Eisenhower in the News

Thanks to Beccy Tanner and the Wichita Eagle for this great story about Dawn Hammatt, new director of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home and the Museum's renovation. 

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Hickok Premiers Friday

Abilene Hits the Big Screen 

Hickok will open in limited theaters on July 7. You can also watch the movie on Video on Demand through Amazon. The DVD will be released August 15. Click here to learn more. 


Welcome!

The City of Abilene's Abilene-Omitama Sister City Board invites you to join in receiving and welcoming the  16th Delegation from our Sister City, Omitama Japan.  

Friday, July 28, 2017
6:30 p m
Abilene Community Center

Fried chicken & potluck sides
Drinks and tableware provided.

History

The Sister City relationship developed from Japanese interns coming to the Harold Scanlan dairy farm. In 1984 an agreement to form a Sister City relationship between Abilene and Minori, Japan was signed. Since that time adult and student delegations have made annual visits to the each other's towns.

The Sister City Committee identified student exchanges/youth friendships, daily life experience and cultural experience as the main emphasis of the program. 

"Wild Steer" CASI Chili Cook-Off

Chili Cook-Off Returns to Abilene

Make plans to enter the "Wild Steer" CASI Chili Cook-Off in Abilene on August 5, 2017 at the Eisenhower Presidential Library. 

The Cook-Off is the Kansas State Championship and automatically qualifies the winner to participate in the Terlingua International Championship Chili Cook-Off. 


The Salina Journal, April 2, 1996
Throwback Thursday

Steam locomotive moved without a hitch in Abilene

Last weekend riders from across the country enjoyed a trip on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's Steam Engine. The story of the Steam Engine returning to the rails is an exciting one! 

Click here to read full story. 


Abilene Celebrates Old Fashioned Fourth of July

Fireworks Show - A Crowd Favorite!
Click to watch fireworks

Abilene's Fourth of July celebration ended with a stellar fireworks show! Thanks to the City of Abilene and the Parks and Recreation Department for coordinating the day's activities.

Visit our Facebook Page for video of the Abilene City Band performance. 

Trip Advisor

Have you visited an Abilene business or attraction? Make sure to share your experience by leaving reviews.

2017 Cowtown Classic

Join in the fun! Register for the 2017 Cowtown Classic benefiting Kids in Crisis.

Meet 7-Year-Old Presidential Expert Macey Hensley

Click image to watch video
Macey Hensley, the 7-year-old girl from Council Grove, Kan. has become a regular on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," click here to learn more about this presidential expert from The Kansas City Star.

Macey visited Abilene's Eisenhower Presidential Library in 2016. 
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

Train Schedule

The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad diesel engine runs Wednesday-Saturday at 10:00 and 2:00 and Sunday at 2:00 with a stop in Enterprise at the Hoffman Grist Mill. 
  • Contact Phone: (785) 263-1077
  • Address: 200 SE Fifth Street 
  • Admission: $15 (adults), $7.50 (children ages 3-11) and free (children 2 and younger)
  • Note: Make sure to visit the newly opened Fred Schmidt Railroad Museum inside of former freight room in the depot!
Dickinson County Heritage Center

2017 Memories of the Prairie Schedule

July 8 - Nolan Sump - Life and Times of a German Immigrant Farmer

July 15 - Marla Matkin - Mrs. Custer. This is also the ice cream social, which starts at 6:00 p.m. There will also be a baked goods sale.

"I have seen Marla Matkin's Mrs. Custer portrayal before.  This is without question one of the finest first person portrayals you will EVER see anywhere.  Ms. Matkin is outstanding.  She IS Mrs. Custer. If people miss this, they will have missed something very, very special. - Steve Schmidt, McPherson

All programs are free of charge and are held at the Dickinson County Heritage Center.
Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home

The Ox-Bow Incident

Talk about Literature in Kansas (TALK) is a series presented in partnership with the Kansas Humanities Council and the Abilene Public Library. This program is for every Kansan who loves to read and discuss good books. The Best of the West theme celebrates the Chisholm Trail 150th and Dwight Eisenhower's love of western novels.

The TALK series is free and open to the public. The books selected for discussion are available to check out from the Abilene Public Library or purchase at the Eisenhower Presidential Library Gift Shop.


The Ox-Bow Incident

July 9, 2017
2:00 p.m. -- Movie (1 hour, 15 minutes)

July 10, 2017
7:00 p.m. -- Book TALK


 
Great Plains Theatre

Gypsy
 
Great Plains Theatre, Kansas's Premier Professional Theatre, is proud to present Gypsy June 30th through July 9th.

Gypsy tells the story of a girl named Louise who transformed into  Gypsy Rose Lee, one of the most famous burlesque dancers in American history, with more than a little help from her mother. 

Though the story of Gypsy is built around Gypsy Rose Lee's early life and experiences, it's Mama Rose that audiences remember. With powerful songs such as "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Rose's Turn" Mama Rose is a powerful woman to be reckoned with.

Featuring Rosemary Loar, a member of the original casts of Sunset Boulevard and Chess, as Mama Rose.  Loar is no stranger to powerful roles, having been a critically acclaimed "Grizabella" on the National Tour of Cats, and is excited to bring her personal star power to the Great Plains Theatre stage.

As a bulwark of the theatrical arts in the Midwest, Great Plains Theatre is proud of the professional quality performances that such talented actors provide. After the wild success of the 2017 season opener Mamma Mia!, which packed the house night after night as amazed audience members spread the word of the joy of professional theatre, Gypsy promises to continue the excitement.

Seats for Gypsy are filling up quickly so call or click to reserve yours today! Tickets are available through the box office at 785-263-4574 or online at  greatplainstheatre.com. Come and get starstruck in Abilene at Great Plains Theatre, bringing Broadway to your backyard!

Showtimes:
  • Thursday, July 6, 7:30 PM
  • Friday, July 7, 7:30 PM - Followed by: Cabaret
  • Saturday, July 8, 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, July 9, 2:00 PM
Old Abilene Town

Gunfight Performances


Visit Old Abilene Town on Saturdays at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to enjoy their famous gunfight performances. 

In addition, the Alamo Saloon is open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Calendar of Events

   
Stay in Abilene

Abilene Lodging Establishments

Abilene  is home to more than 200 rooms. Whether you're in town to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum, enjoy a show at the Great Plains Theatre, attend the Central Kansas Free Fair, meet with greyhound industry leaders or take a ride on the  Abilene  & Smoky Valley Railroad, we invite you to extend your visit, spend the night and enjoy all  Abilene  has to offer.
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