5 Things to Do in Abilene This Week

1. Learn about the Dwight D. Eisenhower and the U.S. Census
Learn about U.S. Census Bureau information then and now with archivist Mary Burtzloff at the next Lunch & Learn program beginning at noon Thursday in the Visitors Center Auditorium at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home.

Burtzloff will trace the Eisenhower family in historical census records, and U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Specialists Steve Hal and Carlos Urquilla-Diaz will discuss preparing Kansas communities for a successful count in the 2020 census.

Admission is free. A light lunch will be included on a first-come, first serve basis.

Learn more >


2. Enjoy live music with the Abilene Municipal Band
Concerts every Thursday @ 8 pm in the Royer Band Shell at Eisenhower Park. 





3. See 35 Model Ts Traveling in Ocean-to-Ocean  reenactment
Morris Dillow and his co-chairman Jon Greisenbeck of Virginia are anticipating a wonderful historic endurance run of the 110th anniversary of the original race. Their love of driving and appreciation for history led them to organize the 2019 Ocean to Ocean Rerun, a re-enactment of America's first transcontinental automobile race, the 1909 Ocean-to-Ocean Automobile Endurance Contest which started in New York City on June 1, 1909 with the first competitor reaching Seattle 22 days later. The first place prize was $2000 which is worth $55,288 in 2019.

The group will be in Abilene on Friday, June 28.
 

4. Visit the Abilene Farmers Market
Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and locally raised meats at the Abilene Farmers Market. The market meets Wednesdays from 4-7 pm and Saturdays from 7-11 am in the Abilene Travel Information Center / Civic Center east end parking lot.



5. Hear stories of the Mormon Trail
The Dickinson County Historical Society hosts Memories of the Prairie on Saturday, June 29 at 7 pm. The discussion will explore the history of the Mormon movement west and contributions in family history/genealogy that befit all.
   
The Nicest Place in Kansas : The Cedar House in Abilene

We know Abilene is the nicest place in Kansas, so let's help The Cedar House receive the Nicest Place in America designation. Please vote daily!
What's Your Favorite Kansas Restaurant? 

Where to Stay in Abilene, Kansas - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Abilene

From beach-bound spring break trips to winter ski holidays with summer vacations in between, Americans love a good road trip.  But, did you know that three states claim to be home to the first interstate highway? While we may never truly know if the title should ultimately be bestowed upon Pennsylvania, Missouri, or Kansas, one thing is undisputed:  The first interstate highway was I-70.

Spanning from Maryland to Utah, threading Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Denver together on one continuous ribbon of road, it seems fitting that I-70 runs through President Dwight D. Eisenhower's hometown of Abilene, Kansas. After all, America's uber-efficient interstate highway system was penned into law by the former five-star general via the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956.

Read more > 
Abilene Welcomes Travel Bloggers
Bloggers  Travel With Sara  and  Wherever I May Roam Blog  are on a two-week road trip across Kansas I-70. They will be in Abilene on Saturday, June 29 to explore our five-star community!
Old Fashioned 4th of July 



Check out the Abilene Parks & Recreation's 2019 Spring/Summer Program Guide to learn more!  Read more >
Throwback Thursday - Old Abilene Town

The Salina Journal - September 4, 1992

Watch the gunfighters and can-can dancers while sipping an ice cold Sasparilla on Saturdays 11:30 am and 3:30 pm and Sundays at 3:30 pm at Old Abilene Town.
5 Star Reviews - Seelye Mansion
 
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2019 marks 150 years since the City of Abilene's official incorporation. Community events make Abilene not only a great place to live, but also a great place to visit. Make plans now to visit Abilene, Kansas and enjoy these great events! 

Take the Abilene Event Challenge - how many can you attend? Snap a photo and tag us in your Facebook posts @VisitAbilene.


EVENT

WHEN

LOCATION
LEARN MORE
Memories on the Prairie  June 29 @ 7 pm Dickinson County Historical Society
Disaster! July 12-21 Great Plains Theatre
Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration July 4 Eisenhower Park
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Thursday, July 4 @10 am & 2 pm
Friday, July 5 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Saturday, July 6 @10 am & 2 pm		 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, July 6 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, July 13 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
Wednesday, July 31 - Saturday, August 3
Dickinson County Fairgrounds (Abilene)
Central Kansas Free Fair
Wednesday, July 31 - Monday, August 5
Dickinson County Fairgrounds (Abilene)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
 August 2-18 Great Plains Theatre
National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo August 2-3 Shockey & Landes Building
Vintage Base Ball Game Saturday, August 3 Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, August 10 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Christian Motorcyclists Association State Rally Friday, August 16 - Sunday, August 18 Dickinson County Fairgrounds / Sterl Hall
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, August 31 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Chisholm Trail Days Saturday, August 31 - Sunday, September 1 Old Abilene Town
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Saturday, August 31 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Sunday, September 1 @ 2 pm
Monday, September 2 @ 10 am & 2 pm		 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Oktoberfest Saturday, September 14 Downtown Abilene
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, September 14 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Hitching Post Restaurant)
 Saturday, September 14 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, September 28 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Reitz & Rust Flavors of Fall Market Saturday, October 5 10 am - 4pm
Dickinson County Fairgrounds
Heritage Day Saturday, October 5 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Saturday, October 5 @ 10 am - 3 pm (hourly departures)

 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Sunday, October 6 @ 2 pm (last steam run of the year)
 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Abilene Fire Department 150th Celebration Saturday, October 12  Abilene Fire Department
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, October 12 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, October 12 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet Monday, October 14 - Saturday, October 19  National Greyhound Association
Empires Fall October 18-27 Great Plains Theatre
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, October 26 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Tombstone Talks Saturday, October 26 Abilene Cemetery
Makin' Magic - 25 Years of Fun November 29 - December 15 Great Plains Theatre
Abilene's Victorian Inn Christmas Afternoon Tea Saturday, December 7 Abilene's Victorian Inn
Heritage Homes Association's Homes for the Holidays Tour Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8		 Varies each year
Night of Christmas Magic Saturday, December 7 Downtown Abilene
About us
The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau  is the marketing arm of the City of Abilene and provides services to tourists and groups convening in Abilene.
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