America Likes Great Murals! | |
Some murals are beautiful. Others tell the story of a nation.
Towering above Abilene, the "I Come from the Very Heart of America" mural features one of Dwight D. Eisenhower's most memorable quotes: "I come from the very heart of America." Completed in 2024 on the Bert & Wetta Sales silo, the striking mural honors the hometown president whose values of service, leadership, and humility continue to inspire generations.
Visible from throughout the community, this larger-than-life work of art has quickly become a favorite stop for visitors, photographers, and history enthusiasts exploring Abilene.
America Likes Great Murals. In Abilene, ours celebrates the very Heart of America.
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Two Men, Two Towns: The Legacy of Eisenhower and Dole
by KAKE News
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Mary Jean Eisenhower could have lived anywhere in the world.
Born in 1955 in Washington, D.C., as the youngest granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower – “I always make sure to say I’m the youngest” – Eisenhower lived in Pennsylvania, Belgium, California and has visited more than 70 nations.
Yet the pull of Abilene started long ago, after President Eisenhower died in 1969. Mary Jean was only 13.
“When he died, I came (to Abilene) and I realized that he was right,” Eisenhower said, just steps from the chapel at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home, when we met earlier this month. “He could have had presidential stories, World War II stories, but what he talked to us about, mainly, was Abilene. He is the reason I came here fifty years later.”
Mary Jean Eisenhower moved to just outside of Abilene in 2018.
| Where the Prairie Comes to Life: A Little House Inspired Getaway | | |
With Netflix's new Little House on the Prairie series premiering on July 9, there's never been a better time to rediscover the timeless stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder. While the Ingalls family's Kansas adventure took place near Independence, the spirit of the prairie still lives on across the Sunflower State.
In Abilene, you'll find log cabins, one-room schoolhouses, trains, general stores, antiques, and wide-open skies that feel as though they've been lifted from the pages of Laura's beloved books. Whether you're introducing the stories to a new generation or reliving childhood memories, here's how to create your own prairie-inspired getaway.
| | Ride the Rails This Week with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad | | 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. | | | |
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Chisholm Trail Day: Longhorns & Legenda
Step back in time and celebrate the spirit of the old West at Chisholm Trail Day: Longhorns and legends - August 15, 10 AM to 5 PM at Old Abilene town. Enjoy a full day of activities including- Longhorn parade, Wild Bill Hickok and his stories, food vendors the mini old town, fun and more family friendly fun! Learn more
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Wild Bill Hickok Monument Dedication
The citizens of Abilene will be pleased to learn that arrangements have been made for the erection of a handsome bronze monument honoring our distinguished City Marshal, Mr. James Butler Hickok, known throughout the frontier as "Wild Bill."
The likeness of Marshal Hickok shall be erected near the cabin he occupied and the city jail over which he kept watch, so that citizens and travelers alike may remember the man who maintained order in Abilene during the great cattle drives. There his image shall stand guard over the very ground where he once performed his duties. Learn more
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Eisenhower Foundation's Annual Eisenhower Legacy Gala
This exclusive Gala honors General and President Eisenhower with a reception, dinner, and keynote speaker. 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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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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