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Abilene Tourism Advocate
February 22, 2024
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Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2023) |
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The Cowboy Trail and Story in Abilene! |
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Are you a cowboy hat wearing admirer of the cowboy story, or just a fan of the Old West? If so, Abilene, Kansas has wild west history that came rolling into their town with the advent of the cattle drive. Today you can relive a little of that western past through the historic buildings, murals, and stops like the Big Spur and the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. Visit Abilene hosted us for a visit, and I’m excited to share our cowboy trail adventure! While in town we shopped, dined and saw it all.
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Seelye Mansion: A Historic Landmark in Abilene, KS |
If you’re looking for a unique piece of history to explore, the Historic Seelye Mansion in Abilene, Kansas is a must-visit destination. Built in 1905 for Dr. A.B. Seelye, the mansion is an 11,000-square-foot home that has been preserved as a time capsule of the early 1900s. The mansion is named one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas – Architecture” and is a popular tourist destination. |
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Exploring This Local Small Town Park in Kansas is the Definition of an Underrated Adventure |
If you love adventure, there’s certainly plenty to be found in Kansas. The Sunflower State is simply teeming with amazing state parks, botanical gardens, museums, and so much more, all of which can make for an epic family outing. But what about if you find yourself seeking something a little lesser-known? If you ask us, practically the entire state is an underrated hidden gem (why are we among the least-visited states?!)… but still, we do have some specific hidden gems in Kansas that we like to recommend. One of our favorite lesser-known parks is Eisenhower Park in Abilene, KS. This is one of the best small-town parks in Kansas, and it’s a wonderful spot for a stroll on a lovely afternoon, no matter the season!
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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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The Smoky Valley Limited St. Patrick's Day Train
As someone once remarked, “Whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or not, everyone has a little luck o’ the Irish in them.” And you’re the lucky one, as our dinner train, the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited, celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. Scott Sieben at Kites in Aggieville Manhattan is whipping up a meal that will bring out the Irish in all of us! Your choice of corned beef hash or shepherd’s pie, with Irish mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and cornbread. And for dessert? Bread pudding! Iced tea and water will be served, but for an extra cost, why not enjoy GREEN BEER or a glass of wine? Wear your green on March Seventeen! Enjoy a great meal and great brews as we roll through the Smoky Hill River Valley. Learn more
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Sunflower Journey Quilt Show
Presented by the End of the Trail Quilters Guild. Make plans to attend and join hundreds of quilt enthusiasts from around Kansas. Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Spring 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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Eisenhower Marathon
Runners at the Eisenhower Marathon and Half Marathon wind through the territory south of Abilene that cattlemen followed when bringing their herds to Abilene on the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. Learn more
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6th Annual Antique Fest
Make your way to Abilene for the return of Abilene Antique Fest. Featuring outside booths and four antique malls, shoppers can browse the antiques and re-purposed items from more than 100 vendors. Learn more
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Legally Blonde at Great Plains Theatre
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
Legally Blonde The Musical is perfect for high school and community theatre, featuring a large ensemble and several big song-and-dance numbers. Learn more
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Symphony at Sunset
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day at this meaningful outdoor concert held on our beautiful campus grounds. This concert is always held on the first Saturday in June in partnership with the Salina Symphony and Eisenhower Foundation. Plus, free museum admission all day! Learn more
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D-Day+80 Commemoration
The Eisenhower Foundation invites all World War II veterans to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene, on June 6, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Learn more
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Christian Youth Rodeo Association
Watch youth ages 3-18 participate in rodeo events including roping, racing, wrestling and riding. Learn more
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Memories of the Prairie
Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and reenactors bringing 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. The series culminates with an old-fashioned ice cream social. Learn more
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Hello Dolly! at Great Plains Theatre
This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play The Matchmaker bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again. Learn more
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Old Fashioned Fourth of July
An Old-Fashioned 4th of July in Abilene, Kansas, is a celebration deeply rooted in community spirit, patriotic pride, and cherished traditions. As the Heart of America, Abilene honors Independence Day with a nostalgic flair, offering residents and visitors an experience that returns to a simpler time. Learn more
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Memories of the Prairie
Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and reenactors bringing 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. The series culminates with an old-fashioned ice cream social. Learn more
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Bright Star at Great Plains Theatre
Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Learn more
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Ice Cream Social
This annual event is a time to enjoy homemade ice cream and good fellowship at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Enjoy a chance to take home a pie, cake, cookies, or other baked goods up for auction. The auction benefits the Historical Society. Learn more
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Petals at Their Peak
In its second year, Petals at Their Peak is a garden showcase that allows visitors to see and photograph the garden in all its splendor. The garden is filled with annuals and perennials saturated with color. Learn more
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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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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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Chisholm Trail Days at Old Abilene Town
Celebrate the historic cattle trail at the end of the Chisholm Trail. Note: The longhorns will be returning! 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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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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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.Take the pledge!
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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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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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