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We are thrilled to invite you to a special Open House, hosted in partnership with the Community Foundation of Dickinson County and the Eisenhower Foundation!
Join us for a fun meet and greet with the new Eisenhower Presidential Library Director, Todd Arrington. While you're here, take a tour of the newly renovated spaces at both the Community Foundation and the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Let’s give Todd a warm welcome to Ike’s hometown and celebrate the beautiful revitalized spaces in our community. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Celebrate Heritage Day in Abilene - October 5, 2024
Looking for the perfect fall event that blends history, hands-on activities, and entertainment? Make plans to attend Heritage Day on October 5, 2024, at the Dickinson County Heritage Center in Abilene, Kansas. This family-friendly event offers a unique chance to experience traditional crafts, live music, and old-fashioned fun!
Event Details
Date: October 5, 2024
Location: 412 S. Campbell, Abilene, KS – Dickinson County Heritage Center
Gates Open: 10:00 AM
Admission:
Adults (16+): $10
Kids (2-15): $5
Family Pass (2 Adults/2 Kids or more): $25 (Kids under 2 free)
Cash Preferred
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Reconsidering Ike's Farewell Address Lunch & Learn
The public is invited to join the September Lunch & Learn program on Thursday, September 26, at 12 p.m. noon central time at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The hybrid program will be held in the Library building indoor courtyard and online via YouTube Livestream. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m. A light box-lunch will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
Dr. Benjamin Greene will join us virtually as we take an in-depth look at Ike's Farewell Address. Ike's caution about the influence of a “military-industrial complex” remains a compelling and controversial aspect of his efforts at waging peace. Historians and commentators continue to debate the origins of the term, Eisenhower’s purpose for including it in his speech, and the lessons it holds for us today. Curiously, few note that his most famous presidential address included a second warning. Eisenhower also cautioned Americans that the growing influence of government-sponsored scientific research risked making public policy the “captive of a scientific-technological elite.” This Lunch and Learn discussion of his speech centers on Eisenhower’s profound disappointment at his administration’s lack of progress on disarmament and the forces that he believed frustrated his final efforts at waging peace.
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9 to 5 and Beyond: Honky Tonk Angels Takes the Stage at Great Plains Theatre
Get ready to trade your “9 to 5” grind for a night of laughter, music, and honky tonk dreams at Abilene’s Great Plains Theatre! From October 4-13, 2024, Honky Tonk Angels takes center stage, telling the hilarious and heartfelt story of three women who break free from their daily routines to follow their Nashville dreams. Packed with 30 country classics—including Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” “Stand By Your Man,” and “Harper Valley PTA”—this show promises a boot-scootin’ good time for the whole family!
Rated PG and perfect for all ages, Honky Tonk Angels will have you clapping your hands, stomping your feet, and singing along with some of country music’s most beloved hits. Join Angela, Sue Ellen, and Darlene as they chase their honky tonk dreams and take control of their destinies in this charming, feel-good musical.
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Sweater Weather & Shopping Treasures
Fall is in the air! So, pull on your favorite sweater and plan a shopping trip with your best friends to discover why Abilene should be your destination for everything from home decor to antiques and affordable fashion. Here are some of the best spots to explore when you're in town:
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Places to Enjoy Pastries and Donuts in Kansas
by One Delightful Life
Do you love a delicious pastry, freshly baked donut, or loaf of bread? Kansas adopted the nickname the Wheat State in the early 20th century as a leading producer of the nation’s wheat production. The breadbasket of the world, the state’s bakeries are equally plentiful today.
While this list by no means includes all Kansas bakeries or pastry shops, you may discover one or two places to add to your travel bucket list.
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Discover the World's Largest Belt Buckle in Abilene, Kansas
by Little Apple Life
Looking for a fun day trip? If so, make the quick trip to Abilene, KS. Not only will you find amazing murals, museums, and great restaurants, but you will also find the World's Largest Belt Buckle in Abilene, KS!
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Road Trip Alert!
Explore the quirky side of North Central Kansas with these "World's Largest" attractions:
- World's Largest Belt Buckle – Abilene, KS
- World's Largest I Like Ike Button – Abilene, KS
- World's Largest Czech Egg – Wilson, KS
- World's Largest Souvenir Travel Plate – Lucas, KS
- World's Largest Ball of Twine (by one person) – Cawker City, KS
Pack your bags and get ready for a BIG adventure! How many have you visited?
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad: "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. More Info
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Honkey 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. More Info
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Heritage Day at the Dickinson County Heritage Center
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. More Info
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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.
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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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