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Abilene Tourism Advocate
June 29, 2023
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Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2023) |
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Make Abilene Your July 4th Destination! |
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Our nation's Independence Day is right around the corner, and here are a few ways to celebrate the day in Abilene, Kansas!
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "Americana" as "materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture. Broadly: things typical of America." They could just as easily have said "See Abilene, Kansas." - Traveling With Purpose
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War and Peace - The Eisenhower Presidential Library
by Our Changing Lives
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Our trip to Abilene, Kansas, would not be complete without a visit to the site that honors one of the most famous Kansans. The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Boyhood Home is a top destination for travelers from all over the country and the world. They come to Abilene to pay homage and learn more about the man who served as the 34th President of the United States. Our first visit occurred during renovations, so we were excited to get the opportunity to see the space after its facelift. This time, we were able to view the exhibits and discover how Ike handled issues he faced during war and peace.
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World's Largest Belt Buckle: world record in Abilene, Kansas |
Abilene, Kansas, United States--Designed by local artist Jason Lahr, Fluter’s Creek Metal Works, the giant buckle unveiled at Eisenhower Park in Abilene, Kansas, features Dwight D. Eisenhower, Wild Bill Hickok, Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Historic Seelye Mansion, C.W. Parker carousel horse, C.L. Brown telephone, a racing Greyhound and Chisholm Trail longhorn inlaid with blue quartz; at 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall (not including the frame), it sets the world record for the World’s Largest Belt Buckle, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.
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Abilene Golf & Fitness Grand Opening |
"Not only do I have a great love for the game of golf -- no matter how badly I play it -- but I have also the belief that through every kind of meeting, through every kind of activity to which we can bring together more often and more intimately peoples of our several countries, by that measure we will do something to solve the difficulties and the tensions that this poor old world seems nowadays to so much endure."
Dwight D. Eisenhower - Remarks to Representatives of World Amateur Golf Team Championship Conference, 5/2/58
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Abilene's golf course is under new ownership, and the course and facilities have undergone many updates. Please join the new owners on July 1 to see the upgrades and enjoy live music, golf and more!
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July 4 - Free Admission Day! |
Celebrate the 4th of July with FREE ADMISSION at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum! |
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Abilene's Eisenhower Park is a gem, but do you know how the park got its name?
Thanks to the Eisenhower Foundation for this fun tip!
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Kansas Profile - Now That's Rural: Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
by Ron Wilson, Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development
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Is Kansas on your radar? Here are ten places to visit in Kansas. I have grown to love this state as I have traveled through it extensively. It all started when I fell in love with The Big Kansas Road Trip. The history, art, and nature experiences are some of the best that you will find in the heart of America. Many people often ask me about what there is to see and do when they visit Kansas. So, I have put together a list of places that you should place at the top of your radar when you visit. One thing you will quickly realize is the fact that Kansas is not all flat.
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Iron Horse Trail Phase 1 (Mary Jane Oard Section) Completion - Walk and Talk |
Please join us for a "walk and talk" to celebrate the completion of the Iron Horse Trail's Phase 1 (Mary Jane Oard Section).
We will meet at the start of the trail (south of the Dickinson County Heritage Center) and walk approx 2.25 miles to Jeep Road and back.
It will be a nice time to chat with friends, celebrate the completion of this phase, and talk about plans for the future.
Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.
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The Abilene Municipal Band is 142 years old and performs weekly in the summer at Eisenhower Park Rose Garden in the Royer Band Shell. |
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True West Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2018 & 2023)
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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
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Memories of the Prairie
Verl Coup will speak about bottles and caps. His collection includes both local area companies and some from beyond. Come hear the stories of bottles, caps and local history. Doors open at 6:30 pm presentation begins at 7:00 pm. Learn more
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Old Fashioned 4th of July
Celebrate our nation's independence in Abilene! Learn more
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Memories of the Prairie
Mark Will with the Herington Museum will present the History of the Herington Army Air Field. The Air Base was a 2,000-acre city during the war. Come find out what was there and how it is used today. The door opens at 6:30 pm and the presentation begins at 7:00 pm. Learn more
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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
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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
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Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo
The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, named one of the top 5 professional outdoor rodeos in America. Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair
Celebrate small town at its best during the Central Kansas Free Fair! Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair Parade
The parade kicks off the annual Central Kansas Free Fair. The 2023 Parade begins at 4 p.m., Thursday, August 3, at 7th Street and Buckeye and proceeds south to 3rd Street and west to Washington St. Learn more
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4th Annual Abilene Boutique Crawl
Join us for our 4th Annual Boutique Crawl! Enjoy a girl's night out while shopping in our local stores. There will be grab bags with awesome prizes for the first 50 people. Fill out a blackout bingo card for entry into a prize drawing. For every $10 you spend at a shop, you will receive a ticket for entry into our grand prize drawing! Some stores will be serving snacks and drinks. We will start at Little Ike Park, then go to all the stores on the map to fill out your bingo cards! Learn more
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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
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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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National Greyhound Association Fall Meet
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for the National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet and see the Greyhounds in action! Learn more
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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
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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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