Abilene Tourism Advocate
May 18, 2023
True Western Town of the Year - True West Magazine (2023)
How to spend an Ike-citing day in Abilene!
The Symphony at Sunset Annual D-Day Commemoration is Saturday, June 3 and this itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to Abilene to experience "all things Ike".
Abilene, Kansas
Latest News
Recreating the Elegance of Train Travel
The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s “Chicago” car is getting a “retro upgrade” as volunteers work swiftly to have the former 1946 Chicago and North Western luxury coach restored and ready for Memorial Day weekend passengers and diners.

Here volunteers work on window treatments as Ric Jung installs curtain rods and mini blinds, and Sandra Jung, Toni Schwarting and Lynette Boelling sew curtains for the 77-year-old car.

Restaurant grade carpeting and flooring have already been installed, and the car has been repainted for a new, fresher look. A new audio system and HVAC system were installed last year.

The Chicago car upgrade has been funded through donations and grants from the Abilene Rotary Club, which paid for the interior paint; the Schmidt Foundation of Hays, which provided a grant last year for a new generator, audio and HVAC systems; and the Emery Rail Trust, which provided a $15,000 grant for the project.

Additionally, the exterior paint job was provided by Heritage Rail Management in Durango, Colorado.
Cowboy Art Trail
Named a Top 10 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine, Abilene continues to celebrate and promote its wild and wooly Cowtown days by adding new tourism attractions and art.
Golis: A prairie town still celebrates its favorite son
by The Press Democrat
It would be beyond our imaginations today, but each major party wanted Dwight Eisenhower to be its candidate for president in 1952.
Upcoming Events
June
2-11
The Wedding Singer at Great Plains Theatre
Travel back in time to the 80's where a professional wedding singer also has some love complications of his own. Based on the hit movie, get ready to pump up the hair and pump up the jams in this high-energy romantic comedy.  Learn more
June
2
Summer Kick-Off
Celebrate the start of summer with Abilene Parks and Recreation and Old Abilene Town! Learn more
June
3
Symphony at Sunset
Commemorate the anniversary of D-Day at this meaningful outdoor concert held on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The concert will feature patriotic favorites and popular classics.
Symphony at Sunset is generously sponsored by: Marshall Motors, Eisenhower Foundation. Learn more
June - July
23-2
Lionel Bart's Oliver! at Great Plains Theatre
Consider yourself at home with this musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens story, Oliver Twist. The orphan, Oliver, goes on the adventure of a lifetime with all of the classic characters in this tale of crime, coming of age, and finding true familial love. Oom Pah Pah! Learn more
July
14-30
Nunsense - The Musical Comedy at Great Plains Theatre
The Little Sisters of the Hoboken Nunnery are putting on a musical revue variety show, and you're invited! To fundraise for their sister who have passed, zany, hilarious, madcap insanity ensues filled with fun tunes and lots of laughs. Learn more
July
15 & 16
Petals at their Peak
Enjoy the beautiful flowers and participate in art and horticulture classes at Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden. Don't forget your camera! It's a great time to capture photos of the beautiful flowers. Learn more
August
1-4
Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo
The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, named one of the top 5 professional outdoor rodeos in America. Learn more
September
8-24
Around the World in 80 Days at Great Plains Theatre
Hold on to your seats in the original amazing race based on the classic novel by Jules Verne. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a shamelessly silly and high-spirited show. And they're off! Learn more
September
16
Abilene Oktoberfest
Abilene Oktoberfest is excited for its 6th annual Oktoberfest held in Downtown Abilene. Enjoy German Dancers, music, authentic German food and drinks.
October
9-13
National Greyhound Association Fall Meet
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for the National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet and see the Greyhounds in action! Learn more
December
1-17
Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
This musical version of the beloved Holiday classic follows a wave of love that is spread from the real Kris Kringle melting even the most cynical of hearts. This heartwarming spectacle of a musical is the perfect Holiday treat. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Learn more
December
2 & 3
Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 2-3, 2023 for the Heritage Homes Association’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Old Abilene Town, tour the historic Seelye Mansion and see more than 60 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, ride the rails with Santa and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, see the live production of the Miracle on 34th Street 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. 
Community Attractions
Experience Art & Culture

Journey to the Old West

Live the American Story

Explore Ike's Life & Legacy

Have an Adventure


Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed