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Abilene Tourism Advocate
February 23, 2023
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Favorite & Friendliest Small Town in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2022) |
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9 Absolute Best Things to Do in Abilene KS
365 Traveler
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Abilene, Kansas is a small town with a big heart. It’s one of those places that you can’t help but fall in love with. The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and there’s always something to do. Smithsonian Magazine also stated that the town was one of the “Best Small Towns to Visit.” It’s easy to see why they would say that.
As a five-star tourist destination, Abilene, Kansas offers plenty to do, from visiting its museums and art galleries to strolling through its beautiful parks and gardens. Abilene is known as the birthplace of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. But Abilene has much more to offer than just presidential history.
Abilene is ideal if you’re searching for a destination to relax and have fun, as the town boasts several historical sites well worth taking in. Here are 9 things to do in Abilene KS that we know you’ll adore.
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True West Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2023)
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2023 Best of Travel Awards |
While voting in USA TODAY's Best Historic Small Town closed, nominations in the TravelAwaits Best of Travel Awards are now open!
Last year, Abilene received the #1 spot for both Favorite and Friendliest U.S. Small Town.
Please support us again by nominating Abilene in the 2023 Best of Travel Awards! You can submit nominations daily.
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Thanks to Positively Kansas for sharing about Abilene's World's Largest Belt Buckle and some of the other great things to see and do in Abilene!
Bonus: they even talk about other world's largest attractions in Kansas!
Special thanks to Kansas Tourism and the 100 businesses and individuals who purchased buckles to support this project.
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Steam Engine Returns in 2023! |
Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad officials have received an unexpected present as the railroad nears its 30th anniversary in June.
After filing the required Federal Railroad Administration papers, it was discovered that the railroad’s iconic 104-year-old steam engine, Santa Fe 3415, has one remaining year of operation before it must be taken out of service and undergo its FRA mandated 15 year comprehensive inspection. This news comes after the railroad had prepared to begin the roughly two-year inspection process this season.
“We’re elated at the news,” said A&SV President and General Manager Ross Boelling. “We are the only operating steam railroad in Kansas and are happy to schedule more trains this coming season with Santa Fe locomotive 3415 providing the power.”
The steam engine rebuild is a process that begins with a thorough inspection of the boiler and making any needed repairs. Other components of running gear and tender are also examined, repaired and or replaced before the engine is allowed to operate again.
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad will begin its summer operations utilizing its diesel locomotive in May with Santa Fe locomotive 3415 making its first 2023 appearance Memorial Day weekend.
Even though 3415 will see service in 2023, A&SV has not slowed down its fundraising and grant submissions requests for work on the locomotive. A&SV will continue with major fundraising efforts this year before the engine will indeed be taken out of service in mid-October.
“We have established a ‘3415 Fund’ that seeks donations for the rebuild,” said Boelling, who added that donations can be made through the A&SV website or by sending a check to the railroad’s office at 200 SE 5th Street, Abilene, KS 67410.
Boelling added that the engine is scheduled to make 28 runs this coming season before it is retired. He added that the full 2023 schedule will be posted on the Abilene and Smoky Valley website and social media platforms, as well as in area media outlets, shortly.
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We Like Ike and Golf, Too! |
According to a story from the PGA of America, Dwight D. Eisenhower ranks as the fifth most popular President their fans would like to play a round of golf with.
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Construction continues on Abilene's new Holiday Inn Express. Once completed, the former property will be branded and both hotel properties will remain locally owned. |
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Throwback Thursday: The President Visits Home
KANSAS! magazine 1955
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It was dusk in Abilene. A large crowd of several hundred people, complete with a brass band, had gathered in front of the Hotel Sunflower. They were talking quietly and waiting patiently in the mild November evening. Military police formed a great semi-circle around the entrance to the hotel, keeping it clear. In the lobby, state highway patrolmen and members of the U. S. Secret Service checked signals and took their stations. Photographers collected in a cluster at the head of the hotel's short stairway. P
A shout went up along Third Street. And, as a convoy of police cars and sleek convertibles pulled up in front of the hotel, the shout, was taken up by the crowd there. "HI, IKE!" they yelled as the band burst into the strains of Hail to the Chief. With this greeting, the President of the United States was welcomed back to his old hometown.
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Best U.S. Presidents: Top 5 Commanders-In-Chief, According To Experts
StudyFinds
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We love to dive into history just as much as the next history buff. There have been 46 presidents in U.S. history, each with their own unique strengths, weaknesses and legacies. Some have been revered as great leaders and visionaries (President Woodrow Wilson comes to mind when he signed the act creating the National Park Service). However, some presidents have been criticized for their actions and decisions. Despite this, a handful stand out as being the best of the best U.S. presidents and they’re remembered for their contributions to the country and the world.
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Eisenhower Marathon
The Eisenhower Marathon returns on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Join runners from across the country to run through the same territory cattlemen followed when bringing their herds to Abilene on the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. Runners love this “flat and fast” course! Learn more
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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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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
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Abilene Oktoberfest
Abilene Oktoberfest is excited for its 6th annual Oktoberfest held in Downtown Abilene. Enjoy German Dancers, music, authentic German food and drinks.
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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.
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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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