives, they decide to follow their honky tonk dreams all the way to the city of Nashville. Combining 30 classic country tunes (including “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5,” “Harper Valley PTA” and more!) Honky Tonk Angels is a hilarious, foot-stomping good time. Learn more
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46th Annual 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, vendor fair and much more. Learn more
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The Great Pumpkin Patch Express
It’s the GREAT PUMPKIN, Charlie Brown! Join us on the train this Halloween season! The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad presents The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, a train ride for the whole family that seeks to find that eternally elusive Great Pumpkin! The train will visit the pumpkin patch where kids get a trick-or-treat bag and hear a special reading of Charles M. Schulz’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Trick or treating, a costume contest and more at the depot and in Old Abilene Town.
Everyone ages 2 and older requires a ticket. Learn more
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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
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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
Halloween just isn't complete without a haunted house! Come enjoy the scary, haunted walk through Old Abilene Town. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Date Night On The Train (Broadway Station)
The perfect date night experience:
Elegant dining on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited
Before the bustle of the holiday season gets here, how about a special night out with good food, a glass of wine, and a friendly family setting? On Saturday, November 3, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited presents a date night dining experience that’s truly a cut above, prepared by our newest caterer, Broadway Station in Herington. Enjoy your choice of succulent prime rib or smothered chicken, delicious and packed with flavor. Add a baked potato, green beans, a tossed salad, dinner rolls, and for dessert. Peach cobbler. Iced tea and water will be served, or you can kick it up a notch with a glass of fine wine. Your two-hour rail adventure begins at 6:00 p.m. at our 1887 Rock Island Depot, taking you through the Smoky Hill River Valley to Enterprise, where our late 1880s Hoffman Grist Mill sells locally produced flour. Ride the rails of Kansas history and enjoy a special date night on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Pre-Thanksgiving Treat - German Style (Schatzi's Schnitzel Haus)
Time to slip in a great German meal:
A pre-Thanksgiving train on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited
Before the barrage of turkey and leftovers begins at your house, join us on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad for one last pre-Thanksgiving culinary escape! We’re proud to feature Chef Manfred of Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus in Riley, who presents your choice of two German fall dishes: schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And for an extra charge, Schatzi’s has German beer! Our German pre-Thanksgiving train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. where you ride in climate-controlled antique passenger coaches and enjoy a two-hour trip on the rails. Learn more
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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.Take the pledge!
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The Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over three thousand people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2024 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin Thanksgiving weekend and run through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration!
The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
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The Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over three thousand people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2024 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin Thanksgiving weekend and run through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration!
The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
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Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings at Great Plains Theatre
Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is a brand new show that offers the best of Forever Plaid, tied up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top! Filled with Christmas standards that have all been "Plaid-erized," our boys are back to do their Christmas Special.
At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren't sure why they've returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they're needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show – this time, featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the "Day-O" in Excelsis!
This truly "heaven-sent" holiday treat will lift audiences' spirits and fill them with nostalgia for a bygone era of classic music sung in perfect harmony. With only four actors and a combo needed, Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is the perfect holiday show for theatres looking to draw large crowds while using limited resources. Learn more
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47th Homes for the Holidays Tour
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Abilene, Kansas, at the 47th Homes for the Holidays Tour! Immerse yourself in the festive charm of our historic community as we open the doors to beautifully adorned homes and a historic church, all showcasing the rich heritage of Abilene.
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Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 7-8, 2024, for the Heritage Homes Association's Homes 47th Annual for the Holidays tour, enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Historical Society and a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town, tour the Historic Seelye Mansion and see more than 60 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, ride the rails with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's Cowtown Santa Express, see the live holiday production 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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Old Fashioned Christmas
Come enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center's lighted village with a live nativity in the barn, rides on the 1901 wooden carousel, a prairie Christmas in the authentic log cabin, live Christmas music, a craft for kids in the one-room schoolhouse, German foods in the historic Burkland Grocery Store and much more. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Goodbye 2024
Saying goodbye to 2024:
A classic Italian dinner on the Smoky Valley Limited
Join us on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad as we present the first of three great end-of-year dinner trains on the Smoky Valley Limited. On Sunday, December 29, Lucinda’s Katering of Abilene presents a classic Italian meal: cheesy, meaty lasagna, with bread sticks and Italian seasoned green beans, tossed salad, with tiramisu for dessert. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. Your two-hour journey across the Smoky Hill River Valley begins at 6:00 p.m., leaving Abilene’s historic 1887 Rock Island Depot and riding in our climate-controlled antique Chicago and Enterprise passenger coaches. Reserve your seats today for a taste of Italy and Kansas railroad history on the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited!
Happy Silvester?
A taste of Germany on the Smoky Valley Limited
Germans observe the arrival of the new year much as we do in America, with fireworks, music, and, of course, great food. But New Year’s Eve is called “Silvester” (so named to honor Pope Silvester I). While we may not have fireworks popping or bands playing, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited is saying goodbye to 2024 with the second of three New Year’s dinner trains on Monday, December 30. Our Silvester dinner is prepared by Executive Chef Manfred of Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus in Riley. Feast on your choice of schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And for an extra charge, Schatzi’s has German beer! Ride in our climate-controlled antique passenger coaches as we remember 2024 and the many blessings the year gave us. The Smoky Valley Limited leaves our historic Rock Island Depot in Abilene at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for our Kansas version of Silvester, and as the Germans say, “ein frohes neues Jahr” (Happy New Year)!
Our third New Year’s celebration on the train:
Ringing in 2025 on the Smoky Valley Limited
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited has a great idea for New Year’s Eve. Have dinner with us before you begin your celebration of the arrival of 2025! Scott Sieben of Kites in Aggieville Manhattan is preparing your choice of smoked peppercorn chicken breast or succulent roast pork loin, with Yukon gold potatoes, mixed vegetables, assorted dinner rolls with butter, and for dessert, cheesecake. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal, but for an extra cost, popular beers and wines will be available, as well as champagne. The Limited will leave our historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. and return by 8:30 to allow you to go on to your New Year’s Eve celebration.
Make your holiday season complete as you ride the rails of Kansas history on the Smoky Valley Limited!
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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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