In the Kansas town that was home, the astonishing story of Eisenhower lives on

by Catharine Hamm, Los Angeles Times

They still like Ike in Abilene.

And why not? He executed the military plan that turned the tide of World War II in Europe, stopped Hitler and ultimately brought the war in that theater to an end. He did it by getting big-ego military leaders to work together by subjugating his own, by believing in his troops, by being willing to take all of the blame if it failed and none of the credit if it worked.

That he was the driving force behind the biggest invasion modern generations have known is made more stunning by knowing his hardscrabble story began not in Kansas but in Texas and ended not in Kansas but in Pennsylvania.
 
D-Day 75th Anniversary

Thursday, June 6

9:30 am - Remembrance Ceremony

11:00 am - 3:30 am - Meet & Greet with Veterans, Rosies & Survivors

11:30 am - 4:30 pm - IKEducation activities & programs

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm - "Hope and Liberty" concert presented by the Kansas State University School of Music, Theatre and Dance in collaboration with the 41st Summer Choral Institute 

Click here for a full schedule of events.
Abilene Likes Ike!



Click here for more information about the contest, 
how to participate and where to get your Ike sign.
*Now Available* We Like Ike Buttons

Stop by the Abilene Travel Information Center to pick up your We Like Ike button, t-shirt or pint glass! 

Ike merchandise is the perfect addition for front line employees, community cheerleaders and Ike fans. 

Throwback Thursday - Mrs. Ida Eisenhower

The Herald-Press (Saint Joseph, Michigan)
January 24, 1944
5 Star Reviews - Seelye Mansion
 
Share your news!
Have an upcoming event? Help us, help you. We do our best to stay up-to-date, but please make sure to include us in your event and special promotions. Please send announcements to  [email protected].

ATTRACTION & EVENT UPDATES

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's Steam Engine #3514 turns 100 years-old this year! Celebrate this incredible engine June 6-8 for a ride through the countryside.

Dickinson County Heritage Center

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day the Dickinson County Historical Society and Jeffcoat Studio Photography Museum would like to honor all veteranswho served during World War II by recognizing their contribution to their country.
 
A special exhibition will be unveiled reflecting the experiences of the World War II veterans from Dickinson County. We are pleased to present guest speakers who will share their own personal experiences of this momentous date in American history.
 
This commemorative event will be held on Saturday, June 8th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Dickinson County Historical Museum at 412 S. Campbell in Abilene. Refreshments will be served and admission is free.
Great Plains Theatre


Our first show of the season kicks off on June 14 with Pirates Of Penzance. Get your tickets now!
 
The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty is one of the most beloved Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. A ridiculous premise provides many opportunities for rambunctious physical comedy and a delightful score. Winner of the 1981 Tony award and made into a popular film version with Linda Rondstadt and Kevin Kline.
Rated PG

Individual Tickets for all 6 shows are on sale now! Advance tickets are $35, tickets purchased at the door are $37.50, and Thursday Theatre tickets are $20.

Showtimes:
Friday, June 14 @ 7:30 PM (Follow by Afterglow)
Saturday, June 15 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 16 @ 2:00 PM

Tuesday, June 18 @ 2:00 PM
Wednesday, June 19 @ 2:00 PM
Thursday, June 20 @ 7:30 PM
Friday, June 21 @ 7:30 PM (Followed by Cabaret)
Saturday, June 22 @ 7:30 PM

Historic Seelye Mansion


Look who visited the  Historic Seelye Mansion  - Dwight D. Eisenhower! And this time, he wasn't just stopping by to deliver ice to the Seelye sisters. 
Old Abilene Town


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
75th Anniversary of D-Day Thursday, June 6 Eisenhower Presidential Library
Live Music ft. Bryan Knowles Thursday, June 6 @ 8 pm Old Abilene Town
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides Thursday, June 6 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Friday, June 7 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Saturday, June 8 @ 10 am & 2 pm


 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, June 8 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad 
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, June 8 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
D-Day Commemoration Saturday, June 8 from 2-4 pm Dickinson County Heritage Center
Pirates of Penzance June 14-23 Great Plains Theatre
Heart of America Greyhound Gathering June 20-22 Sterl Hall
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, June 22 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
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
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
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.
Sign Up!
Receiving this email from a friend? 
Join the Abilene Tourism Advocate e-newsletter list. 
Click  here to sign up!