Abilene Tourism Advocate
February 24, 2022
Best Historic Small Town - USA Today Readers (2021)
Celebrating 40 Years - Historic Seelye Mansion
Did you know? Forty years ago this month, Terry Tietjens and his brother Jerry purchased the Historic Seelye Mansion. Can you imagine what would have happened to this incredible mansion, its contents and all of the stories if they hadn't acquired this property? Thank you to the Tietjens brothers for saving this treasure!

Open daily for guided tours!
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday - 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Latest News
10 Presidential Races of the U.S. (PROTUS)
For most Americans, the “presidential race” isn’t measured in miles and a “running mate” isn’t someone who shares your fitness goals. Nonetheless, a number of running events from 5K to 50 miles embrace our nation’s history by featuring and celebrating its past leaders. As the country commemorates Presidents’ Day, we spotlight ten races that showcase former U.S. presidents — or as we like to call ‘em, PROTUS.

While words like “fun” and “low-key” aren’t typically associated with a five-star general, the Eisenhower Marathon fits the bill. This flat, two-loop Boston Qualifier follows the historic Chisholm Trail used by cattlemen in the 1800s, allowing runners plenty of elbow room and fresh air. The race starts at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum, the site of our 34th president’s boyhood home and final resting place. Best of all, the event benefits up to two dozen nonprofits that support local low-income families. Add to that cheerful volunteers, well-stocked aid stations and unique presidential swag, and it’s easy to see why Eisenhower Marathon finishers proudly proclaim, “I like Ike!”

13 Favorite Experiences At America's Presidential Libraries
A fantastic way to peer into the past, presidential libraries are an immersive experience into a brief time in America’s history and the administration that was in charge at the time. From mementos to memos, political and personal artifacts of our nation’s leaders are on display at presidential libraries across the country. TravelAwaits writers share their favorite experiences at each one below.

22 Kansas Activities to Do in 2022
Be sure to cross these uniquely Kansas activities off your bucket list in 2022.

Upcoming Events
March
16-27
Ida Stover-Eisenhower Memorial Quilt Show
1945 Kansas Mother of the Year, Ida Stover Eisenhower was a woman of many talents, one of which was quilting. For the past 26 years, Ida’s name has been associated with the quilt show at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. This annual event features some amazingly talented women and their beautiful works of art. New, antique, and vintage quilts are displayed for the public to feast their eyes upon.

The Ida Stover Eisenhower Quilt Show will be held beginning Wednesday, March 16 and will run through Sunday, March 27. The hours for the event are March 16 through March 18 and March 23 through 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and March 27, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to come to the museum and vote on their favorite quilt. The entry fee into the museum will be $6 for ages 15-61, $5 for ages 62 and up, $3 for members, and $2 for ages 2-14, which also includes a carousel ticket.

The winner of this event will receive two prime rib dinners courtesy of the Hitching Post Restaurant in Abilene. Make sure to come to the Heritage Center and feast your eyes upon a variety of colorful quilts that know Ida would approve of.
March
28-29
Saturday & Sunday
Sunflower Journey Quilt Show
Join us for the Sunflower Journey Quilt Show on March 28th & 29th. Saturday's hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM and features an amazing Merchant Mall, Silent Auction, Door Prizes, Lunch Available for purchase, and more. Admission is $5.00 - 10 & Under free. 
April
30
Saturday
Eisenhower Marathon
The Eisenhower Marathon returns on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Join runners from across the country to run through the same territory cattlemen followed when bringing their herds to Abilene on the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. Runners love this mostly flat and all-paved course.

Will you join others in setting a personal record at the Eisenhower Marathon? There’s only one way to find out! Register today! More Info
May
7
Saturday
Saturday Mother's Day Brunch Train
Enjoy a leisurely mid-morning brunch with Mom as you enjoy a round trip train ride through Smoky Hill River valley between Abilene and Enterprise.

Amanda's Bistro is catering a great meal for you to enjoy.

You will ride and dine in our 1902 "Enterprise" dining car or our 1940s "Chicago" dining car.

The Ride takes about 2.5 hours. At Enterprise you will have an opportunity to visit the Hoffman Grist Mill and gift shop to see how flour is made and learn of the Hoffman Mill history. More Info
May
13
Friday
Meadowlark Concert - Kansas All Star Big Band at Dickinson County Heritage Center
The Kansas All Star Big Band has emerged! The All Stars include the very best jazz musicians in the state of Kansas. Many of our members are jazz educators from Hays to Wichita to Lawrence and everywhere in between. Several musicians have doctorate degrees in jazz studies or their respective instruments. Coming from the military, cruise ship or professional big band backgrounds, these professional jazz musicians bring to Kansas the very best in big band entertainment! They all have a connection to the state in some way. Whether they are former students, natives of the area or highly sought after talent making a rare appearance, they are pleased to call Kansas home.

Gates open at 6:00 pm and the concert starts at 7:00 pm.

Come out to the Meadowlark Concert fundraiser for the Dickinson County Historical Society! There will be a dance floor set up so come on out and enjoy all your favorite big band tunes from Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Thad Jones, Count Basie and more.
May
14
Saturday
Abilene Downtown Antique Fest / Holm Automotive's Annual Free Car & Truck Show / Meadowlark Swap Meet / Arts & Ales
Save the date! Abilene is the place to be for lovers of all things old and classic. From shopping dozens of booths at Abilene Downtown Antique Fest to seeing hundreds of classic cars and trucks at Holm Automotive's Annual Free Car & Truck Show to celebrating the makers and demonstrating at the Dickinson County Heritage Center's Meadowlark Swap Meet, there will be plenty of things to see and do!
June
3-12
Footloose the Musical at Great Plains Theatre
Kick off your Sunday shoes with this classic movie turned musical about inspiring a town through the importance of love and dance while witnessing the powers of wisdom and forgiveness. Gotta cut loose! Learn more
June & July
24-3
Matilda the Musical at Great Plains Theatre
Follow the classic Roald Dahl story of an astonishingly witty girl with special powers that teaches us to use our extraordinary imaginations to change our destiny. Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty! Learn more
July
15-31
Jersey Boys - The Story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Great Plains Theatre
Join us for the international musical phenomenon that takes you behind the story and music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Come be a part of the challenges, the rise, and the ultimate triumph a group’s music that became symbolic of a generation. Oh, what a night! Learn more
August
3-8
Central Kansas Free Fair
Located in Abilene, the Central Kansas Free Fair is one of the largest in the state. This family-friendly event offers educational activities and entertainment for all ages, including the Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo (August 3-6), which has been frequently voted one of the top outdoor rodeos. Join us for family fun in Abilene! Learn more
September
3
Saturday
Chisholm Trail Days
Celebrate the historic cattle trail at the end of the Chisholm Trail.
September
9-25
Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery at Great Plains Theatre
The classic literary character of Sherlock Holmes is teamed up once again with John Watson and over 40 other characters to solve a kooky and educational whodunnit. “Elementary, my dear Watson, Elementary.”Learn more
September
17
Saturday
Abilene Oktoberfest
Abilene Oktoberfest is excited for its 5th Annual Oktoberfest held in Downtown Abilene. There will be German Dancers, Music, Authentic German Food, & Drinks. This year we will have 3 beer gardens, multiple food vendors, Masskrugstemmen, Hammerschlagen, a corn hole tournament, and a Kids Korner that will feature bouncy houses, outdoor games, crafts, face painting, and much more. Downtown Abilene has several wonderful stores that will be open for you to explore before and during the festivities! We will have a lot of exciting announcements coming soon! Make sure to mark September 17th on your Calendar! We are excited to see you at this year's Abilene Oktoberfest.
October
1
Saturday
Heritage Day Festival
Enjoy living history, steam engine carousel rides, antique tractor show, classic car show, food, and much more at the Dickinson County Heritage Center.
October
8
Saturday
Wild West Gravel Fest
In its third year, this premier gravel ride attracts riders from across the country! The Wild West Gravel Fest is a gravel bike race in Dickinson County, KS. With races ranging from 200k to 5k, Wild West Gravel Fest appeals to racers who are new to gravel and those who dare to push themselves to the extreme. And make sure to stick around for the after-party at Old Abilene Town. Learn more
November
18
Friday
Pink Friday
We've all heard of Black Friday, American Express Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, but what about Pink Friday?
Pink Friday is a small business spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience, reminding people to #ShopSmallFirst.
December
2-18
The Christmas Schooner - A New Musical at Great Plains Theatre
This Holiday treat will have you leaving the theatre with warm fuzzies about a story of the Great Lakes voyages of Christmas Tree ships and a family’s positive spirit to share the power of classic inspiration and Christmas miracles. The heartbeat of life is in our stories and our songs! Learn more
December
3-4
Saturday & Sunday
Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 3-4, 2022 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 Christmas Schooner - A New Musical at Great Plains Theatre, take an evening cruise and see Griswold-style decorations, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Santa, and remember to shop small all season long at Abilene’s small businesses. 
Have an Abilene tourist-related event that isn't listed? Submit it here!
Community Attractions
Experience Art & Culture

Journey to the Old West

Live the American Story

Explore Ike's Life & Legacy

Have an Adventure


Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

Community Spotlight
 
 
 
 
2022 American Flag Sponsorships

  1. Wendell & Nancy Gugler Charitable Giving Fund
  2. Holm Automotive Center
  3. Vicki Wade
  4. Copeland Insurance Agency
  5. Bert & Wetta Abilene
  6. Wild Heart Carriages LLC
  7. Geske Interiors, Inc.
  8. Sandy & Chuck Zernickow
  9. Bob Bow
  10. John's Service
  11. Casey & Jane Foltz
  12. The Abilene Group, Inc.
  13. John & Judy Anguiano
  14. Tony & Sarah Geiger
  15. Solomon State Bank
  16. Chuck & Ann Brussow
  17. Holt Motors, LLC
  18. Bielefeld Insurance, Inc.
  19. Joe Snuffy's
  20. Everett's Inc.
  21. Bruce & Denise Youtsey
  22. Duri Ridge FSA / Devin Gray
  23. Danner Funeral Home
  24. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home
  25. Cypress Bridge Candle Co. 
  26. Rob & Dawn Hammatt
  27. Abilene Termite & Pest Control
  28. Rawhide Portable Corral, Inc.
  29. Amanda West Insurance Agency
  30. George & Carol McCormic
  31. Great Plains Federal Great Union
  32. Rod & Tracey Kuecker
  33. Martin Schneider
  34. Horan Photography
  35. West's Plaza Country Mart, Inc.
  36. Abilene Animal Hospital, P.A.
  37. Cathy Strowig
  38. The Brown Memorial Foundation 
  39. 24/7 Travel Store
  40. Mark Hinca
  41. Gary Sweatland
  42. Terry & Sandra Foltz
  43. Pottberg, Gassman & Hoffman
  44. Horizon Farm & Ranch Realty, LLC
  45. Abilene Machine, LLC
  46. The Farmhouse
  47. Brierton Engineering, Inc.
  48. Abilene Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, P.A.
  49. Greyhound Hall of Fame
  50. Bill & Dee Marshall
  51. JRI Hospitality
  52. Sonic Drive-In
  53. Lee and Dara Garnto
  54. Eisenhower Foundation
  55. Robson Oil
  56. Black & Company Realtors
  57. Don's Tire & Supply, Inc.
  58. National Greyhound Association
  59. Pioneer Farm and Ranch Supply, Inc.
  60. Lumber House, Inc. 
  61. Last Chance Graphics
  62. Abilene Rent-All and Sales, Inc. 
  63. The Teck Shop
  64. The Original Grande
  65. American Family Insurance - Brian J. Tajchman Agency, Inc.
  66. Larry & Connie Cooper
  67. The Family of Ervy and Carol (McConkey) Redger
  68. Scott Litke
  69. Chad & Stacy Volkman
  70. Emilies Bauernhof
  71. Mid Hanson
  72. Bill & Marlene Howe
  73. David & Angela Elliott
  74. Jim & Pattie Mayhew
  75. Rick & Marcia Williamson
  76. Pinnacle Bank
  77. Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy
  78. M&M Tire & Auto, Inc.
  79. Central Kansas Free Fair
  80. Kenton & Stephanie Clark
  81. Jane Schenck / Mark Biggs
  82. Faith Lutheran Church 
  83. Kevin & Rosemary Harris
  84. Dale & Margaret Engle
  85. Abilene Brethren in Christ Church
  86. Greg & Marcia Wilson

*Sponsors listed as of 2/15/2022

201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed