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Abilene Tourism Advocate
July 6, 2023
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Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2023) |
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Abilene Home to 'Best Roadside Attraction' |
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As if being the World’s Largest wasn’t enough, Abilene’s World’s Largest Belt Buckle was recently named ‘Best Roadside Attraction' in the 2023 TravelAwaits’ Best of Travel Awards.
“We’re beyond excited for the World’s Largest Belt Buckle to receive its first award. Wherever I go, people ask about the buckle,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau director. “This project has ignited an immeasurable amount of excitement, publicity and visitation that we hope will continue for years to come.”
This recent announcement joins Abilene’s impressive list of 2023 awards, including Best Social Media Campaign by Midwest Travel Network, Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. by TravelAwaits, Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY and Top 10 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine.
ABOUT
At 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall (not including the frame), Abilene, Kansas, is home to the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. Unveiled December 21, 2022, the buckle is located at 400 N Pine St in Eisenhower Park. To learn more, visit www.worldslargestbeltbuckle.com.
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Six-Stop Tour: Abilene, Kansas
by KC Parent
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Celebrate America with a visit to Abilene where you can learn about our 34th president and enjoy small-town charm and hospitality. |
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"Zug"
by Kansas Snapshots by Gloria Freeland
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"The star of the show was the steam engine, celebrating its 104th birthday this month. During its first 35 years, it transported passengers between Chicago and Kansas City and hauled freight and mail as far as Colorado and Oklahoma. Before being donated to the city of Abilene, it had covered a distance equivalent to going around the world 60 times." |
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The Best Small Towns Across America
by DailyStuff
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Kansas: Abilene
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “the proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene,” which the town proudly has displayed on their official website. There is now a presidential library and museum in the town named in his honor. It also happens to be located in his childhood home.
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3 Big Things to See in America's Best Small Town |
Welcome to Abilene, Kansas, a small-town bursting with rich history, undeniable charm, and a vibrant Western spirit. Recently named the Best U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits, Abilene has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic slice of Americana. From iconic landmarks to larger-than-life attractions, Abilene offers a delightful experience that captures the spirit of the Old West. |
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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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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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