Abilene Tourism Advocate
November 16, 2023
Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2023)
2023 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 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 production of Meredith Wilson's 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!
Pink Friday in Abilene: Shop Small, Shop Local, Support Big Dreams!
The holiday season is almost upon us, and Abilene is gearing up for Pink Friday - a holiday that encourages shoppers to Shop Local First. This exciting initiative, inspired by the Boutique Hub, is set to make Friday, November 17, a day of community, connection, and celebration that puts a small business spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience. 

The first 50 visitors to the Abilene Visitors Center on Pink Friday will receive a FREE Pink is the New Black long-sleeve t-shirt!

The Visitors Center will be open 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and is located at 201 NW 2nd (east end of the building).
'Tis the Season at the Historic Seelye Mansion
In the heart of Abilene, Kansas, lies a true architectural gem, named one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas - Architecture" by the Kansas Sampler Foundation – the Seelye Mansion. Steeped in history and elegance, this three-story Georgian-style mansion invites you to experience the grandeur of a bygone era. As the holiday season approaches, the Seelye Mansion transforms into a festive wonderland, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Here are five things you need to know when visiting the mansion during the holidays:
Leaders from Denison, Texas, Visit Abilene
Leaders from Denison, Texas, visited Abilene this week to explore the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Deison is home to the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, and both communities proudly celebrate Ike's life and legacy.

Guests included:
John Akers, Director of Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site
Mayor Janet Gott and her husband Bill Douglass
Mayor Pro Tem Robert Crawley
Donna Dow, Denison Main Street
Step Back in Time: Experience the Magic of an Old Fashioned Christmas in Abilene, Kansas
Get ready to transport yourself to a bygone era as Abilene, Kansas, crowned the "Best Historic Small Town" by USA TODAY, invites you to celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting Old Fashioned Christmas. Hosted at the Dickinson County Historical Society, this event promises to be a festive journey through time, filled with timeless traditions, heartwarming performances, and a sense of community that will leave you with cherished memories.
2024 American Flag Sponsorship
It's that time of year again! The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau is raising money to purchase flags for the 2024 season.

Visitors frequently comment about the beautiful flags, and with your help, we can continue this tradition.

Flag sponsorships remain at $25 each. Learn more at www.AbileneKansas.org/flags.

2023 Sponsors:
  1. Scott Litke
  2. Rawhide Portable Corral
  3. Carol Spitcaufsky
  4. Peterson Monuments & Designs
  5. John's Service
  6. Kurt Phillips
  7. Theresa Brierton
  8. Lawrence & Connie Cooper
  9. Vine Creek Accounting
  10. Chuck & Ann Brusso
  11. Brandon L. Rein
  12. Cathy Strowig
  13. Duri Ridge Free State Armory, LLC
  14. Amanda West State Farm
  15. McCallson Tax & Accounting
  16. Solomon State Bank
  17. First Bank Kansas
  18. Geske Interiors
  19. Wendell & Nancy Gugler Charitable Giving Fund
  20. Bill & Dee Marshall
Abilene, Kansas
Latest News
Upcoming Events
November
17
Pink Friday
The holiday season is almost upon us, and Abilene is gearing up for Pink Friday - a holiday that encourages shoppers to Shop Local First. This exciting initiative, inspired by the Boutique Hub, is set to make Friday, November 17, a day of community, connection, and celebration that puts a small business spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience. 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. Learn more
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